Timber slide at Chats landing.
upper reaches. But it wasn’t to be. Instead, the St.
Lawrence Seaway connects the Great Lakes to the
Atlantic, bypassing the ancient “trans-Canada highway” of the Ottawa River. Happily, there is movement afoot to create a park here, and a feasibility
study for a proposed Parc du Sault-des-Chats de
Pontiac has been done.
Many of us locals hope to see the park created,
to preserve Canadian history – as well as preserve
rich wildlife habitat.
IF YOU TAKE ON THE RIVER
This is an uninterpreted historical paddle needing
an active imagination to transport you back in time.
You can start from Quyon or Fitzroy Provincial Park
on the Ontario side.
Starting from Quyon, you can put in just east of
the ferry docks at the Quonset-hut Lions’ Hall.
There’s ample parking and a chip stand. Paddle west,
(watch out for the ferry cable) with your PFD firmly
strapped on – winds and waves can be treacherous.
Stay close to the north shore and keep in mind it’s
mostly private property, so not many opportunities to
get out. Alternatively, you could camp at Fitzroy, go for
a paddle, and then return for a swim, hike, and overnight tenting or RVing. NOTE: Swimming at the mouth
of the Quyon River is unsafe due to unpredictable,
strong currents.
How long you paddle completely depends on what
route you select. The Quyon-Chats Dam-Fitzroy loop is
about 11 kilometres. As for other activities, at time of
publication, no paddling events or hikes were scheduled, but in the fall the Municipality of Pontiac might
arrange a paddle or historical outing. Information at
[email protected] or municipalitepontiac.ca.
EXTRA CAUTION
It’s really dangerous to paddle close to Chats
Falls Dam. Signs are posted saying go no further,
so don’t – if sluice gates open, rushing water can
capsize boats. Φ
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