Wonderful Parry Sound, on the eastern shore of the same sound, is a beautiful and quaint village of about 7,000 people, about two hours from Toronto. Well known as cottage country, thousands of vacationers visit every summer to enjoy the fresh air, rich culture, and plentiful outdoor activities.
One trip here, and you’ll be more than curious about the opportunities to build a more permanent vacation spot of your very own with the help of a custom home builder who can construct your dream cottage. While there are thousands of reasons why Parry Sound is so popular – 30,000, in fact! – here are the top five arguments for making this village your getaway destination.
Parry Sound is Rich in Culture and History
Those who love Canadian history will appreciate the small town’s major contributions to the development of the Great White North. Boasting the world’s deepest natural freshwater port, Parry Sound has been home to intrepid First Nations people for millennia. Eight different tribes, which include the Ojibway, Potawatomi, and Shawanagay, have leveraged the abundant freshwater, excellent navigation, and ample natural resources throughout history; they remain well-represented throughout the area, enabling you to enjoy the cultural heritage of Canada’s first people.
In modern history, Parry Sound has been a crucial port for Canadian commerce, both by water and by rail. It also played a critical role in both World Wars as a munitions depot and cordite factory. As you build your perfect dream living room in your cottage, you may consider paying homage to these facets of Parry Sound’s history through indigenous art made by local artisans from the First Nations tribes.
You’re Surrounded by Top Tier Provincial Parks
One of the reasons that people love Parry Sound is the diverse ecosystem. The region is home to a dizzying array of provincial parks, including Killbear, Sturgeon Bay, Massassauga, Grundy, Oastler Lake, and French River, which offer everything from fishing to horseback riding. Carefully stewarded by the Canadian government and indigenous representatives, Parry Sound is a haven for eco-conscious tourism through pristine deciduous continental forests. You can also appreciate the unique landscape of the Canadian Shield, known for its dramatic exposed rocks that are apparent through the ledges, coves, and bays in the sound.
There are 30,000 Islands to Explore
Parry Sound is home to the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, known as the 30,000 Islands. The unique Georgian Bay Biosphere has a mind-boggling amount of topological and ecological diversity, a rich lacework of fiords, bays, coves, beaches, and even underwater caves! Water exploration is one of the most popular ways to visit the islands, which range in size from a mere speck of rock to large communities bursting with wildlife.
As Parry Sound is on the shores of Lake Ontario, it serves as the perfect launchpad for endless island exploration, whether that is by boat or even by seaplane. Some of the larger islands, such as Frying Pan Island, have some truly fantastic eateries, mostly specializing in seafood caught right from the sound. You will also be able to see rare species, such as the eastern fox snake and spotted turtle, as well as the playful river otter and majestic black bear.
Parry Sound is a Small But Vibrant Community
Most people who build a vacation home want a little privacy, but they also want to enjoy the amenities of a local town; thankfully, Parry Sound delivers splendidly. There are plenty of great restaurants, shops, and even two craft breweries located in town, ensuring that you will have plenty of great local beer to bring back to your cottage in the evenings.
Additionally, Parry Sound is a performing arts juggernaut in Ontario, known for its classical music Festival of the Sound and the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts.
The Cost of Living is Quite Affordable
You might be surprised that this relatively remote area of Ontario is actually very affordable – especially when it comes to housing. A home here costs 64% less than the national average, and the overall cost of living is 22% lower than the Ontario average; that’s 13% lower than the national average.
Unlike other, more northern areas that are similarly rural, Parry Sound’s relative proximity to larger towns like Ontario and Ottawa keeps the cost of living down, as does its easy access to the rail system that can bring in goods from elsewhere. It’s truly the best of both worlds: fantastic nature and affordable living.
While you want to build a cottage here, you might find yourself wanting to stay long-term, which is why it’s important to work with a quality home contractor who can build you the most comfortable cottage possible; you’ll definitely be enjoying quite a few extended stays in this scenic slice of Canada’s abundant wilderness.