Parry Sound is an especially beautiful area of Ontario’s cottage country. In the winter, it offers stunning beauty and a variety of outdoor activities with which to fully enjoy the season. Bordering the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland during the winter months. Book one of CottageLINK Rental Management’s many waterfront cottage rentals to stay in, and start planning your trip today. Read on to discover the top winter activities in Parry Sound, Ontario!
Where is Parry Sound?
The District of Parry Sound borders on the west to Georgian Bay, south to Mactier, east to Sundridge, and north to the French River Provincial Park. Approximately 200 km north of Toronto, it’s an easy weekend getaway for anyone heading from the Greater Toronto area. It is accessible via Highway 400, along main roads and highways.
Please note that caution must be used during the winter. Highway 400 is prone to white-out conditions during snowfalls. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with good snow tires. In addition, ensure a good supply of windshield washer fluid and a full tank of gas before heading out. Ideally, a winter emergency kit is recommended.
Winter Activities in Parry Sound | Snowmobiling | Hit the Trails | Ice Fishing | Ice Skating | Toboganning
Snowmobiling in Parry Sound
So close to Georgian Bay, with frequent winter lake-effect snow squalls, Parry Sound is the perfect location for snowmobiling. There are hundreds of kilometers of groomed trails throughout the area. The trails are part of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail system.
Popular snowmobiling trails include the Seguin Trail and the Park-to-Park Trail. The Seguin Trail is 61-kilometre long and runs from Algonquin Provincial Park to Killbear Provincial Park. The Park-to-Park Trail is a 230-kilometre trail connecting Killbear Provincial Park to Algonquin Provincial Park.
Hit the Trails | Snowshoeing | Cross-Country Skiing | Fat Biking
Parry Sound’s hiking trails are enjoyed year-round, and winter is a great time to use them! Although deep snow makes winter hiking a challenge (after all, who enjoys plunging into deep snow that overflows and trickles down the sides of your boots?), it can be done when the snow is just a few inches deep. Snow quickly accumulates, making hiking difficult, but that’s when other sports shine!
Switch your activity to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or fat biking for added fun in the deeper snow. Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre is a great place to go for any of these activities. If you don’t have your own equipment already, rentals are available there for all 3 sports as long as the chalet is open.
Snowshoeing in Parry Sound
Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore Parry Sound’s winter beauty at an easy, relaxed speed, and this makes it an easy sport to pick up for people of all fitness levels. The quietness of the trails in winter makes for a truly peaceful winter experience.
One of the best places for snowshoeing in the area is the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre, with a number of maintained trails. If you do have your own equipment, you can snowshoe on the lake in front of your winter-ready cottage, ice conditions permitting.
Cross-Country Skiing
For cross-country ski enthusiasts, you’ll find that Parry Sound is a great destination to head to in the winter. With its reliable snow cover and the extensive network of groomed ski trails, you’ll be sure to be pleased. The Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre is the best place to go skiing as well, with over 30 km of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing.
Cross-country skiing is an exhilarating way to enjoy the fresh air while getting a full-body workout. Who doesn’t enjoy the ease and excitement of sailing down the slope after you’ve climbed it the hard way, after all? Many trails wind through beautiful forests and offer glimpses of local wildlife.
Fat Biking in Parry Sound
Fat biking is a newer sport, an exhilarating way to explore the winter landscape. Their wide tires are specially designed to provide better traction on snow and ice. Fat bikes allow biking enthusiasts to extend the season year-round, and trail riding adds an additional layer of fun! The Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre is again the best destination in the area for fat biking, with a network trails.
For those who do enjoy biking, fat biking is a fantastic alternative to traditional winter sports, providing a great workout while experiencing the region’s winter landscape.
Ice Fishing
Parry Sound’s frozen lakes are great for ice fishing during the winter months. Georgian Bay and the area’s inland lakes are home to many fish species suited to ice fishing, including perch, pike, walleye and whitefish.
Ice fishing is an easy sport to enjoy, even for those new to it. There’s no need for any motorized transportation, simply wear your winter boots and walk to your preferred fishing spot. For an extra layer of comfort, ice huts can be rented, and all the necessary gear can be rented locally if you don’t have your own. The waterfront in front of your rental cottage is even more convenient. Spend a full day on the ice and then head back to the cottage to enjoy a delicious meal of your fresh-caught fish.
Ice Skating in Parry Sound
Ice skating is a classic Canadian winter activity to enjoy, along with hockey. With the famous NHL star Bobby Orr having grown up there, it’s natural that ice skating is a popular pastime in Parry Sound. We think it’s more fun to skate outside when you can, and Kinsman Park in the town of Parry Sound has an outdoor rink available when conditions permit. In the wider area, there are a number of rinks available, both indoors and outdoors. The Bobby Orr Community Centre is a great indoor option.
For a more natural, back-to-basics skating experience, many lakes and ponds freeze over, creating natural ice rinks. Always check ice conditions before venturing on the water though. Many cottages near Parry Sound have private skating areas on their waterfronts, making it easy to enjoy a fun day on the ice with family and friends.
Tobogganing
Anyone who grew up in a cold climate will no doubt have fond memories of heading to the nearest hill with your sleds and toboggans. It’s one of the best memories of childhood in the winter! If your group includes children, and you have sleds, head to Kinsmen Park in Parry Sound and try out their toboggan hill!
Other activities that can be done with the snowy landscape without the need for a hill or any special equipment are the traditional ones such as building snowmen, making snow angels, and making a snow fort or tunnel. Why not try some snow painting, or making a snow obstacle course? The opportunities for fun are endless!
A Winter Wonderland Awaits
Parry Sound is an incredible destination year-round, offering both amazing scenery and plenty of activities to participate in, and the fun continues through the winter. Enjoy a wealth of activities ranging from snowmobiling and fat biking to ice fishing and skating. There’s no excuse to be bored in this beautiful region of Ontario!
Staying at a private rental cottage is a great option for accommodations in the area. Spend your days exploring the winter wonderland surrounding you before returning to a fully-equipped, warm and cozy living room in front of the fireplace.
Plan your winter getaway cottage rental in Parry Sound today, and experience the magic of an Ontario winter!
