Located on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay on Lake Huron, home to the Thirty Thousand Islands that make up the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, the town of Parry Sound is famous for its natural sights, including the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated area created to preserve biodiversity in the region. Many come here to enjoy Waubuno Beach, hike around Three Legged Lake, or experience the beauty of the islands from aboard a boat. In summer, it can seem like the whole town comes out for the Parry Sound Summer Market in Market Square Park, and there are worse ways to spend a spring afternoon than by strolling the historic Tower Hill Heritage Garden, laid out in the 1920s. In the evening, head to Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts to check out films, music, and captivating live performances.

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is a little over two hours away by car. The best way to explore this region is to rent a car at the airport and take the Georgian Bay Coastal Route, an 830-mile loop around the bay that has stops at popular scenic sites, including Manitoulin Island, Bruce Peninsula, and Wasaga Beach. Ontario Northland buses and Via Rail trains connect Parry Sound to other cities throughout northern Ontario and across Canada. The city also offers local taxis and charter buses.

Spring, summer, and fall are the best times of year to book a cottage rental in Parry Sound, as temperatures remain fairly moderate. Spring and summer are popular for vibrant greenery and opportunities for hiking and boating. In the summer, Festival of the Sound is a three-week classical music event that also hosts jazz and folk acts. Winters can be bone-chillingly cold and snowy, which is perfect for those who come here for snowshoeing and excellent ice fishing.

Georgian Bay

One of the main reasons to visit Parry Sound is to get up close and personal with Georgian Bay — all 5,800 square miles of it. Popular activities include cruising around the Thirty Thousand Islands, freediving in the blue waters, and exploring the coast by kayak or canoe. The bay is also a hotspot for scuba diving, where you can witness massive shipwrecks, geological walls and barriers, and the plethora of wildlife.

The Museum on Tower Hill

Distinguished by its 96-foot-tall forest fire lookout tower, the Museum on Tower Hill is where you’ll learn about First Nations tribes and dive deeper into the logging and shipping industry that put Parry Sound on the map. Perched at the top of Tower Hill, the museum has stunning views of Georgian Bay, a heritage garden, and plenty of picnic tables.

Oastler Lake Provincial Park

Surrounded by lakes and hiking trails, Oastler Lake Provincial Park, 10 minutes’ drive away, is a lovely place to lounge under a canopy of stars before heading back to your house for rent in Parry Sound. Bring your bike or hiking gear and explore the Seguin Recreational Trail, which takes about 90 minutes and is quite popular during the fall foliage season. Other activities include canoeing, swimming, and fishing for rainbow trout and bass. Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the many lakeside tables.