Located in the heart of Ontario cottage country, Parry Sound is the ideal getaway for anyone who is in love with the outdoors. Hiking is among the more popular recreational opportunities that people in the area undertake; the surrounding hills and forests as well as the beaches of Lake Huron offer some incredibly diverse vistas as well as challenges for hikers at all levels. Let's take a quick look at some of the opportunities you will find for hiking in Parry Sound.
Park to Park Trail System. An exciting new project put together by the Park to Park Trail Association, the system will link trails in the Parry Sound, Muskoka, and Haliburton regions. This system will offer a little bit of everything, from brisk three kilometer jaunts to hikes that will take days to complete; only one section is currently completed, and that is the 74 kilometre section of the Seguin Trail.
Rose Point Trail. This six-kilometre trek is no problem for most hikers. It is located in the Seguin township area and is an important link in the Park to Park system, as it joins Killbear to Algonquin Provincial Park and its many trails. It is a great hike for those who love to trek along a river; the green waters of the Boyne run along the length of the trail, right to the waters of Georgian Bay. Wildlife viewing enthusiasts always have a chance at seeing deer, bear, or moose, and one of the ponds on the trail is actually home to an endangered species of minnow.
Parry Sound Fitness Trail. It sounds like it might be a bit of a challenge, but the Parry Sound Fitness Trail is not very technical and can be hiked safely by even beginner hikers. The Fitness Trail runs along the shores of Georgian Bay, all the way along Parry Sound Harbour. It's 6 and a half kilometres of flat land hiking, with a rewarding view the entire way. The perfect way to start and keep up a fitness routine!
Seguin Trail Orrville. The Seguin Trail is actually a huge trail, spanning over 200 kilometres and covering various terrains. Fortunately for anyone who wants to take a look at what this magnificent trail has to offer, there are several entry points onto the trail along the way. The Orrville entry point is one of the most popular, with plenty of parking available at the Community Hall and a 13-kilometre hike in to the spectacular Seguin Falls. The terrain does tend to rise; so only those in reasonably good physical shape should take this trail.
If you're looking for a great summer getaway that offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, you need look no further than Parry Sound, Ontario. The array of activity to be found here is amazing and is evidenced by the fact that nearly half of Parry Sound's population during the summer months is due to tourists.
The region is breathtakingly beautiful, overlooking the 30,000 Islands region of Georgian Bay and the world's deepest freshwater harbour. Located just two hours north of Toronto, Parry Sound is easily accessible by the Trans Canada Highway.
Since Parry Sound is located on the waterfront, many of the favoured activities include water sports; sailing, cruising, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are among the most popular. The annual dragon boat races are great fun, for spectators and participants alike. Scuba diving in Georgian Bay is quite an adventure thanks to the graveyard of sunken ships and wrecks to be found in the waters off Parry Sound.
If you prefer dry land, Parry Sound also offers a host of land-based activities including hiking along the scenic pathways, sightseeing, shopping in quaint boutiques, picnicking in the meadows, and cycling along the waterfront. There are also many summer festivals to enjoy including the Festival of the Sound which features a series of classical and instrumental concerts. This series of concerts takes place at the end of July and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Parry Sound is also rich in heritage and culture. Once home to the Ojibway Indians, Parry Sound offers numerous historic locations such as Indian settlements and pioneer homesteads which are open for exploration. At the other end of the entertainment spectrum, the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts offers presentations ranging from comedians and ?down home? musicians to opera classics, gospel music and plays.
It's no wonder that Explore, Canada's Outdoor Magazine, ranked Parry Sound one of the top 10 best outdoor towns in Canada (March 2007).
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