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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Riverlake Resort Cottages & Seasonal Campground
Riverlake Resort Cottages & Seasonal Campground in McKellar near Parry Sound is located just over 2 hours from…
Riverlake Resort Cottages & Seasonal Campground in McKellar near Parry Sound is located just over 2 hours from Toronto. We offer two clean, fully equipped housekeeping cottages on the waterfront, as well…
Rolling Rock Cottages
Rolling Rock Cottages is located on Rock Island Lake, just north of Parry Sound and minutes from Pointe…
Rolling Rock Cottages is located on Rock Island Lake, just north of Parry Sound and minutes from Pointe au Baril. We are a private, family resort with a sandy beach and playground…
Sand Bay Resort
Sand Bay Resort has been family-operated Ontario cottage rental resort for more than 50 years, and we decided…
Sand Bay Resort has been family-operated Ontario cottage rental resort for more than 50 years, and we decided Georgian Bay is one of the best places to raise our family, surrounded by…
Shebeshekong Cottage Resort
Shebeshekong Cottage Resort is a quiet family resort on a beautiful sheltered area of Georgian Bay. Our resort…
Shebeshekong Cottage Resort is a quiet family resort on a beautiful sheltered area of Georgian Bay. Our resort has six 1, 2 or 3 bedroom fully equipped housekeeping cottages, which come with…
Snug Haven Resort
Make yourself at home amongst the rocks and pines of one of the most beautiful inlets along Georgian…
Make yourself at home amongst the rocks and pines of one of the most beautiful inlets along Georgian Bay. Snug Haven Resort caters to both family and fishing vacations, and offers 1,…
Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park
Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park offers a camping experience to appeal to visitors who would enjoy a small, quaint…
Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park offers a camping experience to appeal to visitors who would enjoy a small, quaint area. Choose from one of our 79 campsites, many which offer an electrical hook-up. Amenities…
Harris Lake Marina & Cottages
Harris Lake Marina & Cottages offers a range of two and three bedroom cottages with a full service…
Harris Lake Marina & Cottages offers a range of two and three bedroom cottages with a full service marina on site. Each cottage comes fully equipped with all the facilities, and includes…
Hall’s Cottages, Campsites & Marina
Located on Mill Lake, Hall’s Cottages, Campsites and Marina has been a popular spot for peaceful family camping…
Located on Mill Lake, Hall’s Cottages, Campsites and Marina has been a popular spot for peaceful family camping and cottaging for over 50 years. The serenity within the park allows you to…
Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Grundy Lake Provincial Park offers a wide range of camping experiences to appeal to all visitors. Our park…
Grundy Lake Provincial Park offers a wide range of camping experiences to appeal to all visitors. Our park has nine campgrounds, three group campsites and nine canoe backcountry sites. Comfort stations with…
Glenwood Cottages & Marine
Glenwood Cottages & Marina is nestled amongst maple and white birch trees situated 12 miles northeast of Parry Sound. We…
Glenwood Cottages & Marina is nestled amongst maple and white birch trees situated 12 miles northeast of Parry Sound. We offer comfortable accommodations in our 12 fully equipped housekeeping cottages, safety and relaxation on…
Diamond Key Lodge
Welcome to Diamond Key Lodge on Georgian Bay. At Diamond Key, we have the fish and the scenery, but…
Welcome to Diamond Key Lodge on Georgian Bay. At Diamond Key, we have the fish and the scenery, but that is only part of the story. We offer six very clean housekeeping cabins,…
Candlelight on the Bay RV Resort
Candlelight on the Bay RV Resort offers seasonal and overnight camping to guests who seek to get away…
Candlelight on the Bay RV Resort offers seasonal and overnight camping to guests who seek to get away from it all and spend time with family and friends. Nestled on the shores…
Wawanaisa Resort
Wawanaisa Resort is located on a sheltered inlet ideal for many activities for the entire family. With lots…
Wawanaisa Resort is located on a sheltered inlet ideal for many activities for the entire family. With lots of islands and coves to explore by canoe, kayak, or a small motor boat,…
Parry Sound KOA Campground
At Parry Sound KOA you’ll find 75 acres of natural paradise less than two hours north of Toronto…
At Parry Sound KOA you’ll find 75 acres of natural paradise less than two hours north of Toronto in the heart of Georgian Bay, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago – home to…
Sunny Point Resort, Cottages and Inn
Sunny Point Resort, Cottages & Inn offers a variety of accommodation options to suit any traveller. We offer…
Sunny Point Resort, Cottages & Inn offers a variety of accommodation options to suit any traveller. We offer 10 pet friendly cottages dotted along the waterfront, and 7 private inn suites in…