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Things To Do In Parry Sound
If you are looking for an all-around vacation destination filled with art, culture, and amazing outdoor activities, then Parry Sound is just the right place for you. Located just two hours south of Toronto, this town has the world’s largest freshwater archipelago called the 30,000 Islands. There are numerous other natural attractions to see in Parry Sound including great waterfront trails, sandy beaches, and amusement parks. Apart from these recreational parks, the town is also famous for its arts and heritage. It is the birthplace of the famous hockey legend Bobby Orr, and his legacy is preserved by the town in the famous community center.
You can visit this town in any season and the fun will be just as much. If you are planning to visit this town do not forget to attend the live events. Just as the name suggests, Parry Sound is home to the international summer music festival known as the Festival of Sound. Make sure to plan your visit accordingly and get a glimpse of this music festival.
If you are planning to visit Canada, make sure to check out our latest post Best Things To Do In Canada.
Also, check out Cool Things To Do In Toronto.
Massasauga Provincial Park
Located close to the city, this park is still in the wilderness. Massasauga Provincial Park is the best place to start your trip and enjoy the natural environment this town is famous for. This site offers so many recreational activities and that too for every season. It is known mostly for canoeing and boating which is the most sought-after experience.
This scenic park is surrounded by hundreds of islands in the Georgian Bay and tourists can visit these islands by renting a kayak or a boat. This place is a must-visit on your trip to Parry Sound and we recommend that you book the nearest resort for the full experience.
Timings: 7 am to 7 pm.
Things To Do: enjoy camping in the forest. Go boating and canoeing. Explore the park and the surrounding islands.
The Museum on Tower Hill
The museum on Tower Hill, also known as the West Parry Sound District Museum is a local museum that preserves and displays the town’s history. It is a great place to spend your day, exploring the heritage and the vibrant past of the town. There are permanent exhibitions about the local history, early days of the settlement, and natural history. Apart from these exhibits, the museum also hosts feature exhibitions on various themes throughout the year.
Timings: Wednesday to Saturday 11 am to 4 pm.
Things to do: take a guided tour of the museum. Explore the history and culture of the town. Take a look at the various collections in the archives section.
For bookings and more information about their latest events, check their website here.
Tower Hill Heritage Garden
When visiting the district museum, make sure to check out the Tower Hill Heritage Garden which is located on the same property. This Heritage Garden is famous for its Lookout Tower which is 30 meters high and provides stunning views of the whole town. You can go up to the top of the tower and have a 360-degree view of the scenic Georgian Bay Harbour.
The whole Garden is well maintained and is a perfect spot to spend the day after visiting the museum.
Timings: Open all day.
Things to do: climb up the town and get scenic views of the town. Go for a walk in the gardens and enjoy a great variety of plants. Visit the Lookout Tower.
Waubuno Beach
This Beach is located on Prospect Street in Parry Sound and is the perfect place to spend your day. Not only the beach is well maintained but also has playgrounds for children. It will be an overall fulfilling experience if you visit this Beach on your trip. There are picnic spots and benches, camping areas, and beautiful beaches.
It is located right next to the Coast Guard Station, which is another nice place that you can see on your trip.
The best way to visit this Beach is by renting a car and enjoying the scenic views of the city.
Timings: Open all days. Things to do: visit the beach. Go swimming. Enjoy a relaxing day at the park and playgrounds. Go for a picnic. Enjoy the barbecue nights.
Killbear Provincial Park
One of the most famous Provincial Parks in Ontario, this place is a one-stop park for anything that suits your interest. It is located near the town of Nobel which is only 30 minutes away from Parry Sound. This park is perfect if you want to enjoy a road trip and also spend an amazing time enjoying nature. There are various activities that you can do like camping, boating, and fishing. The major attraction of this park is the natural wildlife which consists of special species that are now only found in Canada.
Make sure to have a look around and enjoy the natural shorelines.
Timings: Open all days. 8 am to 10 pm.
Things to do: go camping, swimming, boating, and fishing. Take a guided tour of the park. Explore the natural wildlife and plants.
You can visit their website to book your campsite before your trip. Also, find more information about the best accommodations in the area.
Norse Brewery
If you are looking for beer tasting and great hospitality, then you cannot miss this place. Norse Brewery is located outside the town of Parry Sound and is just a 16 minutes drive from the main town. This Brewery is famous for its beers all over Ontario. Their property is well made and you can visit the place with your group to enjoy the cold and fresh brews. They provide so many options for you to taste and you can also purchase some if you like.
