Where to hike in the Parry Sound area.

The Parry Sound has many areas waiting to be explored on foot. Situated on the Canadian shield right next to Georgian Bay you can expect to hike on on stunning Granite that was exposed during the last ice age 11,000 years ago. Hikes in our area vary from inland trails through stunning White Pine forests visiting smaller inland lakes to rugged trails along the shores of Georgian Bay. Georgian Bay is part of the Great Lake Huron but is itself 80% the size of Lake Ontario. This body of water approximately 15,000 square kilometres is crystal clear freshwater amazing for a swim or paddling adventure. Parry Sound is on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay and is in the Georgian Bay Biosphere an region designated as globally-important by UNESCO in 2004.

Rose Point Trail

8 km return (2.5 hours)

The Rose Point Trail which is conveniently located just kilometres from the centre of the town of Parry Sound is 4kms long (one way) and follows the final length of J.R. Booth’s railroad originally transporting lumber and grain connecting Georgian Bay with Vermont (via Ottawa). This trail is part of the larger Park-to-Park trail connecting Killbear provincial park with Algonquin provincial park. This is a multi-use trail for hiking, biking or with a permit ATVing. The Rose Point Trail crosses the meandering Boyne river many times while it flows towards Georgian bay. There are also multiple small lakes and ponds that you pass with interpretive signage and great opportunities to view waterfowl such as Great Blue Herons and Duck.

Trail head location: James bay junction road or Rose Point

Rugged Point Trail

3.7km loop (1 hour)

If you only have time to take one short hike while you are in Parry Sound this would be the one we recommend. The Rugged point trail departs from the Salt Docks right in the Town of Parry Sound and follows the shoreline along the edges of the sound itself for 3.1 kms looking out towards Georgian Bay. There are multiple trails in this loop system one along the rugged shoreline and others through the trees. Be warned that the name rugged is in the name of this trail for a reason. Sections can be steep and slippery when wet.

Trail head location: Salt Docks

Fitness Trail (Waterfront Trail)

8 km return (2.5 hours)

This maintained in-town trail is mainly flat and a very easy walk. 8 km return journey if you start at the end of the trail, however there are other parking options along the trail if you just want to do one section. This trail from south to north goes over the Seguin river, through the downtown waterfront area (great place to add an evening meal to your hike) past the Island Queen cruise boat, past the Stockey Centre for the performing arts and along the shores of the sound until it passes the Coastguard station and Waubuno beach. The trail ends at the Salt Docks If you want to extend your hike you can continue onto the Rugged Point trail once you get to the salt docks.

Trail head locations: Salt Docks or Champagne Street. Alternatively join the trail in the middle at the Stockey Centre or Wabuno Beach.

Killbear Provincial Park

Killbear Provincial Park which is a peninsula at the Northern entrance to Parry Sound boasts 6 kms of recreational trails to hike or bike and stunning white sand beaches on the shores of crystal clear Georgian Bay. The price of using this provincial park is just $13 per day for daily vehicle permit ($10 for age 65+) If you already have a seasonal day use permit for Ontario parks use is free.

Trail head location: Killbear Provincial Park parking areas, see signs.

Twin Points Trail

1.6 km loop (40 minutes) easy

The trail crosses over rock outcrops and through different types of forest until it makes its way to the rocky points and sandy beaches of the shoreline. A trail guide interprets the geological features found along the way.

Lookout Point Trail

3.5 km loop (1.5 hours) moderate

This trail winds through a variety of forest types and rock outcrops and provides a breathtaking view of Georgian Bay at the midway point. A trail guide explains the ecology of the area.

Lighthouse Point Trail

800m loop (25 minutes) easy to moderate

This short trail takes you to the tip of Killbear Point and offers superb views of Georgian Bay and interesting rockscapes.

Recreational Trail

6 km linear (3 hours) easy to moderate

The recreational trail runs parallel to the main park road from the park entrance to Lighthouse Point. The trail winds through hemlock groves, hardwood forest and rock outcrops and is ideal for hiking, jogging, cycling or nature watching.