FITZROY HARBOUR – It’s been a long year for the Quyon Ferry – the longest ever.

The Quyon Ferry announced its last day for the 2020 season will be Wednesday, Dec. 23.

“Wednesday, Dec. 23 is the last day of operation for the season,” Quyon Ferry staff released in a statement Dec. 23. “This is the latest we’ve stayed open.”

The year started roughly for the Ottawa River crossing company, as it did for so many businesses this year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the government’s efforts to reduce cross-border travel, the ferry opened slightly later than usual starting operations in May on reduced hours.

The ferry originally opened March 22, closed four days later (March 27) due to the pandemic, and made plans to reopen on April 13. But with provincial governments asking residents to restrict inter-provincial travel, owners Ed and Ralph McColgan have decided to remain closed until April 30.

Even then, the ferry was open only for “essential travel,” and closed for the first weekend in May. The ferry re-opened for good for the season on May 4 originally with reduced hours.

The ferry was able to remain open for the rest of the season and last week, Santa Claus hopped aboard The Grant Beatie to wish river crossers a happy holidays.

For our compete coverage of the Quyon Ferry over the years, click here, including Don McColgan’s retirement in 2019, click here.