72 Hours in Parry Sound: Spend a Long Weekend Outdoors

A UNESCO designated biosphere reserve, situated on the shores of Georgian Bay, Parry Sound is an outdoorsman’s dream. This sprawling region is home to eight provincial parks, as well as one national park and more than 30,000 islands.

Just a two-hour drive north of Toronto, and ideal for long-weekend road trips, Parry Sound offers up outdoor activities and breathtaking sunsets over the Bay for the entire family to enjoy.

Go on a Hike Through Nature at Killbear Provincial Park

Take a day trip to Killbear Provincial Park to witness sandy beaches with the rock ridges and pines of the Canadian Shield. Here, thrill-seekers will find waters that offer excellent sailing, windsurfing and even canoeing conditions in some spots. Cast your fishing rod and you may end up getting yourself a selection of Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Pike, Perch or Walleye.

Take a day trip and get active while still enjoying the surrounding scenery. Experience a selection of easy to moderate trails by taking a Killbear Provincial Park Hiking adventure. Self-guided or guided trails can range from a quick and easy 25 minutes to a longer, slightly more challenging experience at just over an hour. Two Points Trail is an easy experience at about 1.6kms long. Hikers will cross over rock outcrops and through different forests before ending off by one of the many sandy beaches along the shoreline. For something more challenging, start at the Lookout Point Trail. This 3.5km loop will take about an hour and a half to complete, while hikers pass through a variety of forest types and rock outcrops, ultimately revealing a breathtaking view of Georgian Bay just halfway through. Don’t limit yourself, visitors can easily experience more than one trail in a single day.

Outdoor Adventure Awaits at the Parry Sound Fitness Trail

Get active by walking, jogging, or biking through the Rotary and the Algonquin Regiment trail, better known locally as the Parry Sound Fitness Trail. Easily recognizable thanks to its pink granite path, this 6km long trail passes through the waterfront, revealing some stunning views of Georgian Bay.

Whether it’s for a relaxing evening walk or part of a regular workout regiment, be sure to get a dose of history and culture while you’re at it. Stop by the Algonquin Regiment memorial, the Shrine Club monument, and the Rotary monument plaques along the way.

Take in Unhindered Views from the Tower Hill Lookout & Heritage Garden

Climb the 130-step staircase of the Tower Hill Lookout to reveal unhindered, 360-degree views of the Georgian Bay Harbour. The ultimate Parry Sound lookout measures 30-meters high and offers the best seat in the house to watch the activity on the water as well as the famous Canadian Pacific Railway trestle bridge.

Rather stay grounded? Directly below the Tower Hill Lookout is the Heritage Garden. Constructed in the 1920s, the Heritage Garden maintains its original flagstone walkway path. Along the way, you’ll encounter rock gardens, a goldfish pond, and a pedestal sundial. Those with a green thumb will notice an abundance of Daffodils in spring, and an array of shrubs and perennials in the summer. For those looking to be one with nature, the garden’s native plant selection attracts birds and butterflies of many species. Beyond its impressive greenery and walking paths, locals and visitors alike will enjoy finding a comfortable spot under the shade to kick back, read a book, or enjoy lunch. Call or email ahead to inquire about their volunteer program, so that you can help to maintain the property during a future trip.

Relax or Play at Waubuno Beach

Spend a day in the soft sand and clean shallow waters at Waubuno beach, a perfect spot for families looking for a relaxing getaway from big city life. Although don’t let this sandy oasis fool you, Waubuno beach offers much more than lying down and sun tanning. Visitors can have a friendly competition at the on-site beach volleyball courts and then satisfy their hunger at the Snack Shack Canteen (available in July & August).

Waubuno Beach is also one of only 24 beaches in Canada to be Blue Flag certified. This highly respected eco-label means that this beach meets strict standards for quality, safety, environmental education, and information.

Special thanks to the staff at the Comfort Inn in Parry Sound, ON for their suggestions.