Barrière River (North Thompson River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barrière River |
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|---|---|
| Other name(s) | Barriere River |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Shuswap Highland 1,568 m (5,144 ft) 51°31′N 119°42′W / 51.517°N 119.700°W |
| River mouth | North Thompson River Barriere, Thompson Country 365 m (1,198 ft) 51°10′26″N 120°8′19″W / 51.17389°N 120.13861°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,140 km2 (440 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Barrière River is a river in British Columbia, Canada. It flows into the North Thompson River, which is a big part of the Fraser River system. This river runs through the Shuswap Highland area, which is north of Kamloops. In the Secwepemctsín language, its name is St́yelltsecwétkwe.
What's in a Name? The Barrière River's Origin
The name "Barrière" comes from a French word meaning "barrier." In 1828, a fur trader named Archibald McDonald saw rocks at the river's mouth. These rocks made it hard for boats to pass, so he called it barrière. Another idea is that the name comes from fish traps. The Secwépemc people might have placed these traps across the river.
Where Does the Barrière River Flow?
The Barrière River starts near Vavenby Mountain in the Shuswap Highland. This is south of a place called Vavenby. First, it flows south into Saskum Lake. After that, it keeps going south for a while.
Then, the river turns west. Fennell Creek joins it there. Bear Creek also flows into the Barrière River from the north. This happens just before the Barrière River reaches North Barrière Lake. Two more creeks, Vermelin Creek and Harper Creek, also flow into this lake from the north.
The Barrière River then flows out of the west side of North Barrière Lake. It turns south, and many other small streams join it. These include Birk Creek, Mack Creek, Slate Creek, and Sprague Creek.
Next, the East Barrière River joins the main river from the east. The East Barrière River starts near the north end of Adams Lake. It flows generally east, passing through East Barrière Lake, before meeting the main Barrière River.
After the East Barrière River joins, the main Barrière River flows west and southwest. It runs between Barrière Mountain to the south and Mount Borthwick and Garrison Mountain to the north. Leonie Creek joins it just north of the town of Barriere. The river then flows through the town itself. It also passes by the Simpcw North Thompson Indian Band's "Barriere River 3A" Indian Reserve. Finally, the Barrière River empties into the North Thompson River.
A Look Back: History of the Barrière River
The Barrière River area has a long history. It is part of the traditional lands of the Simpcw people. They are also known as the "People of the North Thompson River." The Simpcw are a group within the larger Secwepemc people.
In the early 1800s, fur traders used the Hudson's Bay Brigade Trail. This trail went between Alexandria and Kamloops. It ran along the east bank of the North Thompson River. To continue their journey, traders often had to cross the Barrière River. This crossing was often very difficult for them.
