40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast

We've had a little snow!

2009-12-15T16:40:00.014-05:00

The first picture shows snow amounts on December 10th; the next picture shows the amount on December 15th.

One of the many questions we are asked is how much snow do we get here in Parry Sound, and how cold does it get in the winter? December is the month we generally receive the most snow, because the temperature is just below freezing, and Georgian Bay is not frozen over yet.

It didn't start snowing until December 4th; and it feels like it hasn't stopped since! On December 11th we received 60 cms. 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast was as busy as it is at peak times in the summer when the police closed the highways and people were frantically looking for somewhere to stay. It was the first time that I've ever had people agree to take a room and not ask about amentities, price or even if we took credit cards!

For more pictures on what the snow looks like, check out our Facebook and Twitter sites!

Top 10 reasons to do your Christmas shopping in Parry Sound

2009-12-02T12:48:00.000-05:00

1. Free parking is available in the downtown area!
2. The Downtown Business Association has a hospitality store available to wrap your gifts, get a warm drink and some popcorn at no charge!
3. Downtown businesses are participating in a chance to win a beautiful gift basket from their store
4. No line-ups for parking spots anywhere in town!
5. Line-ups at cash-registers are short to non-existent
6. Friendly service is always available to help you find that special gift
7. There are many great, one-of-a-kind items available for sale.
8. You can generally leave the car at home and walk to the shops
9. So far, there's no snow to make things slippery
10. Parry Sound has a number of chain stores that offer gift certificates and great return policies for the picky gift recipient.

B&B guests are the best!

2009-11-29T11:54:00.005-05:00

I wanted to share a story about how wonderful people who tend to stay in B&Bs are!

Margaret and Jim have stayed with us at 40 Bay Street B&B several times over the last two years, ever since their daughter moved to Parry Sound. On the day they arrived, I had an unfortunate accident that put me on crutches - and wouldn't you know it, Simon was in Toronto working!

Not only did they take me to the hospital, but offered to forego breakfast in the mornings to ensure I didn't have to climb the stairs into the dining room, and wanted to clean their room before they left! They even picked up and washed the dishes that first morning! We ended up compromised - breakfast was served in the kitchen, and I was well enough by the time they left to go and clean their room.

But I know many other B&B owners who could tell you great stories like this! The saying is true - arrive at a B&B as an honoured guest, and leave as a wonderful friend. This is one of the best things about owning a B&B - all the wonderful friends I now have!

Fall colours are exceptional this year!

2009-10-03T19:38:00.000-04:00

The Layfette String Quartet at the Festival of the Sound

2009-08-25T14:47:00.001-04:00

40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast was pleased to provide accommodation to Pamela Highbaugh Aloni and her family while appearing at the Festival of the Sound. It is always amazing to see how the living room here can be utilized - as you can see here, it was used as a rehearsal space. How many B&Bs can offer private concerts by world-reknown musicians such as the Lafayetter String Quartet, in their living room?!?

Artists-in-Residence at the University of Victoria’s School of Music since 1991, members Ann Elliott-Goldschmid (violin), Sharon Stanis (violin), Joanna Hood (viola) and Pamela Highbaugh Aloni (cello) have inspired audiences and performed throughout North America and Europe since 1986. In addition to playing in the quartet, they have students from the university that study under them.

The thing that surprises me most when listening to a rehearsal is the discussion that ensues between the musicians about their interpretation of the music and the way it should blend together. All I know is, they make beautiful music!

25th Anniversary of the Festival of the Sound was fantastic!

2009-08-22T14:46:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of Guy Few, and John and Fiona York, of York 2. All are talented musicians who played the last week of the Festival of the Sound, and stayed at 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast.

I had the opportunity to hear them both on the Friday evening at the Opera Gala; John & Fiona are pianists who generally play not only as a duo, but often on the same piano! Guy is a very talented trumpeter, cornist, pianist and singer, who played the piano at that performance.

