The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority

Tiffin Conservation Area

Papa bear pond lookout spring - Tiffin Conservation Area
Trail - Tiffin Conservation Area
Board walk - Tiffin Conservation Area

The Tiffin Centre is a spectacular place for a walk (leashed canine visitors welcome), cross-country ski or snowshoe on 11 km of looped trails that meander through a mixture of wetlands, forests, open meadows and ancient lake beds.  The Hawk and Maple Valley Trails are wheelchair accessible, and accessible washrooms are available.

The 300+ acre property is a four-season destination for environmental recreation and education. While you’re visiting Tiffin Conservation Area, you may see groups of children learning about nature. Please be sure to drive slowly and not to disturb the eager learners. 

Visit our working sugarbush for a late winter treat!

Situated between Barrie and Angus, the Tiffin Conservation Area is home to the NVCA’s Administration Centre.

Trails may be icy and slippery. Please exercise caution when walking on trails.

Hiking trails at Tiffin Conservation Area

The Tiffin Conservation Area, located in Utopia, is one of NVCA’s busiest conservation areas with 11km of trails and home to the Tiffin Environmental Education Centre and the John Hix Administrative Office. The trails at Tiffin have been assessed and are accessible to all users. Vault-style washrooms are open seasonally.

Activities

Bird Watching

Camping

Geocaching

Maple Syrup Festival

Cycling

Playground

Paddling

Pavilion

Getting there

  • Address: 8195 8th Line of Essa, Utopia
  • Phone: 705-424-1479
  • GPS: X-595757, Y-4907785
  • Directions: From the City of Barrie or Highway 400, drive west on County Rd. 90 (Dunlop St. towards Angus) to the 8th Line of Essa. Turn left (south) and travel for 4 km to the entranceway on your left.

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

Education Programs

The Tiffin Centre for Conservation is the hub for the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority’s education programs. Our education programs run all year round and are designed for children pre-k all the way to highschoolers.

Choose a program below to learn more!

Facility Rentals

The Tiffin Conservation Area features a variety of indoor and outdoor venues that may be rented for meetings, picnics, parties and weddings. Camping is available for community groups/clubs.

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