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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Parry Sound Cruise Lines
Parry Sound Cruise Lines offers sightseeing cruises of the 30,000 Islands and Georgian Bay, including restaurant cruises, dinner…
Parry Sound Cruise Lines offers sightseeing cruises of the 30,000 Islands and Georgian Bay, including restaurant cruises, dinner cruises, sunset cruises and private charters aboard the M.V. Chippewa III.
30,000 Island Cruise Line
All aboard the Island Queen for a relaxing cruise through Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands, the largest concentration of…
All aboard the Island Queen for a relaxing cruise through Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands, the largest concentration of freshwater islands in the world! Passengers can choose between two cruises, our Original Two-Hour…
Festival of the Sound
In 1979, a few like minded people got together around a piano and decided that Parry Sound was…
In 1979, a few like minded people got together around a piano and decided that Parry Sound was the perfect place to hold a classical music festival. Since then the Festival of…
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…
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,…
Carling Trailblazers Snowmobile Club
A vital part of PSSDs trail system, the Carling Trailblazers Snowmobile Club network of trails runs from Carling to…
A vital part of PSSDs trail system, the Carling Trailblazers Snowmobile Club network of trails runs from Carling to Nobel, Parry Sound East to Ardbeg and North to Pointe au Baril. One of…
Seguin Valley Golf Club
Seguin Valley Golf Club is part of a spectacular 1000 acre northern wilderness property that features several ponds,…
Seguin Valley Golf Club is part of a spectacular 1000 acre northern wilderness property that features several ponds, lakes, rocky ridges, creeks and wetlands, which together present 18 unforgettable championship holes combining great…
Parry Sound Golf & Country Club
Welcome to the best 6,000 yards you will ever play. This Thomas McBroom design, completed in 1982, replaced…
Welcome to the best 6,000 yards you will ever play. This Thomas McBroom design, completed in 1982, replaced the original 9-hole facility established in 1929. Don’t be fooled by the yardage from…
Rocky Crest Golf Club
Rocky Crest Golf Club celebrates the natural features of the Canadian Shield in the Muskoka region with our…
Rocky Crest Golf Club celebrates the natural features of the Canadian Shield in the Muskoka region with our Thomas McBroom designed course. Since opening in 2000, this spectacular McBroom design has accumulated many…
The Ridge at Manitou Golf Club
Looking for a unique northern golfing experience? Look no further than The Ridge at Manitou Golf Club, just…
Looking for a unique northern golfing experience? Look no further than The Ridge at Manitou Golf Club, just outside Parry Sound on the shores of Manitouwabing Lake. Designed by Thomas McBroom, the course…
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,…
Diver’s Nook
The Diver’s Nook in Parry Sound offers an assortment of outdoor adventure opportunities as well as a retail…
The Diver’s Nook in Parry Sound offers an assortment of outdoor adventure opportunities as well as a retail store location stocked with a complete line of fishing accessories and complete dive store…
Parry Sound Water Taxi and Fishing Charter
Parry Sound Water Taxi and Fishing Charter is a locally owned and operated business on beautiful Georgian Bay…
Parry Sound Water Taxi and Fishing Charter is a locally owned and operated business on beautiful Georgian Bay offering full guide services. We offer pike, bass and trout fishing for the beginner fisherman, the experienced angler, and…