Explore this beautiful area while enjoying your visit to Killbear... who knows, you might just decide to stay.
Parry Sound is a town of 6500 located 30 minutes from Killbear Provincial Park. The town has everything you might need during your stay including a hospital, drug stores, grocery stores, souvenir shops, camping supplies stores, bike shops, bed and breakfasts, hotels and many restaurants. It also has a museum, bowling alley, movie theatre and two book stores for those rainy days and nights.
Located right on Georgian Bay, Parry Sound has a town dock which is a perfect place to go for a stroll while eating an ice cream cone and watching the boats in the harbour. There is also a beautiful waterfront trail and 2 public beaches.
Just outside of Killbear on Highway 559 are several businesses where you can get ice, firewood, camping supplies, souvenirs, canoe and kayak rentals, ice cream and fudge. The Killbear Park Mall and The Detour Store are general stores while Perk’s Fish and Chips and the Bread ‘N Butter Kitchen provide local flavour.
No visit to the area is complete without a tour of the 30,000 islands. You can choose either the Island Queen or The Chippewa for your excursion. If you’d rather get a bird’s eye view, book a sight-seeing tour with Georgian Bay Airways. For a truly unique experience combine a tour with a meal at one of the restaurants located on islands south west of Parry Sound. It’s worth the effort to eat at either Craganmor Point Resort or Henry’s Fish Restaurant.
For another memorable meal try Gilly’s Snug Harbour Restaurant, a short 15 minute drive from Killbear. Gilly’s has great sunset views over Georgian Bay and some of the best food around. Most of their fish is caught by a commercial fishermen out of nearby Byng Inlet. They can be very busy and they don’t take reservations.
White Squall Paddling Centre on West Carling Bay road has the best supply of camping equipment, kayaks, canoes, and Stand Up Paddle Boards anywhere. Besides sales and rentals, White Squall offers lessons and guided trips – from day excursions to overnight trips where you can truly experience the magic of the 30,000 islands. The owners of White Squall are big supporters of the Friends of Killbear and have donated numerous kayaks, canoes and SUP’s over the years as the main prize for the Friends of Killbear raffle.
Area Attractions
West Parry Sound District Museum
The history of Parry Sound District comes alive with displays on logging, shipping and frontier life. The museum grounds also offer lovely gardens and a lookout tower with a panoramic view of Georgian Bay. museumontowerhill.com
Charles W Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts
The Centre has an amazing summer line up of concerts. www.stockeycentre.com
Bobby Orr Hall of Fame
Filled with memorabilia from Bobby Orr’s career, as well as from other exceptional athletes with ties to Parry Sound, and interactive games for kids to play. bobbyorrhalloffame.com
Festival of the Sound
Beginning in mid-July, Parry Sound comes to life with the music and special events of the Festival of the Sound. Each season brings something new with more than 50 musical events in 3 weeks. festivalofthesound.ca
Park To Park Trail
The main part of the trail begins at the Tim Hortons/Licks (10 km south of Parry Sound on Highway 400) and extends 61 km eastward along the old J.R. Booth railway to Ottawa. The trail is available for walking and biking, with designated areas for motorized recreational vehicles. parktoparktrail.org
Rotary & The Algonquin Regiment Waterfront Trail
This trail winds along the picturesque Parry Sound shoreline and allows one to enjoy Georgian Bay in its natural splendour. Park at the Stockey Centre and walk to the Salt Docks for a great Parry Sound experience.
Farmers' Markets
- Parry Sound - Summer Tuesdays, Parry Sound Market Square, 9am - 2pm
- Carling - Summer Saturdays, Carling Recreation Hall, 8am - 1pm
Area Events
There is lots going on in the Parry Sound area throughout the year, and especially during the summer months. Find out what is happening during your stay on the following sites: