Parry Sound: Colourful Landscape

	Autumn in Parry Sound Photo Courtesy Bear Claw Tours

Parry Sound, Ontario is a nature wonderland. Located in the province's northeast, Parry Sound sits on the coast overlooking the Georgian Bay, near the Muskoka region. The myriad of colours in the area are striking - the pink granite of the Canadian Shield, the blue of the lakes, bays and rivers, the canopy of green trees in the forest area, the taupe sand. The brilliant shades in fall, from the numerous birches, maples and oaks, have inspired artists and left others awestruck.

The allure of this gateway to the 30,000 Islands area (the large concentration of islands in the Georgian Bay) is manifold. A vibrant waterfront, access to several provincial parks and nature reserves, and a splattering of cultural venues and eateries offer just the right amount of activity while still maintaining a laid back atmosphere.

Canoeing at sunrise? Breezing through a cloud comprised of white sails? Howling with the dogs on a sled run? If these seem appealing, come to Parry Sound and discover why many call it just short of paradise.

HISTORY, ECONOMY AND ACCOMMODATIONS

The Parry Sound vicinity was already considered a holiday destination centuries ago when the Huron First Nations travelled there each summer for fishing and hunting. The Huron tribe was visited by several European explorers during that time who were intent on opening up a lucrative fur trade in the area. The Iroquois tribe, who despised the French and recognized the Huron tribe as French allies, attacked the Hurons with fervour. Between 1660 and 1760 the warfare was calamitous. After much bloodshed, the Hurons exited the area. Later, the Ojibway First Nations settled near the Sequin River, and established a village named "Wasauksing" or shining shore.

In the early 19th Century, British Naval captain Henry Bayfield explored the 30,000 Islands area and named the sound in honour of the Arctic explorer Sir William Edward Parry. Steam ships brought settlers into the vicinity, many for such employment possibilities as road construction and lumbering. Others came to homestead, as the government allotted parcels of land to those over 18 who were prepared to clear and cultivate it. Thus development began. In 1865 William Beatty and his sons purchased a sawmill. They later built a church, introduced a steamship line and founded the Town of Parry Sound.

Parry Sound's economy is a story of boom and bust. The town was quickly recognized as an important shipping area due to easy access to prominent lakes. The railway constructed many crucial lines in the area. And the pine trees spread endlessly, delighting loggers.

Then, the railway closed the lines and the pine trees were logged out, abruptly ending the prosperous shipping and lumbering industries.

A Pioneer Cottage in the Backcountry of Parry Sound Photo CourtesyBear Claw Tours

After some hard times, world events brought change to Parry Sound. Both World Wars prompted an influx of people to the area, as workers from the nearby explosive plants in Nobel chose Parry Sound as a residence. Tourism sparked. As early as the 1920s, vacationers arrived by sail and stagecoach to enjoy the wonders of the area.

Today Parry Sound continues to enthral, as the population balloons from 6,500 during the winter to nearly 75,000 at the peak of summer. Numerous resorts, cottages, and marinas house the seasonal residents. As Parry Sound is still a town in every sense of the word, the planning of accommodations, dining and attractions should be done prior to visiting in order to avoid disappointment.

CLIMATE

Warm sunny weather is often the case in June, July and August, with temperatures averaging between 21°C and 27 °C (70°F and 80 °F). As a Northern Ontario community, Parry Sound can have 'refreshing' temperatures in January and February that range from -3°C to -15°C (5°F to -27 °F).

Fall and spring are often breezy and cool, with occasional warm days. Medium to heavy weight clothing is advised.

TRANSPORTATION

Those who float into town will find abundant full service marinas, docks, piers and slips. Those who want to float have several choices for cruises or boat rentals.

Flyers may land at the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport, located 22 km (13.5 mi) south of the town. Fly-in airplane services are available, and a few businesses offer charters from Toronto and other local areas.

Window seat commuters may enjoy the VIA Rail train service, or bus service by Ontario Northland or GreyHound Coach.

For drivers, the Trans Canada Highway runs right through the town. Travelling southbound on the highway will eventually connect to Highway 400 for a three-hour drive to Toronto. Those coming in recreational vehicles may be accommodated in one of many local campgrounds.

