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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Henry’s Harbour
Henry’s Harbour, located on the shores of Georgian Bay in the harbour of Parry Sound, offers a picturesque…
Henry’s Harbour, located on the shores of Georgian Bay in the harbour of Parry Sound, offers a picturesque setting with views of the Parry Sound harbour, featuring outdoor seating to allow patrons…
Muskoka Haus Pizza
Muskoka Pizza House is a family-run and owned business whose owners have enjoyed Horseshoe Lake for nearly a…
Muskoka Pizza House is a family-run and owned business whose owners have enjoyed Horseshoe Lake for nearly a decade, and are very excited to eventually make this spot one of your favourite…
Henry’s Harbour Georgian Bay
Henry’s Harbour, located on the shores of Georgian Bay in the harbour of Parry Sound, offers a picturesque…
Henry’s Harbour, located on the shores of Georgian Bay in the harbour of Parry Sound, offers a picturesque setting with views of the Parry Sound harbour, featuring outdoor seating to allow patrons…
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…
Jolly Roger Inn & Resort
Nestled on the edge of a wilderness forest, Jolly Roger Inn & Resort is located an area dotted…
Nestled on the edge of a wilderness forest, Jolly Roger Inn & Resort is located an area dotted with lakes and rivers, just minutes away from Georgian Bay’s renowned 30,000 Islands. Whether…
Outwith Wine
Outwith Wine is a wine bar and bottle shop specialising in wines from smaller producers with organic or…
Outwith Wine is a wine bar and bottle shop specialising in wines from smaller producers with organic or sustainable practices. We offer a rotating selection of wines by the glass, with many…
Wings Cafe
Wings Cafe is located at the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport and is open seven days a week…
Wings Cafe is located at the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport and is open seven days a week from 9am-2pm for breakfast and light lunch.
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…
Wing House – Parry Sound
Wing House in downtown Parry Sound with something for everyone. A new destination for wings – with more…
Wing House in downtown Parry Sound with something for everyone. A new destination for wings – with more than 150 different flavours – Wing House’s show-stopping menu will also feature a variety of…
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.
Midtown Hotel
The Midtown Hotel welcomes you to the center of downtown Parry Sound. Enjoy great comfort, customer service, and…
The Midtown Hotel welcomes you to the center of downtown Parry Sound. Enjoy great comfort, customer service, and a host of amenities while traveling. Whether you are staying for one night or…
Dent Bay Baking Company
Dent Bay Baking Company produces Artisan handmade sourdough breads and craft pastries. With a commitment to seasonal ingredients…
Dent Bay Baking Company produces Artisan handmade sourdough breads and craft pastries. With a commitment to seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and growers, Dent Bay Baking offers naturally leavened sourdough and…
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…