Ontario Road Trip: Parry Sound
- Lyn (aka Jazz)
- Mar 29
- 5 min read
The town of Parry Sound is a gem located on the shores of windswept Georgian Bay in Northern Ontario, about 225 km north of Toronto. This is the world's largest freshwater archipelago, known as the 30,000 Islands. As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Parry Sound is a year-round destination that offers fantastic natural beauty and outdoor activities, as well as museums and cultural activities and hosts many festivals and events.
From the iconic windswept pines clinging to granite cliffs to the vibrant arts scene and the thrill of exploring vast waterways, Parry Sound offers a unique blend of wilderness adventure and small-town charm. Join me on a journey through this captivating region, uncovering its scenic landscapes, delectable local flavours, and the unforgettable experiences that make Parry Sound a must-visit destination for any traveller seeking a true taste of Ontario's wild heart.
A wide range of accommodation options includes bed and breakfasts, lodges, resorts, hotels, and nearby campgrounds. This area is very popular with the diving community. The local tourism office can offer many recommendations for tours and activities in the area.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Parry Sound, Ontario
Long before European settlers arrived, the area was home to the Anishinaabek, particularly the Ojibwa people, who knew the region as Wasauksing, meaning "shining shore." Their deep connection to the land and waterways shaped the area's early history. In the 19th century, European settlement began, with figures like Captain Henry Wolsey Bayfield surveying the area and naming it after Arctic explorer Sir William Edward Parry.
The town's modern establishment in 1857 saw the arrival of settlers who capitalized on the region's abundant timber resources. The arrival of the railway in the late 19th century transformed Parry Sound into a vital transportation hub, spurring economic growth. Over time, the area transitioned from a logging-focused economy to one increasingly reliant on tourism, drawn by the stunning beauty of the 30,000 Islands.
The Group of Seven was a group of Canadian landscape painters who were active from 1920 to 1933. They are renowned for their bold, vibrant depictions of the Canadian wilderness. The connection between the Group of Seven and Parry Sound is most prominently captured in the works of A.J. Casson.
Enjoy a Georgian Bay Boat Tour
After looking at several different options, I chose to book a 3-hour afternoon cruise on the Ocean Queen. This boat was built especially for maneuvering through narrow channels and shallow waters. It has comfortable below-deck seating with large viewing windows and a large (uncovered) observation deck on top. The commentary offered was interesting and very informative.
The Island Queen is a big boat with a very shallow draft. It does not fit under the Rose Channel bridge, so the captain gives three short blasts of the horn to signal the bridge attendants to open it.
The attendants will swing open the bridge and wave the tourists through.
As we passed, I was thrilled to see the osprey nest with the resident mama and a couple of chicks.
Some of these channels were really tight for a large ship, which explains why the Ocean Queen was built specifically for Georgian Bay.
This area is known as the “30,000 islands”. There are standards, though. To be defined as an island, the land mass must be at least one acre in size.
The Muskoka region has expensive real estate, a large celebrity presence, and incredibly luxurious summer homes. There are also many more humble cottages and a few rustic shacks further from the main township.
The weather is a huge influence on the landscape. Wind and ice create constant erosion. Art lovers will recognize the landscape of wind-shaped trees from Group of Seven paintings.
Yet despite these conditions, this is a hugely desirable area for cottagers and those looking to live luxuriously in the wilderness. Locals refer to the "inner islands" and the "outer islands". The more luxurious summer homes tend to be clustered on the inner islands, while the more humble cottages are seen on the outer islands.
The inner islands have some protection from the other islands, but the cottages on the outer islands are located on some pretty stark land.
Exploring the Town of Parry Sound
The town provides essential amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding 30,000 Islands. Downtown Parry Sound boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering everything from local crafts and souvenirs to delicious dining experiences. Visitors can enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine, often featuring Georgian Bay fish, or relax with a coffee while soaking in the town's laid-back ambiance.
The Museum on Tower Hill
For those seeking cultural experiences, Parry Sound has a rich history, which can be explored at the Museum on Tower Hill. The museum showcases the area's Indigenous heritage and settler history.
Trails and Parry Sound Trestle Bridge
Beyond the town's core, Parry Sound offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Marinas and boat tours provide gateways to the stunning 30,000 Islands, where kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are popular pastimes. The area's hiking trails, public parks, and waterfront pathways wind through forests and rocky outcrops, offering breathtaking views of Georgian Bay. As you explore the harbour area, notice the Parry Sound Trestle Bridge, the subject of Tom Thompson's 1914 painting Trestle of Parry Sound.
The Bobby Orr Hall of Fame
Hockey fans will enjoy The Bobby Orr Hall of Fame, an interactive sports heritage museum that pays tribute to hometown hockey legend Bobby Orr.
Tailwinds Bar & Grill
I especially enjoy spending the last of the evening at Tailwinds Bar & Grill, which is also the float plane terminal. The patio is a great place to spend a couple of hours enjoying a delicious meal while watching boats and float planes.
Final Thoughts
Parry Sound, a town where the rugged beauty of the Canadian wilderness meets small-town charm, beckons with open arms. From the iconic landscapes that inspired the Group of Seven to the captivating boat tours through the 30,000 Islands and the rich history showcased in its museums, Parry Sound offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveller. This gem on Georgian Bay promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Northern Ontario.
If you enjoy the content and would like to be updated with new posts, become a member/subscribe (it's free!) or follow along on the RamblynJazz Facebook page, Facebook Group, BlueSky, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. You can help the blog grow by sharing the link with a travelling friend or through social media. I truly appreciate your comments and encourage you to share your thoughts below.
If you are interested in purchasing high-resolution copies of the photos in this post, contact me at ramblynjazz@gmail.com
What a wonderful review of Parry Sound and the surrounding lakes and history. I have been through this area several times and can vouch for its natural, raw beauty. The group of Seven artists have captured it beautifully; I even have several prints by Tom Thompson.