Balsam Wilderness Trail

Tentatively named The Balsam Wilderness Trail, a new hiking trail is close to completion within the Township of McKellar.  This rugged trail extends from Centre Road (opposite Middle River Farm to Highway #124.  An initiative of McKellar Council, the trail is being built by Hap Wilson of Eco-Trail Builders.  While an official opening date has yet to be announced, the trail is open and parking is available beside Balsam Road near its junction with Centre Road.  www.township.mckellar.on.ca/balsam-trail-nature-hike

Killbear Provincial Park

This Georgian Bay peninsula is a water lover's paradise for swimming and sailing, fishing and boating. Camp by a sandy beach, on a rocky shore or under the trees. Hike to lookouts for views of Parry Sound, that lonely white pine on a windswept rock or one of Georgian Bay's spectacular sunsets. Learn about the park's natural and cultural resources at the new Visitor Centre. #35 Killbear Park Road, RR #1, Nobel, Ontario P0G 1G0   Phone 705-342-5492.  www.ontarioparks.com

Oastler Provincial Park

Make Oastler Lake a convenient base for exploring Parry Sound and Georgian Bay or stay put and enjoy the long, sandy beach. The park features scenic waterfront campsites, rocky shorelines and access to summer hiking and winter ski trails. Railway tracks are located near the park.  380 Oastler Park Drive (former Hwy 69), R.R.#2, Parry Sound, Ontario P2A 2W8   Phone 705-378-2401.  www.ontarioparks.com

Park to Park Trail

An east-west link connecting Killbear Provincial Park and Algonquin Provincial Park, this 230 kilometre length of trail is a destination for all trail enthusiasts. Planned as a four-season multi-use trail system that will link seven of the province's premiere provincial parks, as well as area attractions, services, amenities and other trail networks such as the Trans Canada Trail. It provides a seamless trail system encompassing community trails, snowmobile routes, historic colonization and logging roads, former rail beds, new links and some secondary roads.  Check out the website for information on individual trails such as the Rose Point Trail. Park-To-Park Trail Association, 70 Church Street, Parry Sound, Ontario, P2A 1Y9   Phone 705-746-7663.   www.parktoparktrail.org

The Massasauga Provincial Park

Stretching along the coast of Georgian Bay from Parry Sound to the Moon River, this park takes in hundreds of windswept islands as well as inland forests and lakes. Accessible only by water, it is a protected sanctuary for the Massasauga rattlesnake and home to prairie warblers, five-line skink, hybrid toads and map turtles. Moor in a quiet cove, fish for muskie and bass, camp by the bay or paddle to inland lake sites. Be sure to visit Calhoun Lodge for a glimpse of 1930s cottage life.  380 Oastler Park Drive, Parry Sound, Ontario P2A 2W8   Phone 705-378-0685.  www.ontarioparks.com

Parry Sound Snowmobile District

The Parry Sound/Muskoka district is located in the heart of Georgian Bay country. Member clubs operate a trail network of over 1,100 kilometers containing both a mix of looping or family trails along with several Trans Ontario Provincial (TOP) Trails. Trails in the Parry Sound Snowmobile District span from the Moon River in the South to the Key River in the North and from Georgian Bay in the East to Hwy 11 in the West.  70 Church Street, Parry Sound, Ontario P2A 1Y9   Phone 705-746-7663   Permit Hotline 1-888-213-8134.  www.pssd.ca  

Rotary and Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail

It has become a well-known and popular attraction in Parry Sound. Winding along the Eastern Shoreline of Georgian Bay at Parry Sound, the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail takes you on a 5km excursion filled with scenery, attractions and fun and relaxation. The pathways are very well maintained providing for ease in walking, jogging, running or biking. In winter the trail is groomed for snowmobile pleasure. The trail runs from the Salt Docks off Marion Avenue, down to Champagne Street in what is known as the old Parry Harbour in Parry Sound.  Parry Sound Trails

Round Lake Provincial Nature Reserve

Situated on the shores of Round and Wiwassasegen lakes, this reserve protects one of Ontario's largest communities of Atlantic coastal plain flora, including numerous rare or uncommon species. Provincially significant reptiles have also been recorded in the reserve. There are no facilities for visitors. Camping is not permitted, day-use opportunities for hiking, fishing and canoeing are provided.  For more information: Grundy Lake Provincial Park, RR#1, Britt, Ontario POG 1A0   Phone 705-383-2286.  www.ontarioparks.com