The McKellar Wharf is the public town dock in the village of McKellar, on the shore of Lake Manitouwabing about 20 minutes northwest of Parry Sound. This is the working waterfront of a classic small Ontario town, where cottagers tie up to grab groceries, boaters launch for a day on the lake, and locals gather on summer evenings. With the public beach just across the way and the government dock and boat launch close by, it is the natural centre of village life on the water.
Lake Manitouwabing is one of the largest lakes in the Parry Sound area at nearly 1,200 hectares, with clear water, 94 kilometres of shoreline, and excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. The wharf gives everyone access, whether you are launching a trailer boat at the nearby ramp or tying up a cruiser for the afternoon. There is plenty of boat parking at the town dock, making it easy to come ashore.
The village itself is worth the stop. Within a short walk you will find a general store with an LCBO, a chip truck, ice cream, and the McKellar Grill for casual takeout. The public library offers free WiFi, and in summer the Saturday market at Minerva Park draws locals and visitors for fresh produce and crafts. The wharf is also the jumping off point for the area’s snowmobile trails in winter and walking trails year round.
It is not fancy, and that is the point. The McKellar Wharf is a genuine piece of small town Ontario waterfront, free to use and open to everyone.