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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Georgian Bay Marina
Georgian Bay Marina offers water taxi services to local island cottages, dinner trips to Henry’s Restaurant Sans Souci,…
Georgian Bay Marina offers water taxi services to local island cottages, dinner trips to Henry’s Restaurant Sans Souci, or just sight seeing trips on the bay with an option to stop for…
Jacknife Cottages
Jacknife Cottages, on the shores of Georgian Bay, offers three self catering cottages for rent. Ranging from four…
Jacknife Cottages, on the shores of Georgian Bay, offers three self catering cottages for rent. Ranging from four to six guests, choose from Jackpine Cottage, Lakefront Cottage, or Bayshore Cottage, all located…
Manitouwabing Outpost
The Manitouwabing Outpost is a family owned and operated business located on Lake Manitouwabing in McKellar, just a…
The Manitouwabing Outpost is a family owned and operated business located on Lake Manitouwabing in McKellar, just a short drive from Parry Sound, Georgian Bay and Muskoka. We come from a lifelong…
Sail Parry Sound
Anyone can learn to sail! Throughout July and August, people of all ages, 8 to 70-plus, can be…
Anyone can learn to sail! Throughout July and August, people of all ages, 8 to 70-plus, can be on the water enjoying the great winds for which the Big Sound is famous.…
Lorimer Lake Resort
Lorimer Lake Resort is situated on the shores of Lorimer Lake between Dunchurch and McKellar. Located just 20…
Lorimer Lake Resort is situated on the shores of Lorimer Lake between Dunchurch and McKellar. Located just 20 minutes from Parry Sound, our small family oriented resort on the beautiful shores of…
Black Feather Wilderness Adventure Company
Since 1972, Black Feather has offered Ontario’s best paddling holidays. Whether you are a sea kayaker or canoeist,…
Since 1972, Black Feather has offered Ontario’s best paddling holidays. Whether you are a sea kayaker or canoeist, novice or advanced, we have a trip to match your desires. Located near Parry…
Island Queen Ice Cream
Kawartha ice cream is served up in the Island Queen Cruise building on the town dock in Parry…
Kawartha ice cream is served up in the Island Queen Cruise building on the town dock in Parry Sound from May through October each year. All your favourite flavours and lots of…
Harmony Outdoor Inn
Harmony Outdoor Inn is a peaceful retreat for those who love the outdoors. Enjoy your stay at our…
Harmony Outdoor Inn is a peaceful retreat for those who love the outdoors. Enjoy your stay at our 16-acre glamping retreat on the Seguin River, just minutes from Parry Sound and Georgian…
Glenn Burney Lodge
When you finally yield to that voice that says, “It’s time to see a sunset”, we offer you…
When you finally yield to that voice that says, “It’s time to see a sunset”, we offer you a Georgian Bay spectacular that’s been captivating our guests for more than 70 years.…
Ontario Sea Kayak Centre
Located minutes from Parry Sound and Georgian Bay, Ontario Sea Kayak Centre is a peaceful retreat for weekend…
Located minutes from Parry Sound and Georgian Bay, Ontario Sea Kayak Centre is a peaceful retreat for weekend kayaking lessons and coaching. The 16-acre property on the Seguin River has canvas-wall ‘glamping’…
Humphrey Museum
Situated on beautifully landscaped grounds, the Humphrey Museum was built out of hand hewn logs in the early 1870s. Originally…
Situated on beautifully landscaped grounds, the Humphrey Museum was built out of hand hewn logs in the early 1870s. Originally a church, the building later became a rural one room school where many received…
Massassauga Provincial Park
Stretching along the coast of Georgian Bay from Parry Sound to the Moon River, Massassauga Provincial Park takes…
Stretching along the coast of Georgian Bay from Parry Sound to the Moon River, Massassauga Provincial Park takes in hundreds of windswept islands as well as inland forests and lakes. Accessible only…
Lakeview Cottages
Lakeview Cottages is a small, intimate family resort nestled on the shore of beautiful Otter Lake, which is…
Lakeview Cottages is a small, intimate family resort nestled on the shore of beautiful Otter Lake, which is located just a few minutes south of Parry Sound. Our waterfront resort has three cottages…
Killbear Provincial Park
Killbear Provincial Park, nestled on a peninsula on Georgian Bay, is a water lover’s paradise for swimming, sailing,…
Killbear Provincial Park, nestled on a peninsula on Georgian Bay, is a water lover’s paradise for swimming, sailing, fishing and boating. You can spend hours strolling along the sandy beaches or take…
Horseshoe Lake Camp & Cottages
Horseshoe Lake Camp and Cottages is your destination for quiet family camping and cottaging. Located in Parry Sound,…
Horseshoe Lake Camp and Cottages is your destination for quiet family camping and cottaging. Located in Parry Sound, we provide a natural environment to promote a relaxed family camping atmosphere. Family owned and…