Although the Museum and Fire Tower are just outside of the downtown, they are definitely worth visiting. The West Parry Sound District Museum, commonly known as the Museum on Tower Hill, began as a group of dedicated citizens. Today the Museum continues to preserve and interpret the core cultural themes that carved the West Parry Sound District out of a rugged Canadian landscape and explores contemporary topics relevant to today’s communities.
Tower Hill Lookout is another one of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve’s Amazing Places. The 30m high observation tower provides stunning 360 degree views of the harbour Georgian Bay. After taking 130 steps up, you will be able to gaze down upon boats, float planes and barges, and the famous Canadian Pacific Railway trestle bridge below you. The original fire tower was unique not only for the fact that it was located in the middle of town but also for its design. Unlike other fire towers, it was designed to accommodate tourists. By the mid 1960’s, planes were used to detect forest fires and gradually the tower fell into a state of disrepair. The original tower was dismantled in 1973 and replaced with the present tower in 1975.
Below the structure is the Tower Hill Heritage Garden where you can wander through beautiful gardens that are planted and maintained by volunteers. This is a Canadian Wildlife Federation certified wildlife-friendly habitat, providing food, water, and shelter for various insects, birds, and reptile species.
Visit Museum on Tower Hill’s Website Visit Fire Tower Lookout’s Website
Categories: Attractions in Parry Sound