I'm not the only one who is a fan - in an article that appeared in the local paper, the Parry Sound North Star - Ken Stephen wrote of the York 2 at their Thursday afternoon performance: "Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring fared better in this treatment, as the original is itself very sharp-edged and percussive. By contrast, Holst’s Planets sounded best in its lighter, gentler moments, and most like itself in the final luminous pages of Neptune, the Mystic". Mr. Stephen wrote of Guy's performance during the closing work 'Handel's Messiah': "Guy Few gave a spectacular reading of the trumpet solo in The Trumpet Shall Sound."

It's hard to believe that the Festival of the Sound manages every year to top the year before, but they do! Let's hope that next year is as much fun...

How does my garden grow? Organic, of course!

2009-08-20T08:08:00.000-04:00

My neighbours all laughed as they watch me drive
the stake through the middle of this ladder back in June...I certainly believe in creative gardening!!!

The picture on the left shows the vegetable garden at the beginning of July, and one month later! While the weather may not have been overly conducive for holidaying this year, the rain, cooler temperatures and sunshine we receive in Parry Sound (Georgian Bay moderates our weather, while all the other areas around us receive the forecasted rain!) has been great for my gardens.

We will have a good crop of peppercorn squash this year - a nice surprise left over from when we cleaned out the compost and dug it into the soil... a lot of the seeds ended up germinating! The tomatoes are still flowering, and the first lot of beans has come and gone! If you come to visit 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast, you will have the chance to sample the produce - all of Chef Simon's breakfast recipes include the wonderful fresh herbs in one way or another, and tomatoes can be found decorating the plates of most of our savoury menu items.

PS - we might even send home a squash or two with you!

Sunset dinner cruise

2009-08-15T14:52:00.002-04:00

Directly across the road from 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast is the M.V. Chippewa, which is my favourite boat to take for a cruise. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sundays they offer a wonderful sunset cruise dinner.

Dinner is catered to by our local fine dining establishment, The Log Cabin Inn, and you even get a choice of entrees! With a licencsed bar and great and friendly service, it is a wonderful way to enjoy the summer in Parry Sound.

Here is a picture of Captain Greg Aldworth, and one of Georgian Bay's famous sunsets! Greg is very knowledgable about the area, and tells get stories as you cruise by some wonderful islands, homes and cottages throughout the area.

Trains, trains and MORE trains!

2009-08-12T14:45:00.005-04:00

This year has been an interesting one for the trains that go through Parry Sound. News reports say that rail traffic is down 20% and I believe that...but those trains that do come through are really LONG!

Two nights ago, there were no trains during that day at all - and then they started! We had 17 trains come through between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. Again, nothing at all during the day...I was braced for what would happen last night... only 3 trains - 2 at 10:30 p.m. and 1 at 7:00 a.m.

And of course, it wasn't warm enough to have shut up the house and turn the air conditioning on, so the windows were wide open! My poor guests! While assuring them that we normally had no more than 5 freight trains go through in the night, I felt so bad that I advised them if they ever came to stay again at 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast I was willing to guarantee no more than 7 trains, or give them a second night free!!!!

So what would contribute to all that rail traffic in one night? I assume they are working on the tracks, as we get several notices in the weekly paper about road closures for repairs to level crossings; there might have been a derailment or some other accident, or they decided to send all the freight up to Moosenee all at once!

The Bobby Orr Hall of Fame

2009-07-30T20:54:00.000-04:00

Bobby Orr brought fame to Parry Sound as one of the best professional ice hockey players there ever has been. Born in Parry Sound in 1948, he was identified as a potential professional player by the age of 14. He won his first Stanley Cup in 1970 with a goal that has been immortalized in a picture that is referred to as NHL's most enduring image. Due to a knee injury, Bobby officially retired as a professional hockey player in 1979 at the age of 30.

A strong supporter of Parry Sound, Bobby visits regularly, and undertakes fundraising activities on a regular basis for the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame to help draw people to Parry Sound, and recognize others that have contributed to sports both at the local and national level.

We have been fortunate to host Bobby at 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast. He constantly amazes us at how down to earth and kind he is!

For more information on the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame, please see the web site.

