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’.
View By:
Rockwood Resort
Welcome to Rockwood Resort. We invite you and your family to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of…
Welcome to Rockwood Resort. We invite you and your family to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of spectacular Georgian Bay. Rockwood offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom fully equipped, well appointed…
Shebe Resort Cottages
Shebe Resort Cottages is a year round resort catering to families, sportsmen, fishermen, birdwatchers, and other guests. Our lovely…
Shebe Resort Cottages is a year round resort catering to families, sportsmen, fishermen, birdwatchers, and other guests. Our lovely cottage resort is situated on the shores of Lake Shebeshekong, in Carling Township, just…
St. Amant’s Waterfront Inn & Marina
St. Amant’s Waterfront Inn & Marina is an all season facility catering to boaters, fisherman, snowmobilers and recreational…
St. Amant’s Waterfront Inn & Marina is an all season facility catering to boaters, fisherman, snowmobilers and recreational visitors to Northern Georgian Bay. Enjoy a relaxing stay in our comfortable hotel rooms or…
The Wolf Den
Since 1967, the Wolf Den has been a fixture in downtown Parry Sound. Visitors to the Georgian Bay…
Since 1967, the Wolf Den has been a fixture in downtown Parry Sound. Visitors to the Georgian Bay and Muskoka areas have relied on us for the best selection of native Indian…
Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre
Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre is a charitable organization run by a dedicated group of volunteers. We are…
Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre is a charitable organization run by a dedicated group of volunteers. We are outdoor enthusiasts who share a passion for exercise among nature. Through our chosen activities,…
Four Winds Cottage Resort
Four Winds Cottage Resort is a family owned and operated resort located in Parry Sound on beautiful Lake…
Four Winds Cottage Resort is a family owned and operated resort located in Parry Sound on beautiful Lake Manitouwabing. We are an ideal vacation destination for families, groups, and couples looking for…
Downtown Parry Sound
Downtown Parry Sound is in the centre of Parry Sound and has access to Georgian Bay at the…
Downtown Parry Sound is in the centre of Parry Sound and has access to Georgian Bay at the bottom of Bay Street. With many attractions on the waterfront this is the hub…
Dillon Cove Marina and Resort
Dillon Cove Marina and Resort is a traditional family resort located just north of Parry Sound in Georgian…
Dillon Cove Marina and Resort is a traditional family resort located just north of Parry Sound in Georgian Bay’s 30,000 islands region. The area is well known for its beautiful scenery and…
Marc DeGroote
Wildlife artist extraordinaire, this artists’ exceptional talent came to life in 2001. A self taught artist who will…
Wildlife artist extraordinaire, this artists’ exceptional talent came to life in 2001. A self taught artist who will astonish you with the incredible detail achieved in his creations of mixed media, acrylics,…
Toad Hill Pottery
Barbara Jackson of Toad Hill Pottery has been making functional pottery for over 28 years. Largely self taught, she’ll…
Barbara Jackson of Toad Hill Pottery has been making functional pottery for over 28 years. Largely self taught, she’ll steal ideas from wherever she can find them and make them her own! She…
Northwinds Pottery
Northwinds Pottery specializes in handmade, functional pottery by Tracy Cates. All pottery is oven-safe, food-safe and is available…
Northwinds Pottery specializes in handmade, functional pottery by Tracy Cates. All pottery is oven-safe, food-safe and is available at affordable prices, for everyday use. A wide range of pottery items are available…
Muddy Handshake Pottery
Art for everyday use is what Jeff Martens of Muddy Handshake Pottery strives to achieve with the functional pottery that…
Art for everyday use is what Jeff Martens of Muddy Handshake Pottery strives to achieve with the functional pottery that he creates. His pots are purposefully simple. Jeff works with a variety of clay…
Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere
Designated by UNESCO in 2004, the Georgian Bay Biosphere is an area of 347,000 hectares that stretches 200…
Designated by UNESCO in 2004, the Georgian Bay Biosphere is an area of 347,000 hectares that stretches 200 km along the eastern coast from Port Severn to the French River, in the…
Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts
The Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts is located in Parry Sound and sits on a…
The Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts is located in Parry Sound and sits on a 3.5-acre waterfront site overlooking beautiful Georgian Bay. The centre houses a 480-seat Festival Performance…
YogAloft Wellness Retreat
At YogAloft Wellness Retreat in McKellar we offer weekly Kripalu Yoga classes, Restorative Yoga, Laughter Yoga, and Chair…
At YogAloft Wellness Retreat in McKellar we offer weekly Kripalu Yoga classes, Restorative Yoga, Laughter Yoga, and Chair Yoga. Wellness services include acupressure massage, aromatherapy massage, an aromatic steam bath using therapeutic…