Camping, kayaking, hiking, and hockey stars—attractions abound in Parry Sound.
Crisp waters, colorful trees, and outdoor adventures make up this tiny town on the eastern shore of Ontario. Sitting 225 km north of Toronto, Parry Sound offers access to Georgian Bay beaches, provincial parks, and winding islands along the shoreline. This small pocket of Ontario invites campers to explore acres of natural paradise with boat tours, hiking trails, scuba diving, and island cruises. Take in the area’s arts and culture by venturing downtown to The Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts or the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. With tent camping, RV parks, cabin rentals, and glamping options, campers will find their perfect pathway through Parry Sound.
Water warriors will love Oastler Lake Provincial Park—a short 11-minutes from Parry Sound. Designed for boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming, campers can choose from many campsites in the park, including The Point Campground, a radio-free and free use location. Campers can also consider a waterfront site with panoramic views of Oastler Lake, best known for its rainbow trout. Nearby campgrounds feature ATV trails, mini golf, swimming pools, free wi-fi, and pet-friendly amenities.
Birds, bikes, and hikes call campers to Killbear Provincial Park. Journey 32 km north of Parry Sound to find an irresistible site surrounded by water and wildlife like hawks, herrons, hummingbirds, warblers, woodpeckers, and wood thrushes (and chances to spot bald eagles in fall). A 6-km recreational trail, discovery programs, and sandy beaches at every campground make this a family-friendly oasis. With over 800 campsites across its grounds, campers will find everything from tree-topped hideaways to waterfront sites, full RV hookups, and cabin rentals.
Sealing the stretch between Parry Sound and Moon River, The Massasauga Provincial Park’s vivacious views are in the heart of Georgian Bay country. Known for its backcountry camping, find sites throughout the inland forests and lakes, or paddle out to an island paradise. Rustle into rugged shorelines and spot the iconic windswept pines from comfort campsites with fire pits and picnic tables. Providing prime places to portage and many campsites to choose from, The Massasauga brings campers to secluded serenity in spring, summer, and fall.
To guarantee access to the many town highlights, visit Parry Sound in June, July, or August. Summer months offer idyllic warm temperatures for water activities, beachside picnics, and nights under the stars. However, the fall foliage can’t be beat for campers wishing to cozy up in cooler temperatures under a canopy of jaw-dropping trees. Similarly, the spring bloom in Parry Sound and nearby Muskoka provide waves of wildflowers as the temperatures begin to rise. While winter camping does exist, temperatures are consistently below 0°C and only await those prepared to brave the Canadian cold.