Bec-Scie River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bec-Scie River |
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Côte-Nord |
| RCM | Minganie |
| Island | Anticosti Island |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lake Valiquette L'Île-d'Anticosti 83 m (272 ft) 49°49′56″N 63°55′37″W / 49.83214°N 63.92689°W |
| River mouth | Gulf of Saint Lawrence L'Île-d'Anticosti 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) 49°43′00″N 64°03′20″W / 49.71667°N 64.05556°W |
| Length | 13.9 km (8.6 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Bec-Scie River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. You can find it on Anticosti Island. This island is part of the Minganie Regional County Municipality in the Côte-Nord region.
It's the last river on the western side of Anticosti Island that flows south. It is located just before the SÉPAQ Anticosti protected area.
A main forest road on Anticosti Island runs along the upper part of the river's valley. Other smaller roads connect to it. These roads help with forestry work in the area.
The main activity here is forestry, which means cutting down trees for wood. Tourism and outdoor activities are also important.
Contents
Where Does the Bec-Scie River Start?
The Bec-Scie River begins at Lake Valiquette. This lake is 1.6 km (0.99 mi) long. It sits at an altitude of 83 m (272 ft) above sea level. Lake Valiquette is in the western part of Anticosti Island.
The start of the river, at the end of Lake Valiquette's southern bay, is:
- About 30.6 km (19.0 mi) northeast of Port-Menier village.
- About 6.6 km (4.1 mi) south of the north shore of Anticosti Island.
- About 16.4 km (10.2 mi) north of the south shore of Anticosti Island.
How Does the River Flow?
From Lake Valiquette, the Bec-Scie River flows south. It runs between two other rivers. To its west is La Petite Rivière. To its east are the Baleine stream and the Sainte-Marie River.
The river travels 13.9 km (8.6 mi) south. It drops about 82 m (269 ft) in height along its journey.
Here's how its path goes:
- For the first 3.3 km (2.1 mi), it flows mostly straight south. It passes under the island's main east-west road bridge. It also crosses the northwestern part of Faure Lake for 0.36 km (0.22 mi). Faure Lake is 2.3 km (1.4 mi) long and is 67 m (220 ft) high.
- Next, it flows 4.1 km (2.5 mi) southwest. It reaches a bend where a stream joins it from the north.
- Then, it goes 6.4 km (4.0 mi) south. It winds through a marshy area. It also crosses Lac Sans Bout, which is 0.8 km (0.50 mi) long and 37 m (121 ft) high.
- Finally, it flows 8.0 km (5.0 mi) more towards the south. It passes under a forest road bridge. It also picks up water from marshes and lakes, including Castor Lake. It then passes under another forest road bridge before reaching its end.
Where Does the River End?
The Bec-Scie River empties into the south shore of Anticosti Island. It flows into a small bay. This spot is about 3.1 km (1.9 mi) east of Pointe aux Pimbinas. It's also 5.6 km (3.5 mi) west of the Baleine stream's mouth. The village of Port-Menier is about 24.1 km (15.0 mi) to the west.
When the tide is low, the river's current creates a channel. This channel can stretch about 1.5 km (0.93 mi) out into the sand.
What Does "Bec-Scie" Mean?
The name "Bec-Scie" comes from the French word for Mergus. This is a type of duck that eats fish. In French, these ducks are called harle. People have used this name for the river since at least 1924.
The name was officially recognized on April 2, 1981. This was done by the "Banque des noms de lieux" (Bank of place names) of the Commission de toponymie du Québec.
