Minesing Wetlands Conservation Area
Designated as a wetland of international significance and spanning an area of more than 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres), the Minesing Wetlands are home to a diverse array of habitats. The unique assemblage of fens, marshes and swamps support a network of sensitive flora and fauna, some rare or endangered. Efforts continue to introduce visitors to this world-class wetland in a non-intrusive manner.
There are a few ways to explore the Minesing Wetlands.
Hiking in the Minesing Wetlands
Visitors who prefer to stay on land can visit the Minesing Waterfowl Tower for bird watching and a short hike along Lookout Trail.
The Harold Parker Memorial Trail, located at the Willow Creek Canoe Coral, provides an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs before paddling Willow Creek.
The Mayer’s Marsh Trail loops along Willow Creek. Part of this trail also includes the Trans Canada Trail.
Paddling in the Minesing Wetlands
Paddlers can put in at the Willow Creek Canoe Corral on George Johnston Road a 5-8 hour paddle down Willow Creek, into the Nottawasaga River and to the Edenvale Conservation Area.
The Minesing Wetlands is not suitable for those who have little to no paddling experience.
Skillful paddlers who are unfamiliar with Minesing Wetlands are recommended to use an experienced guide.
Activities
Getting to the Willow Creek Canoe Access
- Address: Seasonal parking is available at 2220 George Johnston Road. Washrooms are currently closed for the winter.
- GPS: X-593661, Y-4919396
- Directions: From the City of Barrie, go west on Hwy. 90 (Dunlop St.) to 2220 George Johnston Rd. Travel north 8 km to the parking lot and canoe access is on your left
Getting to the Waterfowl Viewing Platform
- GPS: X-588193, Y-4911990
- Directions: Take Hwy. 90 west of the Nottawasaga River into Angus. Where Hwy 90 turns southwards, turn right onto County Road 10. Follow into the village of Brentwood and turn right onto Concession Road 2 Sunnidale. Follow until you see the tower on your left at 4150 Concession Road 2 Sunnidale, Clearview
Parking Fees
| Parking Pass | Rate |
|---|---|
|
Daily Parking Pass |
$10.00 + HST per vehicle |
|
Annual Parking Pass |
$70.00 + HST per vehicle |
Photography Permits
Photography for personal enjoyment is permitted and encouraged in all NVCA public conservation areas.
If you are a professional photographer or are planning to come to one of our conservation areas for a professional photo shoot, you may be required to purchase a photography permit before you enter the area.
The proceeds from the sale of NVCA’s Photography Permits goes directly to the Conservation Lands programs and maintenance of NVCA’s conservation areas.
Please stay on the trails and respect all postings with regards to trail or area closures.
For photography permit fees, please call 705-424-1479 x 236 on Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or email lands@nvca.on.ca.
Operating Hours
Safety in the Minesing
Minesing Wetlands is an isolated natural area. If you are planning to explore the conservation area be sure to read our Minesing Safety Tips before heading out.
Minesing Wetlands Reports & Studies
60 years of forest change in the Minesing Wetlands (1953-2013)
Causal factors, ecological implications and recommendations for reforestation, 2014 report
Hydrogeochemical characterization of the eastern Minesing Wetlands
Nov. 2014 report
Minesing Wetlands Flora and Fauna Biological Inventory
2007 report
Land Acquisition in the Minesing Wetlands
NVCA works with private landowners to secure ecologically significant lands that we have identified as priorities for conservation action. We acquire land through outright purchase or receive properties by land donation.
For more than 30 years, the NVCA has been working to protect important places within the Minesing Wetlands. To learn more about our current Minesing Wetlands land acquisition program please contact Kyra Howes, Director, Conservation Services at khowes@nvca.on.ca or call 705-424-1479 x 259.
Friends of Minesing Wetlands
The Friends of Minesing Wetlands are a volunteer group dedicated to protecting and promoting the Minesing Wetlands.
Recreation 
Conservation Areas