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:
Seguin Fish n’ Chips & Curry
Seguin Fish n’ Chips & Curry is located in downtown Parry Sound and serves a variety of fish…
Seguin Fish n’ Chips & Curry is located in downtown Parry Sound and serves a variety of fish dinners as well as homemade curries.
Parry Sound Scuba
Parry Sound Scuba is a new dive shop with years of experience in the dive industry. Being local…
Parry Sound Scuba is a new dive shop with years of experience in the dive industry. Being local to Parry Sound, we know where all the good dive locations are. We strive…
Trysport
Driven by passion, Trysport began in 1996. Since then we have never wavered from our commitment to continually…
Driven by passion, Trysport began in 1996. Since then we have never wavered from our commitment to continually motivate, teach, support and participate in sport. We play a key role in ensuring…
SiSi Georgian Bay
SiSi Georgian Bay is a unique small batch natural skincare company, located on the shores of Georgian Bay…
SiSi Georgian Bay is a unique small batch natural skincare company, located on the shores of Georgian Bay in Parry Sound. Our skincare philosophy is based on pure and simple principals. We…
I Branched Out
If you’re in the market for custom-made wooden chairs, tables, bunk beds — even cribbage boards and charcuterie…
If you’re in the market for custom-made wooden chairs, tables, bunk beds — even cribbage boards and charcuterie trays — you name it — I Branched Out is it. We specialize in…
Gibson Gallery & Mercantile
The Gibson Gallery & Mercantile is home to work of many local artists in the area with the…
The Gibson Gallery & Mercantile is home to work of many local artists in the area with the owner Don Corbett fulfilling his dream of having a co-op art gallery in Parry…
Parry Sound Country Kitchen
Parry Sound Country Kitchen is located on the main street of Parry Sound just up from the waterfront.…
Parry Sound Country Kitchen is located on the main street of Parry Sound just up from the waterfront. We are open year round and serve all day breakfast and lunch. All of…
Moon Basin Marina & Cottages
Moon Basin Marina & Cottages is a small fishing and cottage resort located in the scenic 30,000 islands…
Moon Basin Marina & Cottages is a small fishing and cottage resort located in the scenic 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay formed when glaciers receded over the mighty Canadian Shield. Located at…
Fort Knox Island Grill
Fort Knox Island Grill in downtown Parry Sound (and in their food truck at Payne Marine in Pointe…
Fort Knox Island Grill in downtown Parry Sound (and in their food truck at Payne Marine in Pointe au Baril during the summer months) offers Caribbean Food with a twist. Check out…
Orr’s Fine Meats and Deli
Orr’s Fine Meats and Deli is a butcher shop and deli offering homemade sandwiches, soups and wraps as…
Orr’s Fine Meats and Deli is a butcher shop and deli offering homemade sandwiches, soups and wraps as well as all day breakfast. Visit the butcher for the best steaks and homemade,…
The Kart
Welcome to Parry Sound’s #1 takeout trailer, The Kart! We have what it takes to fill your belly.…
Welcome to Parry Sound’s #1 takeout trailer, The Kart! We have what it takes to fill your belly. Gourmet Sausages & Hot Dogs, Sirloin Burgers, Fresh Cut Fries, Poutine (made with real…
Killbear Marina
Killbear Marina is located in a sheltered bay just west of Killbear Provincial Park. Being situated at the…
Killbear Marina is located in a sheltered bay just west of Killbear Provincial Park. Being situated at the crossroads of the Parry Sound Main shipping channel and the North/ South Small Craft…
Norse Brewery
Norse Brewery offers all natural craft beer in the Parry Sound area. Owned and operated by the Rogozhkina…
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…