P
arry Sound is the largest natural harbor in Ontario’s Georgian Bay, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago of some 30,000 islands. Named for the famed Arctic explorer William Edward Parry, the Sound is nestled in the heart of UNESCO’s Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. Parry Sound’s history began as a transportation hub for First Nations peoples, with the harbor situated on a natural canoe route that snakes through the 30,000 islands and connects the Ontario interior to the St. Lawrence River. This route later became the European explorers’ ticket to the lucrative fur trade. During the lumbering era, loggers believed the dramatic tracts of virgin pine could never be exhausted — but they proved themselves wrong by the early 1920s when the towering forests were entirely gone. Commercial fishing in Parry Sound was another example of extraordinary success leading to industry demise when overfishing took its toll, exacerbated by the introduction of invasive species. Since the 1920s, however, the lakes have rebounded and fish are once again abundant. The port is storied with sailing and steamship lore, as treacherous Georgian Bay storms claimed vessels like the Waubuno, sunk with all hands in 1879. Later, as the economy evolved, rail service was established in the area in 1897. Today, tourism is the mainstay of the community, and major rail lines and the Trans-Canada Highway run through town. These, along with beautiful Georgian Bay waterways, bring adventure-seekers from far and wide to Parry Sound.
Today in the Sound
The area is a gunkholer’s paradise, with hundreds of great places to drop the hook. And when mariners feel the need for a bit of civilization and provisions, they’ll find the “Jewel of the 30,000 Islands” — the town of Parry Sound. Unlike many Georgian Bay ports that are typically on the outskirts of town, Parry Sound Harbour is right in the heart of Parry Sound, with almost everything mariners need within walking distance. Ships approach Parry Sound either north or south of Parry Island, which protects the Sound from southerly blows. The deepest channel can be found north of Rose Island; while well-marked, captains are reminded to always watch charts and keep a sharp lookout as a missed mark might put you on the Georgian Bay’s notoriously unforgiving rock. As one of the world’s deepest freshwater ports, Parry Sound is a bustling harbor with recreational boaters, annual summer visits by tall ships, seaplanes taking off
and landing, and an occasional cruise ship docking at the Parry Sound Town Dock. But don’t worry about Key West-style congestion, cruise ships dock only about a dozen times during the season. If you come on your own craft, Big Sound Marina on Bob’s Point and the affiliated Town Dock are ready to welcome transients, with 130 slips for boats up to 70 feet, 30and 50-amp power, pump-out, showers and laundry facilities. Harbormaster George Stivrins notes that mariners can get every necessity either on property or nearby; there are 10 restaurants within a 15-minute walk. Fuel is available from nearby Parry Sound Marine or on the south shore at Sound Boat Works.
By land or by sea — or air
Parry Sound is just a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto, and if you’re not coming on your own keel, you can still see the waterside of Parry Sound and beautiful Georgian Bay. The Island Queen Cruise departs daily in season from the waterfront, and features morning and afternoon cruises. Nearby, the M.V. Chippewa III tempts passengers with gourmet dinner cruises, destination cruises to restaurants on Craganmor Island or Frying Pan Island, and craft beer tasting cruises featuring local Trestle Brewing Company libations — also available anytime at the craft brewery’s taproom in town. You can also book passage on a Great Lakes cruise ship and visit many ports including Parry Sound. Choose from the Pearl Seas Cruises’ Pearl Mist or the upscale Ponant Lines’ Le Champlain; the latter just started visiting Parry Sound in 2019. The town welcomes a new ship this spring, the Hanseatic Inspiration, owned and operated by Hapag-Lloyd. Somehow, Harbormaster Stivrins manages to squeeze these occasional cruise ships in on the Town Dock. Georgian Bay Airways’ seaplanes take off right from the Sound to show passengers aerial vistas of Georgian Bay’s rugged coastline and 30,000 islands. Try a “fly and dine” tour; the seaplane ducks into famous Henry’s Fish Restaurant on Frying Pan Island for lunch, where you’ll find the best pickerel (aka walleye) you’ve ever had.
Water, water, everywhere
Parry Sound features watersports of all stripes. Rent kayaks, paddleboards and canoes at White Squall Town Shop, and stock up on all the clothing and gear you need for your expedition. For underwater adventure, you’ll find Clear Water Scuba, which offers instruction, air fills and a fully equipped dive boat. Diver’s Nook features instruction, shipwreck
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MARCH 2020
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