Historic Fort Willow Conservation Area
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 and sheltered rest areas are available for family and group use. Washrooms are currently closed for the winter.
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, the 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. Information about the history of Fort Willow is available in French on the Friends of Fort Willow website.
Held in September each year, the Festival at Fort Willow brings to life the daily activities of British Canadian soldiers, camp followers and indigenous people living in Simcoe County in 1812. Learn more about the festival here!
Hiking trails at Fort Willow
The Historic 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 |
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
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.
Friends of Fort Willow
The Friends of Historic Fort Willow are volunteers working to preserve the original site and its reconstructed features and promote the historical, educational and recreational activities happening at the fort.
Visit the Friends of Fort Willow website to learn more.
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