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 which are available for family and group use.
Please note that the Fort does not have running water or electricity.
Keep an eye on our News & Events page for information on special events at Fort Willow, including the annual Festival at the Fort each autumn, featuring re-enactments of the War of 1812.
Fort Willow and the Nine Mile Portage are part of the Route Champlain.
Your parking fees help offset the cost of maintaining and improving conservation areas, and helps fund volunteer groups like the Friends of Fort Willow.
Daily Parking Pass |
$10.00+ HST per vehicle |
Annual Parking Pass - valid at all NVCA conservation areas, with the exception of Edenvale Conservation Area, Tottenham Conservation Area and New Lowell Conservation Area. Passes are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. |
$70.00+ HST per vehicle |
Purchase your daily parking pass at our conservation areas by
- Visiting the HotSpot website
- Using the QR code found on the signs at the Historic Fort Willow Conservation Area
- Using the Hotspot app (through the Permits tab at the bottom)
-
By scanning this QR phone with your phone or tablet
- Contacting the NVCA Administration Centre on Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 705-424-1479
Email: admin@nvca.on.ca
Address: 8195 8th Line, Utopia ON
- Credit card or debit can be used for HotSpot parking payments.
- Cash, credit card and debit is accepted in-person at NVCA's Administration Centre.
- A credit card is required when purchasing your parking pass over the phone through NVCA’s administration office.
Dawn to dusk, daily
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 NVCA at weddings@nvca.on.ca or 705-424-1479 for more information on renting our facilities.
The Fort is located at 2714 Grenfel Road, Minesing, in Springwater Township.
From the City of Barrie:
- Travel west from Highway 400 on Dunlop Street / County Road 90 for 7.2 km
- Turn right (North) on Grenfel Road for 5.4 km
- Turn left into Historic Fort Willow Conservation Area parking lot
From Toronto:
- take Hwy 400 North to County Rd 90 West (Exit 96B)
- Travel west from Highway 400 County Road 90 for 7.2 km
- Turn right (North) on Grenfel Road for 5.4 km/li>
- Turn left into Historic Fort Willow Conservation Area parking lot