NVCA's Conservation Areas
While most of NVCA's 13,000 acres are considered wilderness or natural lands, our conservation areas provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
Come hike, cycle, and cross-country ski our beautiful trails. Paddle and fish along the many branches of the Nottawasaga River. Get the kids in touch with nature through one of our special events. There really is something for everyone!
Tiffin Centre
Situated between Barrie and Angus, the Tiffin Centre for Conservation is home to the NVCA's Administration Centre, and the 300+ acre property is a four-season destination for environmental recreation and education.
Edenvale
Found on the banks of the Nottawasaga River in the hamlet of Edenvale, this scenic Conservation Area offers highway travellers a convenient place to rest, picnic, launch their small boat or drop a fishing line.
Fort Willow
Strategically located as a supply depot during the War of 1812, historic Fort Willow area was also actively used for centuries by our Aboriginal peoples, the fur trade and French explorers as part of a major transportation route known as the Nine Mile Portage.
Hike the surrounding trail network - including the Ganaraska, North Simcoe Rail and Trans Canada trails - and plan to have lunch at the Fort. Amenities include picnic tables, dry washrooms (including wheelchair-accessible) and sheltered rest areas.
Glencairn
Located in the village of Glencairn, this pleasant area offers a scenic getaway for an hour or the entire day. The Mad River winds through offering opportunities for fishing, short hikes and simple relaxation.
Minesing Wetlands
Designated as a wetland of international significance and spanning an area of more than 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres), the Minesing Wetland is home to a diverse array of habitats. The unique assemblage of fens, marshes, swamps and bogs supports a network of sensitive flora and fauna, some rare or endangered.
Recreational visitors can enjoy canoeing, birdwatching, snowshoeing and more.
Minesing Wetlands is not suitable for those who have little to no paddling experience. If you are a skillful paddler, but do not know your way around Minesing Wetlands, we recommend going with an experienced guide.
New Lowell
New
Lowell offers a beautifully kept seasonal campground and a day-use
park. The large wooded sites have hydro and water, two clean sandy
beaches, and a large reservoir for fishing, paddleboating or canoeing.
Nottawasaga Bluffs
Explore
the Niagara Escarpment with a hike through the caves, hardwood and
coniferous forests, and open meadows of the Nottawasaga Bluffs.
This 400-acre conservation area offers a full day of exploration and
adventure, with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside and
glimpses of the area's history.
Osprey Wetlands
Supplying base flow waters to the Saugeen, Beaver, Mad and Grand River systems,
the Osprey Wetlands span an area of over 6,500 acres.
The wetlands are an ideal spot to see by snowshoe or cross-country ski
during the winter months. There are picnic tables but no outhouses on site.
Petun
As
part of the Niagara Escarpment's World Biosphere Reserve, this 100-acre
site gives visitors endless opportunities to hike the Bruce Trail as it
winds its way through a myriad of rock faces, cliffs and crevices.
Unique fern and moss communities make for an interesting day of
exploring. A pit privy and information kiosk is located on site along
the trail.
Tottenham
Tottenham Conservation Area consists of a large parkland overlooking a picturesque pond. The large sandy beach and pavilion are ideal for a wide range of summer activities. The park offers camping facilities, fishing, nature trails, and a more secluded pavilion that can be reserved for private and functions such as business retreats, family reunions and picnics.
Utopia
This 100-acre area is used as passive green space. A portion of the property where the 140-year-old Bell's Gristmill resides is leased to the Friends of Utopia Gristmill & Park for purposes of conservation and restoration.
