Purchase your daily parking pass by Visiting the HotSpot website Using this QR Code

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.

Utopia

Located 15 minutes outside of Barrie, the Utopia Conservation Area is known for its historic grist mill, nature trails, wetlands and abundant biodiversity. The conservation area is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including several endangered Butternut trees.

It features hiking trails, interpretive signs and eco-respectful, seasonal washrooms – all accessible to people of all abilities. The Utopia Conservation Area has 2 km of accessible trails along Bear Creek.

The parking lot and washrooms at Utopia Conservation Area are now open for the season.

The Utopia Conservation Area is managed in partnership with the Friends of Utopia Park and Mill.

Download the Utopia Conservation Area Trail Map

Activities

Hiking

Picnic

Dog walking

Historic Place

Getting there

Address: 8609 Line 6, Utopia (map)
From the City of Barrie, go west on County Rd. 90 to the 6^th Concession of Essa. Turn left (south) and travel for 4 km to the entranceway on your left.

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.

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

Purchase your daily parking pass by

Visiting the HotSpot website
Using this QR Code

HotSpot QR code.png

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

Friends of Utopia Park & Gristmill

The Friends of the Utopia Gristmill and Park work to raise funds for the preservation and restoration of Bell’s Gristmill. They host a number of events each year in support of their work. Learn more at utopiahall.ca.

Who to Contact