When in Parry Sound, parking is accessible. The small town does not have a transit service, but taxis operate. Rentals for cars and bicycles are available, but the options are not abundant, so plan ahead.

ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS

Popular with water addicts and a paradise for hikers, skiers, and cyclists, Parry Sound is a nature phenomenon. With its countless trails, bodies of water, and diverse backcountry, boredom will never be a factor.

Land
For hikers and mountain bikers, the Sequin Recreational Trail is a must-try. The trail is over 60 km (37.5 mi) long, and covers terrain composed of hardwood forest areas, granite rock and sandy patches. The Park-to-Park Trail that will connect Algonquin Park and Killbear Park, slated to open in 2005, will have the added advantage of being accessible to ATVs, horseback riders, dog sledders and skiers.

Water
Paddlers of both canoes and kayaks have endless choices. Rentals can be arranged, or personal equipment can be brought. Dive charters are also a possibility. Another popular water activity is wakeboarding, which requires a degree of athletic aptitude, as it is more challenging than water skiing and tubing.

Sport fishers can cast their reels and enjoy a plentiful bounty of muskie, bass, rainbow trout, salmon and perch. For those without boats, expert guides or rental shops at the many marinas can be of assistance. Ice hut rentals are available for those braving the invigorating air to fish in winter. Ice fishing season begins in January. All huts must be off the lakes by March 31 when the ice is already getting slushy. Fishing licenses are available at several locations such as tour companies, outdoor outfitters and convenience stores.

The surrounding lakes and rivers of Parry Sound easily number into the hundreds, so the decision of where to go is not an easy one. The Sound itself is popular, as is the Georgian Bay. The surrounding parks have a multitude of lakes and rivers within their boundaries.

	All Terrain Vehicles offer Four Seasons of Activity Photo Courtesy Bear Claw Tours

Snow
Winter is becoming a much more celebrated time in the area. Although several businesses are not open in the off-season (which is normally from late September to May), the blankets of snow offer enticing adventure. Snow conditions are often good from mid December until mid March. Throughout the area there are approximately 2,000 kms (1243 miles) of groomed trails. Nordic skiing on rolling hills in the Georgian Nordic Ski Club engages many, as both skating and classical styles can be accommodated. Dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, ATVing and snowshoeing are also alternatives.

Sightseeing
To visit Parry Sound and not gaze at the beautiful 30,000 Island area would be an abomination. Various cruise boats voyage through the waters, many at sunset, and travel through the intricate puzzle pieces of land in the Georgian Bay area. A sunset cruise on the M.V. Chippewa is popular. For an expansive view of the area, try a sightseeing airplane tour.

Culture
Parry Sound is not without its refinement. Umpteen galleries and antique shops dot the small town. As well, the world famous, three week long Festival of the Sound is a summer highlight. Fine classical musicians host concerts throughout the day and evening. Family concerts are also performed. Besides the more than 50 musical events, the town holds an extravaganza of fireworks along with an illuminated boat parade in the inner harbour.

West Parry Sound District Museum provides an overview of the area, focusing on such themes as trapping, shipping, First Nations, logging, and cottage life. While there, take a look from the Observation Tower. It is a gruelling 131 steps up, but taking in the view of the town and the Georgian Bay from this fire lookout point is worth the perspiration.

Excursions

A Pristine Lakes in the Parry Sound Area Photo Courtesy Bear Claw Tours

Just off Parry Sound is Parry Island that can be reached by a bridge. The Island is a site to see for its pristine beauty juxtaposed with rotting wood and crumbling foundations. Visitors will find one of the largest towns in Ontario to become a ghost town.

Begun in the 1890s by Canadian lumber tycoon John Booth, Depot Harbour was to be a town whose railroad would mark the shortest commercial route to the Atlantic. The shipping port and CNR rail line promised to bring prosperous times to the residents. But after the Depression, the line was shut down, and logging was exhausted. Many warehouses stood empty until WW II, when the nearby dynamite plant in Nobel used them to store cordite, a highly explosive substance. As a grand finale to the town's demise, flaming debris from a fireworks and bonfire celebration became airborne and set the warehouses off with a boom. Depot Harbour has returned to the ownership of the Ojibwa First Nations, so arrangements must be made at the Band office to view the area.