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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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…
High Tide Board & Surf Shop
Hightide is now under new ownership so we have made some changes! Still a board shop, brands we…
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.
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…
Huckleberry’s
Overlooking Georgian Bay in Parry Sound’s harbour, Huckleberry’s offers two floors of home and cottage gifts and accessories…
Overlooking Georgian Bay in Parry Sound’s harbour, Huckleberry’s offers two floors of home and cottage gifts and accessories including everything from pine furniture, accent chairs and recycled plastic Muskoka chairs to cottage…
Brunswick Sports Grill & Bar
Welcome back to the Brunswick Sports Bar and Grill, located in the heart of Parry Sound’s downtown. Our…
Welcome back to the Brunswick Sports Bar and Grill, located in the heart of Parry Sound’s downtown. Our newly renovated restaurant caters to locals and visitors year-round for breakfast, lunch or dinner.…
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…
Bearly Used Books
Bearly Used Books is the only place in Parry Sound where you’ll find more than 250,000 books in…
Bearly Used Books is the only place in Parry Sound where you’ll find more than 250,000 books in more than 20 different categories. No matter what you like to read, you’ll find…
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’…
Knights Inn Parry Sound
Rest easy in the heart of downtown Parry Sound at Knights Inn Parry Sound, located directly adjacent to…
Rest easy in the heart of downtown Parry Sound at Knights Inn Parry Sound, located directly adjacent to The Brunswick Sports Grill & Bar. Begin your day with free morning coffee and…
Jeans Unlimited
Jeans Unlimited has been a staple in Parry Sound for over 40 years and we are still going…
Jeans Unlimited has been a staple in Parry Sound for over 40 years and we are still going strong. We are a team whose success is built on creativity. With open minded…
Grand Tappattoo Resort
Traditions begin here at Grand Tappattoo Resort. Under new ownership, our sixty-one room lakefront year-round resort is situated…
Traditions begin here at Grand Tappattoo Resort. Under new ownership, our sixty-one room lakefront year-round resort is situated on beautiful Otter Lake, just south of Parry Sound and twenty minutes from the…
Beverly’s
Welcome to Beverlys, where the spirit of gift giving is present all year long! Our store is located…
Welcome to Beverlys, where the spirit of gift giving is present all year long! Our store is located on James Street in Parry Sound, the heart of beautiful Georgian Bay. We welcome…
Tree Chic Eco Boutique
Tree Chic Eco Boutique provides all natural, fair trade and Canadian made clothing, accessories, body products, house wares, hemp…
Tree Chic Eco Boutique provides all natural, fair trade and Canadian made clothing, accessories, body products, house wares, hemp foods and natural gifts for the whole family. Located on Bay Street in Parry…
Parry Sound Bikes
Welcome to Parry Sound Bikes “Best Bike Shops in CANADA” 2014-2020… CanadianCyclist.com Parry Sound Bikes is a full service…
Welcome to Parry Sound Bikes “Best Bike Shops in CANADA” 2014-2020… CanadianCyclist.com Parry Sound Bikes is a full service shop located in Parry Sound, Ontario. We offer sales, service and rentals for bikes…