Pat and Cindy's Great Loop Adventure

Visit to Parry Sound, Ontario

August 18 – 21

The docks at Big Sound Marina in Parry Sound

We spent a wonderful weekend in the town of Parry Sound, August 18 – 21. We try to explore and anchor out during the week as there is less boat traffic. Then we hit a marina for the weekend to restock provisions, do laundry, catch up on wi fi, and get our steps in. Friday and Saturday were record walking days for me. My Fitbit registered 19,000 steps on both days!

Mural of sawmills – downtown Parry Sound

In 1863, William Beatty, with sons James and William, acquired a sawmill erected at the mouth of the Seguin River. The following year they were granted a license of occupation for 2,000 acres.  In addition to lumbering they laid out a town plot, promoted settlement, opened a store, built a church, roads and operated boats on Lake Huron.

Tribute to William Beatty, founder of Parry Sound

William “Governor” Beatty (1835-1898) lived here and managed the family’s enterprises, stimulating the growth of Parry Sound. Incorporate as a town in 1887, it was named in honor of Sir William Edward Parry, noted Artic explorer.       

We stayed at Big Sound Marina – a decent and welcoming facility.

Pat by one one of the big boats!

We met many local boaters as this marina is their home port. For these local boaters, this is their weekend getaway. They stay on their boats like staying in a cottage, and the docks are common ground to meet and greet. They barbecue at the grills, take short boat rides, lounge on the grounds reading books, and visit the town. They are curious about “Loopers!” Saturday we were pleasantly surprised as Laurie and Ray (they took us to Costco in Penetang!) showed up with another couple. It was great to see them again.

 Just steps from the marina is a museum dedicated to Bobby Orr, a famous hockey player born in Parry Sound, who played for the Boston Bruins.

Bobby Orr – hometown hero and hockey legend

Patrick remembers his sister Kathleen having a poster of “Bobby Orr, No. 4” in her room when they were growing up.

Just past this museum is a walking/bike trail around the town with serene views of the bay. This statue greets you at the entrance of the trail.

Tribute to Chief Francis Pegahmagabow, superior scout and sniper during First World War.
See explanation below.
One of the waterfront restaurants

There are restaurants within walking distance. Always nice to have a dinner out – and more French fries with gravy – yum!

I loved this one upscale home furnishings store – Huckleberry’s of Ontario.

I want to change out my bedroom furnishings!

These I should have bought. When I go home will visit their website!

Oh, the innocent faces of these deer!

It had been so long since visiting a store like this – one where I don’t buy but get inspirations from. It’s like a Pottery Barn for all things nautical and Georgian Bay. I’ll definitely visit their website when I return home.     

I walked to the Solby’s grocery store one day, and to a farmer’s market the next day. Patrick and I walked to Mass on Saturday afternoon at St. Peter the Apostle.

It was one of the best Mass services we have attended during our Loop journey.

Another cool feature of this town were the two options for scenic touring – the 10,000 Island Cruise Line – Island Queen of Toronto and Parry Sound Harbour Seaplane Base.

You can book a sea plane tour here. You hear them overhead all the time.
This young girl flies this plane! Thought of Andrew – he would love to fly these sea planes.

We left Sunday, August 21, to continue our exploration of Georgian Bay, heading to Regatta Bay.     

More on that in our next blog.  Following are photos from our stay in Parry Sound.

Found this amazing store that sells used books. I was able to surprise Pat with more Vince Flynn books.
This is a series that you read in chronological order.
Thanks to George Kunzmann for the reading recommendation!
This bear welcomes you! And there is a big black labrador that roams the bookstore aisles. So cute!
Very nice Mass service here.
We met a wonderful couple aboard this sailboat – Ray and Saskia. She is Dutch and this is the name of Rembrandt’s wife! This is their home port. They weekend here with their little dog, Cricket.
This moose was outside the waterfront restaurant. For you, Kathleen!
Captain Pat couldn’t believe this old railway bridge.
Quite the cargo.
We loved this “Irish” boat! They are doing the loop – Philip and Delores. Look at the name!
This artist is amazing. Some of his sketches on word goes for a million dollars.
Wish his last name was spelled with a t “Thompson”!
Lots of beautiful sailboats
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – by the walking path
“Sunshine” docked at Big Sound Marina
Pat walking the docks

Love these pennants at Huckleberry’s! We should do for the islands at Lake Winnipesaukee.
These last photos are from my window shopping at Huckleberry’s.
Interesting way to capture a boat in this photo.
Always loved framed maps – and the oars on this lamp.

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10 responses to “Visit to Parry Sound, Ontario”

  2. Wow! One of your best tours ever!!
    I never realized I was so uneducated and underexposed about my own continent. A real wake-up call as there is so much to see. and do. (spent 2 hours this AM taking my cousins in UK on my and Margarita’s two self guided visits to Russia) and I don’t even know my home ground. Thanks to you both!!
    PS: Cardinal Nolan told me to stop pushing veggies as you are exercising most of the calories into the “stratosphere” with your very hard work. You passed his house at the mouth of the Hudson.
    Happy Sunday………You are both missed but still too hot to come home……..
    Bill and Margarita

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  3. Loved your comments, except the fact that you understated the attributes of Robert Gordon Orr – Bobby Orr. He was the best defenseman ever, and had it been for knee injuries and questionable decisions by the doctor who performed the first knee operation, he would be a consensus favorite for the greatest player ever. The only defenseman to win a scoring championship and the NHLs best defenseman in 7 of the 8 years that he played. The first year he had to settle for Rookie of the Year.

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      • Bobby Hull was my favorite player – on the ice. (Off the ice, not everything was great). You have to add his WHA stats, adjust for 70 game seasons and he was the greatest goal scorer ever Mike Bossy could rival that comment but his career was almost as short as Orr’s.

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    • Thanks Cam! Yes Bobby Orr reigns supreme as a hockey professional. I’ll have to update that post accordingly. Also commendable how he is so generous with his time and funds as he helps his fellow hockey players who have fallen on hard times due to drugs and alcohol. I read an excerpt from his autobiography. I’ll buy to read and send to you if you’d like. Looks like your visit to Portugal was an amazing time! Cindy and Pat

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  4. Hi Cindy and Pat, Thank you for all of your photos and log. It sounds like you are having a really lovely adventure! Just another hot summer here in So Florida so I am sure you are enjoying some cooler weather up North along with all the unique places. God Bless and keep you safe and sound.

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  5. what a wonderful adventure. thank you for sharing, Do you remember when neighbors returned from their vacation? They invite you over for dinner, and after dinner they’d bring out their slide projector and show all their kodak slides on the sheet tacked up on the wall. Remember.. I know you remember… Well now, you’ve modernized the vacation kodak slideshow.. Good job.

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