Top 10 scenic places in Parry Sound

2009-07-27T09:40:00.001-04:00

1. The Observation Tower at the West Parry Sound District Museum
2. The Belvedere Lookout
3. The deck at the Stockey Centre
4. The sunset at the Salt Docks
5. The park bench facing west just past the office at Big Sound Marina
6. The upper sun porch at 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast
7. From the deck on the M.V. Chippewa or Island Queen
8. On a flight with Georgian Bay Airways
9. Wabuno Beach
10. Lighthouse Point at Killbear Provincial Park

Water Conservation

2009-07-24T20:15:00.000-04:00

As you know, we are very environmentally conscious here at 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast!

Here's a neat idea for helping to conserve water - rather than running the tap to make the water colder, fill old water bottles with tap water and store in the refridgerator. Keeps the water bottles out of the landfill and saves water at the same time!

What's the difference between a B&B and hotel?

2009-07-21T10:22:00.001-04:00

How many hotels offer you a choice of pillows? 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast does!

Our pillow library came to be after Chef Simon and I couldn't agree on the types of pillows to put on the beds - I like a firm one, while Simon swears by cervical pillows. Hence, we decided to check out all the different types there were - and did we ever get a surprise!

The goal of a pillow is to keep the head and spine in line, so stomach sleepers need the least support, back sleepers need medium support, and side sleepers need the firmest support. Pillows can be filled with a variety of materials, so the regular pillows on our beds are filled with hypo-allergenic

The view from the harbour

2009-07-17T19:40:00.000-04:00

This picture was taken from the deck of the MV Chippewa, which is docked directly across the road from 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast.

The Chippewa was previously one of the Maid of the Mist boats used in Niagara Falls, and now offers a variety of cruises throughout the summer. You can take a cruise down to Henry's or Craganmor Island Restaurants, enjoy an afternoon, dinner sunset and/or sunset cocktail cruise. Fully licensed, this little boat offers a more intimate way to see some of the 30,000 islands in Georgian Bay and learn more about this UNESCO Biosphere reserve.

Top 10 places to see the sun set over Georgian Bay

2009-07-14T19:39:00.000-04:00

1. The Salt Docks
2. The deck at the Stockey Centre
3. A bench at the Big Sound Marina
4. The bridge at Waubuno Beach
5. Sound Boatworks docks
6. The Observation Tower on Tower Hill
7. Sail Parry Sound Sailing School
8. From a kayak or canoe on Tuesday evenings at the town beach
9. Belvedere Lookout
10. On a Georgian Bay Airways sunset flight

Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Parry Sound

2009-07-10T20:57:00.000-04:00

1. ATV along the Canadian Shield with Bearclaw Tours
2. Experience the 30,000 Islands by float plane with Georgian Bay Airways
3. Golf through the granite rocks at the Ridge at Mantiou
4. Take a water taxi to Henry's Fish Restaurant
5. Wine & fine dining on a sunset dinner cruise on the M.V. Chippewa
6. Trail ride through a forest on an icelandic horse at Clear Lake Farms
7. Discover Georgian Bay by kayak with White Squall Outfitters
8. Go diving to look at shipwrecks with the Diver's Nook
9. Cruise Georgian Bay on the Island Queen
10. Hike the trails at Killbear Provincial Park

For more details, see Things to See and Do on our web site at http://www.40baystreet.com

Top 10 places to see boats in Parry Sound

2009-07-07T09:10:00.000-04:00

1. Sail Parry Sound for sail boats
2. Sound Boat Works
3. Parry Sound Marina
4. Coast Guard base
5. Big Sound Marina
6. The Town Dock
7. Boat launch at Waubuno Beach
8. Sail Parry Sound Sailing School on tuesday nights for kayaks and canoes
9. Georgian Bay Marina for Wave runner and Sea-Doo Rentals
10. From the deck of the Island Queen

27th Sportsbike Rally - July 3 - 5th

2009-07-03T13:12:00.000-04:00

Wikepedia defines sport bikes: "With the emphasis of a sport bike being on speed, acceleration, braking, and maneuverability, there are certain design elements that most motorcycles of this type will share. Sport bikes have comparatively high-performance engines resting inside a lightweight frame."

This weekend, Parry Sound celebrates the 27th Annual Sportbike Rally. Events include vendor expos, poker runs, show and shines, dances with live bands and the wonderful Thunder Run, which is a parade of these bikes through town.

