Visitors to Minesing Wetlands have a responsibility to determine whether they are on public or private land and must obtain permission to enter private lands. The best method is not to guess but to stay on designated trails and canoe routes. This is also important from an ecological viewpoint to protect sensitive areas of the Wetlands from human impact.
The Wetlands is an isolated wilderness. Use appropriate caution and let at least one responsible person know where you are going and when you will return. Better still is to take advantage of the knowledgeable tour guides who lead trips into the
wetlands.
Please note that you should plan a trip into the Minesing Wetlands as a DAY USE type of activity. When travelling by canoe, the trips can easily be managed within one day. For longer trips you may wish to consider taking one of the longer canoe routes, through the Wetlands and down to Wasaga Beach, or you may wish to combine a day trip to Minesing with another activity in the area.
What are the permitted uses?
- Canoeing and canoe camping on designated canoe routes
- Bird watching, nature appreciation and photography
- Hiking on designated trails and following the Hikers Code
- Cross country skiing and snowshoeing
- Cycling on designated routes
- Snowmobiling on designated and maintained trails (OFSC)
- Licensed fishing
- Licensed hunting (written permission required to hunt on NVCA lands)
- Licensed trapping of fur-bearers
Do I need an access pass?
Yes. You can purchase an NVCA Conservation Area day pass for an individual or family, or you can purchase an annual pass, which also includes membership with the Friends of Minesing Wetlands.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information on Minesing Wetlands or for detailed guides or event information, please visit www.nvca.on.ca or call the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority at 705-424-1479.
In addition, many guide books are available for trails and canoe routes and are available at outdoor recreation stores and libraries.
For information on hunting regulations, wildlife management and the "Provincially significant" designation please contact the
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Who leads trips into the Wetlands?
- The Friends of Minesing wetlands
- Sojourn
- Barrie Canoe Club
How do I access the wetlands?
For a textual description of the primary access points into the wetlands click Access Points or for maps.
What are the highlights?
- Waterfowl Viewing
- Songbirds
- Wildlife
- Unique Vegetation
- Carolinian Forest
- Boreal Forest
- Flooding
- Great Blue Heronries
- Fishing
- Canoe routes
- Fort Willow
What are the dangers?
Log Jam Portages
Hunting Seasons
Cold fast flowing waters in the spring
Natural hazards
Shared use trails (ie. Snowmachines)
Stinging Nettle
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
What other activities are in the surrounding area so that I can plan a longer exploration?
Longer Canoe Trips from Alliston through to Wasaga Beach
Fort Willow, Nancy Island (Historic Tour), Simcoe County Museum
Niagara Escarpment
Bruce Trail, Ganaraska Hiking Trail, Trans-Canada Trail
City of Barrie, Town of Collingwood, Town of Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach
Other Conservation Area
Provincial Parks (Wasaga,Pretty River,Springwater)
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The HIKER's CODE |
- Stay on the trail
- Use stiles when crossing fences
- Respect all animals,plants and trees
- Never strip bark from trees
- Carry out all litter
- Leave nothing behind but your footprints
- Take nothing with you but photographs and memories, and leave flowers and plants for others to enjoy
- No fires or camping except where indicated
- Keep dogs leashed and where required by law
- At all times, behave as guests of the landowners
- Always remember that a trail is a priviledge, not a right
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Access Points to the Minesing Wetlands |
Trans Canada Trail at Minesing Station
Travel 6km North on Bayfield Street from Highway 400 in Barrie and turn West onto Highway 26. The Trail head is 5km on your right. Start a cycling or hiking journey on the Trans Canada Trail or enjoy the monument to the Trail and the surrounding grounds. (Parking,Trans Canada Trail Head)
Mayers Marsh
Travel 2km North of Snow Valley Road on the Vespra Valley Road (9th Line of Springwater) until you cross the Trans Canada Trail. Travelling East from here on the trail to the viewing platform you can easily view representative plants and wildlife that would be found deep within Minesing wetlands without impacting the sensitive areas within the wetlands's interior. Explore the Mayers Marsh interpretive trail or start a short or long journey along the Trans Canada Trail. Walk East to the Harry Adams bridge to view fish as they migrate upstream. (Limited parking adjacent to the road is available)
Willow Creek
Travel 8km North of County Road 90 on George Johnston Road (County Road 28). The access is on the left. Take a short hike on the Meadow Mouse interpretive trail along the levees of the Willow creek, catch up on local conservation events at the information kiosk and learn more about Minesing wetlands and it’s RAMSAR designation. This is also the canoe route access point for the Willow Creek. (Limited parking available in the car corral)
Fort Willow
Travel 6km North of County Road 90 on George Johnston Road (County Road 28). Turn left on Portage Trail Road for 2km. Fort Willow on the Nine Mile portage is a partially reconstructed Military depot, fort and transportation route from the War of 1812. Interpretive guides are available and special Fort Willow Improvement Group events are held here on a regular basis including re-enactments. From here you can start a trip on the Trans Canada Trail and Ganaraska Hiking Trails or take a short walk West to the lookout over Minesing wetlands.
McKinnon Road
Travel 3km North of County Road 90 on McKinnon Road. You can hike or fish the banks of the Nottawasaga River or join the Friends of Minesing wetlands for a guided winter walk to the Great Blue Herony. OFSC snow machine trails are easily accessible from here.
Nottawasaga Community Centre
Travel 16km West on County Road 90 from Highway 400 in Barrie. Cross the Nottawasaga River and the Centre is on your left. Start a trip along the Nottawasaga River Canoe Route or fish for Chinook salmon, pike and steelhead on the banks of the Nottawasaga with a pass from the Township of Essa. Connect with the Pine River side trail of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail for a short or long jaunt. The Ganaraska Hiking Trail eventually connects with the Bruce Trail. Stock up on provisions or enjoy a hot meal and comfortable lodging at a merchant within the Community of Angus.
Mad River
Turn East off County Road 10 on the Brentwood Road (Concession 2 Sunnidale). Travel East until you cross the Mad River bridge. A laneway on your immediate left leads to a parking area. Start your trip down the Mad River Canoe Route from this area. The canoe route does not receive regular maintenance and may have numerous log jams to navigate so plan on short portages or bring a buck saw with your equipment.
Edenvale Conservation Area
This C.A. is located adjacent to Highway 26 at the Nottawasaga River between Minesing Station and Stayner. From here you can canoe upstream into Minesing wetlands or travel downstream to Wasaga Beach on the Nottawasaga River Canoe Route. A boat launch and group / canoe camping are available with proper reservations. Call the NVCA at 705-424-1479 for details. Catch up on local conservation events at the information kiosk and learn more about the War of 1812 and the Glengarry Landing at the plaque located at the gates to the Conservation Area.
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Minesing Wetland Maps |
Minesing Wetlands |
Hunter's Map |
Fort Willow |
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