Timings: Open all days. 8 am to 11 pm.
Things to do: take a guided tour of their brewery, go for wine and beer tasting, visit their shop.
Strand Twin Theatres
To catch a nice movie on your trip to this town, make sure you visit the Strand Twin Theatres. It is a great place to enjoy a relaxing time with your family and also get to know the local culture of the city. Located on James Street, this theatre is placed in the heart of the city and is a must-visit.
While on your visit to the theatre make sure to visit The Country Gourmet Cafe and Gallery which is situated right outside the theatres. This cafe is famous for its delicious cuisines and desserts which you should definitely try when you are there. Another major attraction about the cafe is that there is an art gallery. It is a small and cozy place that stores local art and great food. A must-visit for everyone.
Timings: check out their website for the latest shows and timings.
Toad Hill Pottery
When in Parry Sound we will definitely recommend you to drive 15 minutes and check out this amazing pottery shop. This place has been run by the owner for 28 years and is one of the most popular arts and craft shops in the region. From various gifting options to utility items, you can find anything to shop in here. You can also find good dining options around the shop and this makes it a perfect place to explore on your road trip.
You can find so much to learn and explore from their wide collections of pottery and it is a really great place to learn more about the local art. So make sure you check out this place.
Timings: Open all days.
Things to do: visit the shop and explore the art. Take a guided tour of the place and learn more about the process. Shop for something on your way back.
Island Queen Cruise
There isn’t a better way to explore the true beauty of Parry Sound than taking the Island Queen Cruise. This exceptionally designed Cruise will give you a unique sightseeing experience of the Georgian Bay and the 30,000 Islands. The cruise gives you a close look at the islands while also explaining to you the history of the coastal town. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you should try this out without a miss.
There are two cruising options to choose from. You can either take a two-hour morning cruise or the flagship tour of a three-hour afternoon cruise. Both of these are great options to try depending on your preference. These tours take you close to the islands and let you enjoy the scenic beauty of Georgian Bay.
Timings: there are two options to choose from, the morning cruise and the afternoon. You can find out more information regarding the latest timings and schedules on Island Queen Cruise.
Things to do: do not miss the Island Queen Cruise.
Georgian Bay Airways Ltd.
Georgian Bay Airways is a unique experience that offers flightseeing trips. They operate only in the months of May to October, so if you ever plan to see Ontario from a private airplane, make sure you plan your trip in advance. This is the perfect way to explore the shorelines and the beautiful views of Parry Islands and the south channel. There are various tours which you can choose from. The most famous Island tour among the tourists is the 30,000 Island Tour which takes you over Killbear Provincial to the shorelines of Sans Souci. This 35-minute tour is the most beautiful thing that you can experience in your lifetime.
Apart from these tours, you should also check out the Henry’s Fish Restaurant which is accessible only by boats or planes. Here you will find the most delicious Pickerel you’ve ever had! So make sure you visit the place.
Timings: Saturday and Sunday. 11 am to 5 pm.
The flights are only available in the months of May to October.
check out Georgian Bay Airways Ltd. for reservations and other information.
Things to do: take an Island tour. Visit Henry’s Fish Restaurant.
Charles W Stockey Centre For The Performing Arts
When visiting Parry Sound you should keep an eye out on what’s happening in the Charles Centre for the Performing Arts. This is a famous sports and performance hall in the town, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year. There is also a sports museum on the premises which is a must-visit.
With so many lively programs to choose from, you should definitely pick one and visit the place for its stunning design.
There will be no better deal if you get to see the annual music festival. The “Festival of the Sound” is primarily performed here and is enjoyed by hundreds of people all over Canada.
Timings: check out their website for the upcoming events and book your tickets there.
Bobby Orr Hall of Fame
This famous museum of Parry Sound preserves the heritage of their hometown hockey legend, Bobby Orr. It has a wide collection of past and present information about sports and famous personalities. You can also buy cool merchandise like jerseys, mugs, and hockey pucks from their gift shop.
It is a really nice place to visit whether or not you are interested in sports.
Timings: Wednesday to Saturday. 10 am to 5 pm.
Visit their website for more information about their latest exhibitions.
Parry Sound is also the most preferred destination for road trips among tourists as it offers so much to explore in the surrounding areas. Make sure you also check out the Oastler Provincial Park and the North Shore Rugged Trail, both of which are amazing outdoor recreational points.
Also, make sure you check out our recent post on Things to Do In Markham and find out what the area has to offer.
Also read, Top Things To Do In Owen Sound.