Happy Canada Day!

2009-07-01T12:23:00.002-04:00

There is nothing like the privilege of travelling to other countries to appreciate how lucky we are to live in Canada. With my previous work with both Save the Children and Ontario Water Works Association, I have come to value what a precious commodity clean water is, and how much we take it for granted!

I am also grateful for clean air, our medical system, the fact that I can walk down the street in safety, the ability to vote in elections and that I can make my way in the world as a single woman without prejudice or judgement.

What makes you proud to be Canadian?

Top 10 places to shop in Parry Sound

2009-06-26T10:26:00.000-04:00

1. Beverley's - for all those special touches
2. Parry Sound Book Store - you can get the latest books here!
3. Huckleberry's - it's a fun place to get the unusual
4. Whiskey Jack - lots of Canadian jewelry and other fun stuff!
5. Bearly Used Book Store - it's a great place to browse
6. Florence's Finery - for that special outfit you couldn't find anywhere else
7. Wolf Den - for native crafts
8. Christmas and Other Occasions - it's fun any time of the year to explore
9. Somewhere in Time - old fashion candy and so much more!
10. White Squall - for everything the nature enthusiast could ask for

Top 10 things to do on a rainy day in Parry Sound

2009-06-23T09:39:00.000-04:00

1. Check out the books at Bearly Used Book Store and Parry Sound Book Store
2. Go to a movie at the Twin Strand Theatre
3. Try your hand at 5 pin bowling at Georgian Lanes
4. Curl up with a magazine on the chaise lounge at 40 Bay Street B&B
5. Visit the West Parry Sound District Museum
6. Borrow an umbrella and go for a walk in the rain
7. Visit a day spa and have a massage
8. Browse through all the merchandise at Beverley's or Whiskeyjack's
9. Have a cappicino at Mad Hatter's Cafe
10. Check out the souvenirs at the Wolf Den and Trading Post

Top 10 foods to eat in Parry Sound

2009-06-20T20:35:00.002-04:00

1. Enjoy the ice cream at the Kawartha Dairy
2. Get a capacunno at Mad Hatters
3. Have a real, old-fashioned hamburger at Lil's Restaurant
4. Take a break with date squares at The Country Gourmet
5. The best dessert is carrot cake at Bay Street Cafe
6. Try the pasta at Christina's...
7. Or the prime rib at Wellingtons
8. A romantic dinner at Log Cabin Inn
9. A german meal at Cafe Waldhaus after a day at Killbear Provincial Park, or...
10. The smoked fish from Georgian Bay at Gilly's in Snug Harbour

How bad is next winter going to be!?!

2009-06-17T10:15:00.002-04:00

This is the fourth trip the (road) salt boat has made to this landing in Parry Sound on Georgian Bay so far this year! This is a privately owned pile that is sold to keep parking lots in the area free from ice throughout the winter. Normally, I've seen two to three trips/year....

Festival of the Sound celebrates 30 years! Week Three Highlights

2009-06-16T21:41:00.002-04:00

There are several special events happening this final week - on Tuesday evening, Mary Lou Fallis is featured in "Primadonna Goes into the Woods" and on Friday, the Opera Gala introduces a new program of great arias, duets, trios and quartets. The closing program showcases the Elmer Iseler Singers, four soloists and the Festival Chamber Orchestra presenting Handel's Messiah.

One of our guests that week is a special favourite of ours - Guy Few, playing both the piano and trumpet in his various appearances. To meet Guy, call about our vacancy on Tuesday August 4th at 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast

Festival of the Sound celebrates 30 years! Week Two Highlights

2009-06-14T21:25:00.000-04:00

Old friends and new musicians are a feature every year at the Festival of the Sound. For this year, the Monday Sunset cruise continues, with the Elora Singers and a sing-along. The popular dinner and concert at the Inn at Manitou features Russell Braun and Carolyn Maule on Tuesday. The Leipzig and Lafayette String Quartets and Trio Hochelaga are featured. And as always, the long August weekend features Jazz Canada, with special guest Peter Appleyard.

For more information, check out the Festival of the Sound web site. 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast has a vacancy on Sunday August 2nd.