Parry Sound’s 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. There is a bench halfway up the tower to sit comfortably while taking in the sights.
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.
More to Explore
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.
You will also want to visit the Museum on Tower Hill to learn about the history of our area.
Learn about a couple of species at risk in this area.
Information
Best Seasons to Visit
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Things to Do Here
Hike
Getting Here
Tower Hill Lookout
Local Resources
Explore this amazing place with help from local resources:
The Museum on Tower Hill
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 Heritage Garden
The Tower Hill Heritage Garden was constructed in the 1920’s, original flagstone paths connect rock gardens, goldfish pond and raised pedestal sundial, all enhanced by flowering shrubs and perennials.
Gallery
Species at Risk in the Spotlight
Monarch Butterfly
The most widely recognized of Canadian butterflies, the monarch is now an endangered species. The Tower Hill Heritage Garden helps provide food and shelter for monarchs and other insect species.
Other resources:
Monarch Larva Monitoring Program
Report your sightings of this threatened critter.
Learn More
Yellow-banded Bumble Bee
Look closely for its distinct yellow and black abdominal band pattern to identify the Yellow-banded Bumble Bee! Also known as a ‘nectar robber’, this bumble bee will sometimes gather nectar by reaching through holes bitten in the base of a flower. A variety of factors have caused the Yellow-banded Bumble Bee to be listed in 2016 as a species of ‘Special Concern’.
Report your sightings of this threatened critter.
Learn More