Picnics
Enjoy nature with family and friends or relax after a day full of adventures! Visitors are welcome to lunch and snacks, but we ask that you bring any uneaten food and waste home. Some of NVCA’s conservation areas do support extended visits.
Find picnic tables in these conservation areas
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recreational visitors can enjoy canoeing, bird watching, snowshoeing and more.
Not suitable for those who have little to no paddling experience. We recommend going with an experienced guide if you do not know your way around Minesing Wetlands,
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.
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.
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.
Rent a picnic pavilion!
Whether it’s a company picnic, family reunion or club celebration, there are four NVCA conservation areas with pavilions available for rent.
The Tiffin Conservation Area has a Picnic Pavilion available for rent. This space is great for family gatherings, corporate events, birthday parties or other nature-based activities. The space accommodates 80 people year-round and has seasonal access to potable water.
The Historic Fort Willow Conservation Area has the Bernie Longson Memorial Pavilion available for rent for family gatherings or weddings. This post and beam pavilion makes a beautiful setting for an outdoor gathering.
For more information, pricing, or to book a a picnic pavilion, email lands@nvca.on.ca or call 705-424-1479.
The New Lowell Conservation Area, managed by the New Lowell Campground and Conservation Park Ltd, has a picnic pavilion available to rent for gatherings. Please contact the New Lowell Campground and Conservation Park Ltd for additional information.
The Tottenham Conservation Area is managed by the Town of New Tecumseth. Pavilion rentals are available through the Town of New Tecumseth.
Who to Contact
Elise Barr-Klouman
Events Facilitator
705-424-1479 x 236
lands@nvca.on.ca
Recreation 
Conservation Areas