Discover the Fascinating History and Vibrant Present of Parry Sound, Ontario
DCIM100MEDIA
Located in the heart of the UNESCO Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, Parry Sound is a charming coastal town nestled among the breathtaking 30,000 islands of Eastern Georgian Bay. However, the town’s rich history dates back much further than its current reputation as a popular tourist destination.
For generations, Parry Sound was a significant location for the First Nations people who inhabited the area. They used the town centre as a meeting and trading place and relied on the extensive rivers and outer islands for hunting and foraging during the summers.
Later, the region’s abundant white pine trees and free land grants attracted European settlers to the area in the 1860s. Though life was tough for these pioneers who carved their homesteads out of the vast wilderness, the town gradually grew and evolved.
Today, Parry Sound is a thriving community of over 7,000 people serving approximately 20,000 permanent residents from the outlying area. The town’s economy relies heavily on tourism, which draws in around 75,000 visitors during summer. However, recent efforts to diversify the local economy have led to the establishment of several small manufacturing factories and the expansion of the town’s retail sector.
As the first wave of baby boomers enter their retirement years and the region’s job opportunities increase, the population of Parry Sound is expected to continue growing. In recent years, many retirees have chosen to settle in the area for its natural beauty, friendly community, and high quality of life.
Explore Parry Sound, Ontario’s rich history and vibrant presence, and discover what makes this charming coastal town a special place to visit, work, and call home.
- Lakes
- Details
- Schools
- Utilities
Lakes in the Area
Community Details
| Population | 6,408 |
|---|---|
| Size | 13.4 sq km |
| Website | Visit Website |
Schools
| Near North District School Board (NNDSB) |
Parry Sound Public School
Parry Sound High School |
|---|---|
| Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) |
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School
St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School |
| Colleges | Canadore College |
| French | École élémentaire publique de la région de Parry Sound |
Utilities
| Water & Sewer | Visit Website |
|---|---|
| Electricity | Visit Website |
| Natural Gas | Visit Website |
Must Visit Attraction
Festival of the Sound
In 1979, Anton Kuerti bought a summer home near Parry Sound and organized three concerts that the locals very well received. Thus, the Festival of the Sound became Ontario’s first annual international summer classical music festival. Since then, hundreds of Canadian and international musicians have performed at the festival for nearly 40 seasons.
The Festival also offers an education mandate with master classes, workshops, and lectures. The festival has grown from a 2-week $60,000 Festival in 1980 to a 3-week $700,000 Festival in 2019. The Festival has also been awarded a Top 100 award from Festival and Events Ontario for four consecutive years. The Festival has a volunteer Board of Directors who work all year to prepare for the summer concert series, and in 2003, the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts opened on the Parry Sound waterfront.