Quyon Looking at Quyon from the river. Sailors who cruise beyond Mohr Island know that the small Village of Quyon is one of the easiest places to put ashore on this part of the Ottawa River. The approach to the village dock is straight forward, and once tied up, most everything of significance is an easy 5 to 10 minute walk away. First time visitors to Quyon should be sure to head for the docks towards the east (on the right hand side). The structure on the left side serves as the landing for the local ferryboat. There are no problems when approaching and tying up to the outside of the cross-dock. However, when the river is low, people will want to keep an eye out for a few shallow spots if they decide to go on inside to tie up on one of the three finger docks. (Note that Quyon added the finger docks a number of years ago for the convenience of transient boaters, but they may not be installed every year.) Portion of the Chart around Quyon. Also noteworthy is the fact that Quyon's waterfront has changed insofar that the Quyon River (more like a large creek) has found a new opening. It now flows into the small bay next to the village docks, whereas in the past, its mouth was a little farther east - closer to the Woolsey Narrows. The result of this change is that much of the small bay next to the docks has filled up with sediments flowing from the new mouth of the Quyon River. It's all pretty easy to see and poses no real problems for boats headed for the Quyon dock. It is just a matter of being aware that none of this shows up the current edition of chart #1550. It is possible to tie up at Quyon for an overnight stay, but be warned: some of the locals use the docks as a waterfront playground. It is not unusual to find kids (and even a few adults) swimming or fishing off the dock next to your boat. It may be possible to get used to this, but it is another matter when it comes to the Downtown Quyon. noise from the local ferryboats. Two boats often operate in tandem, and their diesel engines make a real racket when approaching or leaving the ferry landing. Unfortunately, they will be heard operating well past sunset on busy nights. In the immediate vicinity of Quyon's dock is a nice park with a good assortment of play structures for kids. On weekends and many weeks days, a french-fry truck can often be found nearby doing a brisk business with people waiting to take the ferry. Sailors experienced with this part of the Ottawa River know that the main reason for stopping at Quyon is to replenish supplies. A five minute walk straight up the road to and from the ferry leads to a Stinson gas station which includes a laundromat and convenience store. At this one location it is possible to stock up on ice, basic foods, gasoline, diesel, propane, as well as beer, wine, and hard liquor. At the Stinson gas station, it is simply a matter of turning right to walk down Clarendon Street, the main road in Quyon. Within 5 minutes it is possible to come across a post office, the McCann's Chips (hotdog stand), Lynn's Cafe Restaurant, a Bank of Montreal (may only be opne a few days of the week), the Village Dollar Store, and such landmarks as Gavin's Shamrock Bar. The cuisine at Lynn's Cafe is okay, but the restaurant does offer a relaxing terrace for the dining pleasure of it patrons. A Community Health Clinic and doctor's offices are also within easy walking distance of the docks. The Quyon waterfront. Unfortunately, the Home Hardware Store which had been in business in Quyon for over 30 years was forced to close in 1997. Moreover, the Marché McCann, which took over from the bankrupt BoniChoix grocery store, has also closed its doors. Whatever the good or bad points of this village and it public docks, there is no denying that, from a sailor's point of view, the best thing about Quyon is that it is only a short hop from the great anchorages of Mohr Island and Pontiac Bay. Text and photos by Michael McGoldrick. [ Copyright & Disclaimer ] [ Return to Home Page ] [ Sailquest.com ]