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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I Branched Out
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Gibson Gallery & Mercantile
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Parry Sound Country Kitchen
Parry Sound Country Kitchen is located on the main street of Parry Sound just up from the waterfront.…
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Fort Knox Island Grill
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Orr’s Fine Meats and Deli
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Norse Brewery
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Norse Brewery offers all natural craft beer in the Parry Sound area. Owned and operated by the Rogozhkina family, the name Norse is a nod to their northern heritage. Their brews are…
Boston Pizza – Parry Sound
Boston Pizza is Canada’s number one casual dining brand with more than 380 restaurants in Canada serving more…
Boston Pizza is Canada’s number one casual dining brand with more than 380 restaurants in Canada serving more than 100 unique and delicious menu items such as gourmet pizzas and pastas, juicy…
Spark Adventure Photography
Cobi Sharpe is an award-winning adventure and landscape photographer, and a graduate with honours in digital photography. When…
Cobi Sharpe is an award-winning adventure and landscape photographer, and a graduate with honours in digital photography. When she’s not on solo canoe trips, you can find her instructing photography workshops with…
Somewhere in Time
A trip to downtown Parry Sound isn’t complete without a stop into Somewhere in Time. Browse their eclectic…
A trip to downtown Parry Sound isn’t complete without a stop into Somewhere in Time. Browse their eclectic mix of gift items, clothing, jewellery, specialty candy, and much more.
Trestle Brewing Company
Trestle is a small independently owned craft brewery located in downtown Parry Sound on the waterfront where the…
Trestle is a small independently owned craft brewery located in downtown Parry Sound on the waterfront where the Seguin river flows into Georgian Bay with a spectacular view looking towards the iconic…
Di Salvo’s Bella Cucina
Di Salvo’s Bella Cucina is a fine dining Italian restaurant located in downtown in Parry Sound. Di Salvo’s…
Di Salvo’s Bella Cucina is a fine dining Italian restaurant located in downtown in Parry Sound. Di Salvo’s serves authentic Italian cuisine in modern style, with an emphasis on quality and freshness.…
Rock n’ Duck Resto
Rock n’ Duck Resto is located onsite the Duck Rock Resort in Whitestone. Take the short drive down…
Rock n’ Duck Resto is located onsite the Duck Rock Resort in Whitestone. Take the short drive down the 124 to see them. Their friendly staff and wonderful environment will have you…
Don Cherry’s Sports Grill
Don Cherry’s Sports Grill in Parry Sound is a great place to have a meal, get a drink…
Don Cherry’s Sports Grill in Parry Sound is a great place to have a meal, get a drink with friends, or catch the big game! With an extensive menu offering all your…
18 James Street
Jessica Vergeer is an artist and fashion designer with a studio, gallery and dress shop located in the…
Jessica Vergeer is an artist and fashion designer with a studio, gallery and dress shop located in the heart of downtown Parry Sound – the 18 James Street Studio & Gallery. Taken…
High Tide Board & Surf Shop
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Hightide is now under new ownership so we have made some changes! Still a board shop, brands we carry are O’Neill, Billabong, Volcom, Ten Tree, Team LTD, Reef, Vans and Vessi.