Parry Sound: The Bay & Beyond
Nestled on the rugged shores of Canada’s largest fresh water archipelago and part of the UNESCO-designated Georgian Bay Biosphere Mnidoo Gamii, the west Parry Sound district is home to some of Ontario’s best outdoor adventuring.
From guided paddle tours with Georgian Bay Tours to expeditions with Diamond Waters Sailing, to on-and-off road cycling with rentals from Parry Sound Bikes, the area is a four-season magnet for on-the-water and on-the-trails enthusiasts (snowmobiling, anyone?) And don’t forget all the fabulous golf courses, including the Ridge at Manitou Club, Seguin Valley Golf Club and Parry Sound Golf & Country Club.
From Parry Sound harbour you can set out along the region’s famous shoreline with 30,000 Islands Cruise Lines aboard the Island Queen or Islander X, or enjoy a dinner cruise on the MV Chippewa III. Get a birds-eye-view of this remarkable ecosystem during a flight with Georgian Bay Airways and take a guided island tour, or just enjoy the scenery from the float plane as you head out to lunch at the world famous Henry’s Fish Restaurant on Frying Pan Island. You can take a guided fishing expedition out of Georgian Bay Marina or spend the day visiting the makers of “Made in Parry Sound.”
Explore the stunning provincial parks located nearby, including Killbear, Massassauga, Oastler Lake, Grundy, Sturgeon Bay and French River – and take part in interpretive programming during the summer months to learn a little bit more about wildlife and ecosystems in this part of Ontario. You can also traverse the Park-to-Park Trail system – over 200kms of linking trails – and naturalist and Indigenous representatives from the Georgian Bay Biosphere Mnidoo Gamii also sometimes offer guided opportunities to explore the unique ecology area.
Downtown Parry Sound, check out the fascinating exhibits at the West Parry Sound District Museum, then afterwards head up the iconic on-site fire tower for an exceptional view of the bay, or enjoy a rest among the beautiful displays of Tower Hill Heritage Garden. Also discover the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame and the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts (home to great concerts, the Bands on the Bay series in summer, and the world-renowned classical music Festival of the Sound).
When you’re ready to experience some local flavor, enjoy dining at one of the many fine eateries located here. And if you’re a craft beer enthusiast then you’re in luck – the west Parry Sound district has two: Norse Brewery is located just north of town in Nobel and you’ll find Trestle Brewing Company nestled just underneath its namesake landmark, the Parry Sound Trestle Bridge, which was once painted by legendary Canadian artist Tom Thomson. And if you’re into craft spirits you’ll want to check out Legend Spirits Co., they can be found here too.
Additionally, there are many incredible marinas that dot the coast, welcoming sailors and motorboaters alike.
Be sure to explore all the municipalities of the west Parry Sound district, each with their own unique sense of place and wonderful stops along the way!
For more information on Parry Sound District – the Bay & Beyond – visit the following informative websites:
Parry Sound Tourism
Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Parry Sound
Absolutely Georgian Bay
Seguin Township
Carling Township
Township of McKellar
Municipality of McDougall
Township of the Archipelago
Municipality of Whitestone
Town of Parry Sound
See below for more great ideas on where to stay, where to eat and what to do in Parry Sound District – the ‘Bay & Beyond’.
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Shrubs and Shrews Cafe & Marketplace
Shrubs and Shrews Cafe & Marketplace is a small family owned cafe and marketplace with a green house…
Shrubs and Shrews Cafe & Marketplace is a small family owned cafe and marketplace with a green house for summer and spring plants and flowers. Looking for an afternoon pick me up…
The Town Trading Post
The Town Trading Post is downtown Parry Sound is ‘the gift shop of new ideas’.
The Town Trading Post is downtown Parry Sound is ‘the gift shop of new ideas’.
Mitch’s
Stop by Mitch’s – a long standing staple in downtown Parry Sound – to shop their selection of…
Stop by Mitch’s – a long standing staple in downtown Parry Sound – to shop their selection of clothing and footwear.
Crafts N’ Things Hobbies & Games
Crafts N’ Things Hobbies & Games is a family run business in downtown Parry Sound. The shop has…
Crafts N’ Things Hobbies & Games is a family run business in downtown Parry Sound. The shop has a large selection of games, puzzles and craft supplies, as well as a Gaming…
Above & Beyond Your Expectations
Stop by Above & Beyond Your Expectations in downtown Parry Sound for clothing, swimwear and esthetics services, including…
Stop by Above & Beyond Your Expectations in downtown Parry Sound for clothing, swimwear and esthetics services, including tanning.
Wave Fibre Mill
Wave Fibre Mill is a refurbished, semi-worsted custom wool spinning and weaving mill located at the Parry Sound…
Wave Fibre Mill is a refurbished, semi-worsted custom wool spinning and weaving mill located at the Parry Sound Municipal Airport. Mill tours are available by chance or appointment where you’ll see a compilation…
Grey Area Apparel
Grey Area Apparel sells high-end kicks, streetwear, and seasonal products for every style at their shop in the…
Grey Area Apparel sells high-end kicks, streetwear, and seasonal products for every style at their shop in the heart of downtown Parry Sound.
Moon River Apothecary
Moon & Heart, located at 26 James Street in Parry Sound, is a collaboration-style boutique between Wood and…
Moon & Heart, located at 26 James Street in Parry Sound, is a collaboration-style boutique between Wood and Heart Design co. and Moon River Apothecary. The name Moon & Heart was created…
Wood & Heart Design Co.
Moon & Heart, located at 26 James Street in Parry Sound, is a collaboration-style boutique between Wood and…
Moon & Heart, located at 26 James Street in Parry Sound, is a collaboration-style boutique between Wood and Heart Design co. and Moon River Apothecary. The name Moon & Heart was created…
Trysport
Driven by passion, Trysport began in 1996. Since then we have never wavered from our commitment to continually…
Driven by passion, Trysport began in 1996. Since then we have never wavered from our commitment to continually motivate, teach, support and participate in sport. We play a key role in ensuring…
SiSi Georgian Bay
SiSi Georgian Bay is a unique small batch natural skincare company, located on the shores of Georgian Bay…
SiSi Georgian Bay is a unique small batch natural skincare company, located on the shores of Georgian Bay in Parry Sound. Our skincare philosophy is based on pure and simple principals. We…
I Branched Out
If you’re in the market for custom-made wooden chairs, tables, bunk beds — even cribbage boards and charcuterie…
If you’re in the market for custom-made wooden chairs, tables, bunk beds — even cribbage boards and charcuterie trays — you name it — I Branched Out is it. We specialize in…
Gibson Gallery & Mercantile
The Gibson Gallery & Mercantile is home to work of many local artists in the area with the…
The Gibson Gallery & Mercantile is home to work of many local artists in the area with the owner Don Corbett fulfilling his dream of having a co-op art gallery in Parry…
Spark Adventure Photography
Cobi Sharpe is an award-winning adventure and landscape photographer, and a graduate with honours in digital photography. When…
Cobi Sharpe is an award-winning adventure and landscape photographer, and a graduate with honours in digital photography. When she’s not on solo canoe trips, you can find her instructing photography workshops with…
Ice Palace Golf Simulator
Welcome to the Ice Palace Golf Simulator Training Facility and Club. Our sports club offers training and practice for…
Welcome to the Ice Palace Golf Simulator Training Facility and Club. Our sports club offers training and practice for individuals and groups, and boasts two state-of-the-art sports simulators, a pool table, shuffleboard table…