Parry Sound, Ontario - Gordie Howe hall of fame

Today we are headed to Parry Sound, a town known for its stunning location on the Georgian Bay and the 30,000 Islands archipelago.

We are booked on the 1:00 pm 3 hour boat tour so we arrive early and walk the Town Dock where we will eventually depart from. 

Cambrian pilothouse tug

The Island Queen

The Island Queen's three-hour cruise will take us through a few of the 30,000 islands near Parry Sound while showcasing summer cottages and the area's natural beauty. 

Rose Point Swing bridge after we passed through

Soon after our departure we come to the Rose Point Swing Bridge, which is already open for us to pass through. 

Smaller boats are everywhere

A few of the 30,000 islands

There really are roughly 30,000 islands near Parry Sound making it the world/s largest freshwater archipelago. This area is also recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. 

It is absolutely beautiful to experience. 

Colorful chairs on this deck

We pass homes with lovely decks where we are sure many families gather and have some great times. 

More speed boats.

Rooster tail of a speed boat flying by us

Island after island in clear, blue water 

We cruise past Killbear Provincial Park and the Killbear Lighhouse. People on shore are having fun everywhere. 

Ontario provincial flag

We move right to the bow of the boat for the last 30 minutes of the trip. The Ontario flag is proudly flying in the wind. 

Float planes and the Parry Sound Trestle Bridge

Three hours flies by and before we know it we are coming into the dock we left from. This colorful restaurant and float planes are just across from where we dock. 

This tour really offered a glimpse into the region's unique landscape and island life. 5 star review :)

Back on land, we can walk to the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame, which is a museum dedicated to the life and career of hockey legend Bobby Orr. 

The legend - Bobby Orr

Though Bobby Orr played most of his NHL career for the Boston Bruins, he was born right here in Parry Sound and the support of this community helped him in every step along the way. 

10 years with the Boston Bruins

Bobby Orr played 10 seasons for the Boston Bruins in the NHL. He was 18 when he joined in 1966. 

The Stanley Cup replica

Bobby Orr won the Stanley Cup two times over his career, both with the Boston Bruins. (1970 and 1972)

The flying goal

This famous picture was taken of Bobby Orr after scoring the overtime goal to win the Stanley Cup in 1970 against the St. Louis Blues. It's referred to as 'The Leap', 'The Flying Goal' or simply 'The Goal'. Whatever you call it, Bobby was cross-checked immediately after scoring the goal sending him flying through the air and it happened to be caught on camera. 

Gord Downie was a huge fan of Bobby Orr

Bobby Orr and Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip band were great friends and Gord wrote a couple  songs with reference to the hockey legend. 

There are many more trophy's, rings and paraphernalia that far exceeded what we were expecting to see here. Glad we made the effort to come.

Beautiful photo in the museum - Hockey = Canada

Downtown Parry Sound

After the little museum, we drive to downtown Parry Sound for a quick walk of the streets. Lots of old buildings and places to sit and enjoy a coffee with the flowers. 

Next up is the Trestle Brewing Company for a craft beer and supper.

A Rueben and a Hazy IPA - delicious

Trestle bridge and the Seguin River

After supper we walk the trail along the Seguin River.

Bobby Orr mural along with many others

The small bridge we cross over the Seguin River has murals along it. Of course there is a Bobby Orr jersey mural :)

A destination we will remember - awesome place. 

We grab some groceries and get fuel before heading home. As we are leaving Parry Sound the water tower offers a great view. 

Back at the RV we walk down to Oastler Lake and go for a dip in the warm water just as it's getting dark. Great end to a super busy day.