Fort Willow Conservation Area
History of Fort Willow
Strategically located as a supply depot during the War of 1812, the Fort Willow area was also actively used for centuries by First Nations, fur trade and French explorers as part of a major transportation route known as the Nine Mile Portage.
Restorations and archaeological investigations have been located and outlined the former buildings used by the soldiers. Information kiosks provide a thorough history of the area’s past use and how its location helped ensure the geographical boundaries of Canada today.
Owing to their importance in the development of our nation, Fort Willow and the Nine Mile Portage are recognized as both provincial and national historic sites.
The laid-back, peaceful environment that is enjoyed by visitors today is a definite change from years gone by. The many Monarch butterflies that call this area home during the summer make for a magical visit as they prepare for their journey south.
Fort Willow and the Nine Mile Portage are part of the Route Champlain. For more information about the history of Fort Willow, visit the Fort Willow website.
Washrooms are available seasonally, and are currently closed for the season.
Fort Willow Reimagined – Phase One
The Fort Willow Conservation Area provides guests the opportunity to spend a day exploring the history and heart of Simcoe County. Visitors are invited to hike the surrounding trail networks, which include the Ganaraska, North Simcoe Rail, and Trans Canada trail.
Plan a picnic lunch at the Bernie Longson Memorial Pavilion where amenities include picnic tables and sheltered rest areas available for family and group use, then finish out the afternoon with a self guided tour of Fort Willow, which is an active archaeological site.
As you explore Fort Willow Conservation Area, look through the beautiful 3D interpretive signage to envision the buildings that once stood inside the timber outlines. Enhance your experience with a self-guided audio tour! Scan the QR code with your smartphone and listen to the audio recording that tells the story of each building.
The artwork and timber outlines are based on archeological studies that identified several historical features at the conservation area. Some of the features include a brick kiln, a commandant’s house, an officer’s kitchen, stable and yard, a blacksmith’s shop, a cookhouse, and barracks.
Interested in supporting phase two of this project? NVCA is seeking sponsors to help install six more interpretive signs in the next phase. This is a great opportunity for brand recognition while supporting local culture and history.
Contact our team at lands@nvca.on.ca to learn how you, or your business, can be part of this exciting initiative!
Hiking trails at Fort Willow
The Fort Willow Conservation Area is an excellent starting point for hiking adventures as it is a central hub, connecting the Trans Canada Trail, the Ganaraska Trail and the local 9-mile portage.
Activities
Getting there
- Address: 2714 Grenfel R., Springwater Township
- GPS: X-503000, Y-4916321
- Directions: From the City of Barrie, go west on County Rd. 90 (Dunlop St.) to George Johnston Road. Turn right (north) and travel for 8 km. Turn left onto Portage Road and travel for 3 km to the front gates.
Parking Fees
| Parking Pass | Rate |
|---|---|
|
Daily Parking Pass |
$10.00 + HST per vehicle |
|
Annual Parking Pass |
$70.00 + HST per vehicle |
At our Conservation Areas
Purchase your daily parking pass at our conservation areas by:
- Visiting the HotSpot website
- By using the QR Code found on the signs at each conservation area
Online
Hotspot App
Purchase your annual parking pass through the HotSpot App.
- Select Permits on the HotSpot app
- Select Purchase a Permit (do not select Parking)
- Select Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority as the City
- Select Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority as the Location
- Select Annual Pass
- Follow payment instructions
The HotSpot app is available for Android and Apple devices.
At the NVCA Administration Centre
- Call 705-424-1479
- Email admin@nvca.on.ca
- Visit the John Hix Administration Centre at 8195 8th Line, Utopia, ON, LOM 1TO. Find us on Google Maps
Photography Permits
If you are a professional photographer, or plan to take photos that typically require professional services (such as portraits, family sessions, engagements, or wedding photography) a permit is required. For any sessions resembling a professional photo shoot, we ask that you obtain a permit in advance.
Photography for personal enjoyment is permitted and encouraged in all NVCA public conservation areas. Personal photography includes casual photos taken for individual use, such as landscapes, wildlife, or informal photos with friends and family.
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
Facility Rentals
The Bernie Longson Memorial Pavilion is a lovely post-and-beam structure that may be rented for events such as family or corporate picnics or for a rustic wedding ceremony. Contact us at weddings@nvca.on.ca or 705-424-1479 for more information on renting our facilities.
2020 Strategic Management Plan
The Fort Willow Conservation Area is a significant historical site within the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority watershed. This site was originally used by local Indigenous peoples, followed by fur traders, explorers, military and eventually European settlers.
This plan will highlight the significant contributions from local partners and will lay out recommendations on the development of the site for the next 5 years as well as a template for annual work plans to be developed in partnership between the Friends of Historic Fort Willow and NVCA.
Recreation 
Conservation Areas