Sudbury 
Lake Huron’s Bay is a result of the separation caused by the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island. And with the expansive Georgian Bay are several smaller bays or sounds. This all helps to create a scenic and varying landscape across the northeastern shores of Lake Huron. And in the heart of it all is Parry Sound, a name given to the large bay of water and the town on the shores.
Parry Sound is situated on the Georgian Bay shoreline, and the town itself is surrounded by natural beauty, steeped in local history, and home to stunning beaches. No matter how you choose to see and experience it all, the Parry Sound area offers something for every level of adventure – from relaxation to hikes and water sports.
Beach & Water Fun
Being on the lake’s shores and among the islands all help to add numerous water activities to a Parry Sound itinerary. The town is home to two public beaches, waterfront trails, historic lighthouses, and guided lake adventures.
- Parry Sound’s two town beaches are conveniently connected to one another with the Regiment Waterfront Fitness Trail. The walk between the two beaches is about 5-10 minutes.
- Centennial Beach on the south side of the waterfront trail offers a quieter and more secluded beachgoing experience. There are no amenities here, but those are easy to access with the Waterfront Trail to Waubuno Beach. Here, the town has amenities like washrooms and changerooms, a lifeguard, beach volleyball nets, and a snack bar to offer beachgoers.
- The local 30,000 Island Cruise Lines provide relaxing water experience through sightseeing, with a choice between a morning cruise or an afternoon cruise on the water.
- Use White Squall in Parry Sound for self-guided lake and water adventures. They offer rental service for canoes, kayaks, and SUPs, as well as a shuttle option.
- For a quieter and calmer boating experience, head south to Oastler Lake Provincial Park. Canoe rentals are available on site. The park also has a beautiful beach with picnic tables and shelters, and services like a store, washrooms, and changerooms.
© Destination Ontario
Historical & Cultural Attractions
Whether you prefer a day at the museum, a day outside, or an evening of live music and art, Parry Sound offers attractions for a variety of interests.
- Charles W. Stockey Centre & Bobby Orr Hall Of Fame is a must for any hockey or sports fan. A few notable inductees to learn about on your visit include Walter Gretzky, Don Cherry, Gary Sabourin, or the man himself, Bobby Orr.
- The Stockley Centre for Performing Arts, located beside the Hall of Fame, host a variety of shows and productions. These are put on weekly and include plays, concerts, stand-up comedy, or musical theatre.
- The West Parry Sound District Museum and Tower Hill Heritage Garden are accessible by car, as well as a wooded trail. The museum has exhibits on local history, art, and culture, plus weekly events like workshops, talks, or yoga classes.
More Trails & Outdoor Adventure around Parry Sound
Whether you’d like to explore Parry Sound, or the beautiful wetlands and wooded areas outside of town, or the Georgian Bay waterfront, there is a trail (or many trails) for each part of the area.
- The Rose Point Trail, part of the Park to Park system, connects Oastler Lake Provincial Park to the Georgian Bay shores. It is 8km total and travels through a scenic wetland area that is abundant with wildlife.
- The large wilderness areas to the east of Parry Sound extend all the way to even more natural beauty in Algonquin Provincial Park. A perfect way to explore this large area is with expert guides and ATVs. Thrill Seeker, located east of Parry Sound on Lane Lake, offer half-day adventures or a 90-minute introductory trip.
- The Waterfront Fitness Trail eventually becomes the Rugged North Shore Trail, also part of the Park to Park system. The trail gets its name from the shoreline it follows, which may require a few scrambles. This section is only open to the public from spring to fall.
- Parry Sound’s Tower Hill Path connects the Waterfront Fitness Trail to the the museum grounds and the Tower Hill Heritage Garden. Once on the trail and heading toward the museum, it will feel as though you’ve left town altogether. And once at the garden, hikers can climb an observation tower for a full view of Parry Sound (the town and the water).
Summer & Fall Events in Parry Sound
Parry Sound has many events and festivals happening all year. They offer a ton of winter fun with holiday events like Snowfest, the Santa Claus Parade, or Light up the Park. Many will, however, travel to Parry Sound to take advantage of the summer fun, beach time, and warmer weather. These months in town also offer many festivities.
- Summers in Parry Sound are busy, starting with June events like Sport Recreation & Leisure Fair, Earth Day, and the beginning of the Parry Sound Summer Market.
- The party continues into July with the Canada Day event, the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Art in the Park, and the Festival of the Sound (July/August).
- Join the town of Parry Sound later in September to celebrate the Bee & Honey Festival. This is a showcase of the area’s many local honey producers and bee farmers, and their delicious products.
Local Dining & Drinks
A great majority of local eateries in Parry Sound are along Seguin and Church Streets. These include places with patios, family-friendly spots, pubs and bars, take-out, and a few places close to the beaches.
- It is easy to try the two local drink makers in Parry Sound within one visit as they are beside one another on River Street: the Trestle Brewing Company, and the Legend Spirits Company.
- Tailwinds Grill, Henry’s Fish Restaurant, Golden Dragon Chinese Food, and Yanna’s Kusina are all great options close to the beach and waterfront.
- Don’t forget about dessert! Parry Sound has delicious options from places like The Boathouse, DC’s Ice Cream, or Parry Sound Country Kitchen.
Where to Stay in Parry Sound
Even if these camping, glamping, cabin, cottage, or hotel stays around Parry Sound don’t catch your eye, there are several more options with private rental companies like Airbnb, or VRBO.
- There are an array of campgrounds near Parry Sound through Ontario Parks like Oastler Lake , Grundy Lake (backcountry), Killbear, or Massasauga (backcountry), Six Mile Lake, or Sturgeon Bay, who also offer cottages.
- Enjoy cottage life with resorts like River Lake Cottages, Horseshoe Lake Camp & Cottages, Rocky Crest Golf Resort, or Sunny Point Resort (to name but a few!).
- Those listed above are all about 5-20km outside of Parry Sound. For a waterfront or in-town stay, try Mr. T’s B&B, Bayside Inn, or Town & Country Motel.
