Bernier River (Richelieu River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bernier River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Montérégie |
| Regional County Municipality | Le Haut-Richelieu |
| Unorganized territory and a municipality | Lac-Jacques-Cartier |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Various agricultural streams Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu 48 units? 45°13′32″N 73°18′30″W / 45.225539°N 73.308348°W |
| River mouth | Richelieu River Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu 30 m (98 ft) 45°16′47″N 73°14′51″W / 45.27972°N 73.2475°W |
| Length | 12.9 km (8.0 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Richelieu River - St. Lawrence River |
| Tributaries |
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The Bernier River is a small river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Richelieu River and passes through the city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. This river is part of the Montérégie region in southern Quebec.
The river's surface usually freezes from mid-December until the end of March. It's generally safe to walk on the ice from late December to early March. The amount of water in the river changes with the seasons and how much rain or snow falls.
Contents
Discovering the Bernier River's Path
The Bernier River starts from small streams in farming areas. Its source is near the Grande Ligne road. This is northwest of Saint-Blaise-sur-Richelieu and southwest of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
How the River Flows
The Bernier River travels about 12.9 kilometers (8 miles).
- It first flows north for 4.3 km through farmlands.
- Then it turns east for 1.4 km.
- Next, it goes northeast for 3.1 km.
- Finally, it flows east for 4.1 km.
During its journey, the river crosses a golf course. It also winds its way through the town of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
Where the River Ends
The Bernier River flows into the Richelieu River. This meeting point is on the east bank of the Richelieu River. It's about three kilometers upstream from the Gouin bridge. It's also 5.5 km upstream from the Félix-Gabriel-Marchand bridge.
The Many Names of the Bernier River
The Bernier River has had several different names throughout history. Each name tells a bit about its past.
"Rivière du Nord"
Long ago, during the French rule (before 1760), this river was called "Rivière du Nord." This name meant "North River." It was called this because it was opposite the "Rivière du Sud" (South River). The South River flows into the Richelieu River about 15.5 km upstream.
"Montgomery's Creek"
During the American Revolutionary War in 1775, the river got a new name: "Montgomery's Creek." This name honored American General Richard Montgomery. His troops landed near this river in the autumn of 1775. Their goal was to attack Fort Saint-Jean. After a long siege, Montgomery's forces captured Montreal. General Montgomery later died during an attack on Quebec City.
"Golf Creek"
Later, the river was sometimes called "Golf Creek." This was because it flows through a golf course in its lower section.
"Bernier River"
In the early 1960s, the river's name officially became "Bernier River." This name comes from the traditional names of the land areas where the river starts: Grand-Bernier and Petit-Bernier. These areas were likely named after Joseph-Pierre Bernier. He helped Acadians who were forced to leave their homes settle in these areas.
The name "Rivière Bernier" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is Quebec's place-name board.
