Tiffin Conservation Area
Trails may be icy and slippery. Please exercise caution when walking on trails.
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.
Activities
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 |
$15.00 + 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
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!
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.
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.
Recreation 
Conservation Areas