While a "sound" is defined as a large body of water with two main access points, Parry Sound offers numerous access points and services, and is accessible by all modes of travel:

Highway. Four-lane divided highway access to Toronto via Highway 400 which is also part of the Trans Canada Highway system. Routes of major transcontinental trucking firms pass through Parry Sound. Two large inter-provincial trucking firms have depots in the Parry Sound Area. Ontario Northland Bus Lines operates bus service between Northern Ontario destinations and Toronto through Parry Sound, with transcontinental connections in Toronto and Sudbury

Air. Nearby Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport is situated just south of Parry Sound, and is only 45 - 60 minutes by air from Pearson International Airport, Toronto. It has a 4,000 ft. paved run-way capable of handling commuter aircraft and small corporate jets with day/night operation.

Rail. CNR and CPR transcontinental lines provide daily freight service with pick-up and delivery, piggy back service and sidings. VIA Rail provides transcontinental passenger service to and from Toronto and all points west.

Marine. In addition to being a key port of call for cruise ships which are once again plying the Great Lakes, Parry Sound harbour is a St. Lawrence Seaway port with a navigational season of 245 days and channel depths of 27 feet. It has special facilities to handle bulk liquid cargoes and is serviced by railway sidings. Depot Harbour, situated 10 miles from Parry Sound is also a St. Lawrence Seaway port with the same navigational season and channel depths as Parry Sound.