The Best Waterfronts in Downtown Parry Sound: A Guide

Now that the longest day of the year, June 21st, is over and Parry Sound's Dragon Boat Festival has come and gone, we can officially declare that Summer is here! With the sunny season finally upon us, it's time to look at how best to spend a day off in Parry Sound and the surrounding area. We start with a guide on the best places to swim in downtown Parry Sound.

Waubuno Beach

The most popular (and safest) place to look for a swim is Waubuno Beach, affectionately dubbed "New Town Beach" by the locals. Waubuno Beach sits at the end of Prospect St., which runs off of Waubeek. Though the most common point of access is at the intersection of Seguin St. and Church St., there are more than a few ways to reach Waubuno. A quick internet search will tell you where you need to go.

Waubuno Beach comes highly reccommended for one strong reason: lifeguards. From July 1st to August 31st, the sands are supervised during daytime hours by certified life-savers. The waters are also clear and shallow - a perfect place to take the kids (or new swimmers!) for a summer dunk.

Waubuno Beach is Parry Sound's largest beach - plenty of room to lay down your towel and soak up the sun! The sand is bright and clear, and if you find yourself burning your feet, there is plenty of vibrant, green grass to retreat to. There is also ample parking space - no need to circle the lot looking for that one empty spot.

Kids and young-hearted folks alike love the playground equipment just up the hill - complete with a slide, a large swingset, and fun little games littered along the plastic structure. Would-be explorers can also venture into the rocks alongside the water. It was one of my favourite places to play as a child.

Being the most family-friendly waterfront in downtown Parry Sound, Waubuno Beach is the perfect place to take the kids for a sunny summer day.

Old Town Beach

Sister to the "New Town Beach", Old Town Beach is more of a (poorly kept) local secret. Found at the end of Waubuno St. (confusing, right?) the most common point of access is the aforementioned intersection of Seguin St. and Church St.. However, as with Waubuno, there are many ways to reach Old Town Beach! A quick internet search for directions will tell you where you need to go.

The most immediate difference between Old Town Beach and Waubuno Beach is the lifeguards - Old Town Beach is not supervised. The water is also deeper here, and there is a drop-off that might deter less experienced swimmers. Old Town Beach is for beach veterans only.

Old Town Beach is much smaller than its counterpart - maybe half the size. Parking is minimal, and sand is the only thing you'll find at this beach. To some (myself included), these differences hallmark a better beach. Because of the added risk and minimal convenience, Old Town Beach is often much emptier - less noise and bustle, and fewer screaming kids. The deeper water is also less frustrating for stronger swimmers who would like more space to dive in.

Old Town Beach is downtown Parry Sound's most adult-friendly beach - a perfect place to spend the day lounging with your friends.

The Salt Docks

Lacking sand (or anything else organic) the Salt Docks are good for one thing only: jumping. The Salt Docks have long been a favourite spot for thrill-seeking swimmers. The docks rise high above the water, providing ample space to fly through before splashing into the depths below.

However, do so at your own risk! The Salt Docks are unsupervised, and there are many ways that dock-jumping can go wrong. Between this and the deep, deep waters, The Salt Docks are for strong swimmers only. That being said, The Salt Docks are a great place to cool off and go for a swim - as long as you can handle the extra risk!

The Salt Docks lie at the end of Marion Ave., which is in the same neighbourhood as Waubuno Beach and Old Town Beach. Drivers may find a better access point at the intersection of Isabella St. and Church St., but a quick internet search will give you the best directions.

Your favourite waterfront will depend on what you want from a beach - family-friendliness, seclusion, or excitment. Please practive proper water safety, and don't attempt anything beyond your abilities. Enjoy the water!


- By Aimee Lynn Gleeson