Nine Mile Portage Heritage Trail is a multi-use recreational trail running between downtown Barrie and Fort Willow in Springwater Township. The FKT can be ran in either direction.
Historic Fort Willow
Strategically located as a supply depot during the War of 1812, the Fort Willow area was also actively used for centuries by First Nations, the fur trade and French explorers as part of a major transportation route known as the Nine Mile Portage.
Restorations and archaeological investigations have located and outlined the former buildings used by the soldiers. Information kiosks provide a thorough history of the area’s past use and how its location helped ensure the geographical boundaries of Canada today.
Owing to their importance in the development of our nation, Fort Willow and the Nine Mile Portage are recognized​ as both provincial and national historic sites.
Link to trail map: https://www.barrie.ca/sites/default/files/2022-07/NineMilePortage_Route_Map.pdf
Start: under the Fort Willow Sign (photo 1)
Finish: downtown Barrie waterfront, plaque explaining the history of the 9 Mile Portage Trail (photo 6)
Or in the opposite direction
Take a moment to explore the history before or after your run!
Fort Willow - The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
