Parry Sound District: Islands, Waterways and Cultural History

In Parry Sound District, rugged shorelines, islands and waterways offer glimpses into the region’s history. Experiences range from a recreation trail in Killbear Provincial Park to a long canoe route on the French River. There is also the Museum on Tower Hill, two Artists' Stations in Parry Sound and trails at Salt Dock Wharf. You can make nature and water activities the focus of your stay, along with cultural history.

Waterways and Islands

Killbear Provincial Park has a 6 km recreation trail for hiking and cycling. Canoeing and kayaking are also possible. The park also has more than 12 km of rugged shoreline and three islands to explore. This means trails on land and activities on the water sit side by side in the same park, complemented by an extensive shoreline.

The landscape of Massasauga Provincial Park includes hundreds of wind-shaped islands, as well as inland forests and lakes. Wilderness camping along Georgian Bay extends from Parry Sound to the Moon River. Calhoun Lodge offers a different perspective on the history of cottage life, providing a glimpse into life at a cottage in the 1930s.

The French River in French River Provincial Park is a river of national historic significance and was the first designated Canadian Heritage River. The 105 km canoe route runs from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay and includes interconnected lakes, gorges and rapids. The visitor centre offers an additional cultural perspective: it presents the history of First Nations and of the French and English cultures that lived, worked and travelled on these waterways for centuries.

Culture and History in Parry Sound

The Museum on Tower Hill dedicates its permanent exhibition to logging, shipping and early life in the north. The museum also offers the Northern Nature Exchange, an activity that encourages people of all ages to appreciate nature and learn about the environment through observation.

Two Artists' Stations in Parry Sound each look out onto views that Tom Thomson painted during his visit in 1914. The stations connect specific viewpoints with the history of an artist who painted these views at the time.

Trails and Activities at Oastler Lake

Oastler Lake Provincial Park is suited to day visits for swimming, family picnics and barbecuing. Summer is the best time to fish for rainbow trout, pike and bass. Canoes are available to rent on a “first come, first served” basis; they may only be used in the park on Oastler Lake.

The North Shore Rugged Hiking Trail is a 2.5 km natural hiking trail at Salt Dock Wharf that runs to the municipal boundary of McDougall. Along with the 6 km recreation trail in Killbear, it offers a comparison of trail distances for planning: one trail is designated for hiking and cycling, while the other is a natural hiking trail.

Discover more destinations: Parry Sound District, Nipissing, Rosseau, Emsdale, Port Loring, Sundridge, South River, Callander, Magnetawan, Mcdougall.

For the complete travel overview: Ontario.