A Brief History of Parry Sound, ON

The town of Parry Sound, Ontario is located right on Georgian Bay, and is one of the most desirable cottage country destinations for vacationers. However, it has also seen steady population growth over the last decade as more and more make Parry Sound their home.

This quaint town is perhaps most well-known for its beautiful, untouched nature views, iconic railway, and historic downtown area. Rich in history, Parry Sound is a great place to get away during the humid summer months, but is also a wonderful option for those looking to settle down in the central Ontario region. 

Early Parry Sound, ON

Although Parry Sound was officially incorporated as a town in the year 1887, its history does date back a little further than that. Parry Sound was originally home to Indigenous groups, specifically the Wasauksing First Nation, before loggers and lumbermen arrived in the area. 

As a result, the area of Parry Sound (before it was a town) was the site of a sawmill. However, this sawmill was eventually sold off in 1865. The man who purchased it, William Beatty, would become the town’s founder. 

The actual harbour, Parry Sound, was named after the British explorer Sir William Edward Parry, who sought to discover the Northwest Passage. Although he was unsuccessful, at that point in history, he had been the closest to finding a viable route. 

Town expansion continued over the years, but Parry Sound found its economic boom with the railway expansion, which was constructed in 1897.

Parry Sound Claims to Fame

Parry Sound is also recognized as the birthplace of Canadian hockey legend Bobby Orr, who played defense for the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks. With a career that spanned twelve years, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979.

Art enthusiasts will also know Parry Sound as a source of inspiration for many works created by The Group of Seven, a collection of Canadian painters who focused primarily on scenery as a subject. The artist A.J. Casson had created several oil paintings depicting the Parry Sound landscape.

Modern Parry Sound, ON

Nowadays, Parry Sound is a prime destination for vacationing Southern Ontarians. Those located in Toronto and the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) take the 400 up to the Parry Sound and Muskoka Lakes region during the summer and early-autumn months. Parry Sound, with its vibrant and welcoming community, is also a great place to make home for those looking to escape the sights and sounds of the city.

The town of Parry Sound has two museums that one can visit to learn more about the area’s history. The first is the Charles W. Stockey Centre & Bobby Orr Hall Of Fame, located on Bay Street, right by the waterfront—and is a must-see for hockey fans. The West Parry Sound District Museum can be found on George Street. Stop by for interactive exhibits and beautiful grounds.

Following in the footsteps of great Canadian artists, Parry Sound has its own art gallery, the G'zaagin Art Gallery, which showcases Ojibway/Potawatomi works. Many local artists are part of artist groups with events, performances, and more.

The town’s concert hall, the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts, hosts numerous events throughout the year. Most notably, Parry Sound hosts the annual Festival of Sound here, an annual classical music celebration. Other annual events include the Sport Recreation & Leisure Fair in spring, the Sweet Honey Festival in fall, and the Santa Claus Parade in winter.

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