Big Rideau Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Rideau Lake |
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Sunset on the lake
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 Big Rideau Lake
Location in Southern Ontario
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| Location | Lanark County, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Ontario |
| Coordinates | 44°45′05″N 76°12′50″W / 44.75139°N 76.21389°W |
| Part of | Saint Lawrence River drainage basin |
| Primary inflows | Black Creek, Rideau River |
| Primary outflows | Rideau River |
| Catchment area | 407 square kilometres (157 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 32 kilometres (20 mi) |
| Max. width | 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) |
| Max. depth | 360 feet (110 m) |
| Surface elevation | 123.1 metres (403 ft 10 in) |
| Settlements | Portland, Rideau Ferry |
Big Rideau Lake is a large lake in Ontario, Canada. It is located about 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of Ottawa. The lake is part of the famous Rideau Canal, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it is a very special place recognized around the world!
The lake is about 32 kilometers (20 miles) long and 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) wide. It is much narrower at one end than the other. Big Rideau Lake is the largest lake along the Rideau Canal system.
Contents
Water Flow
Water flows into Big Rideau Lake from a few places. The main water source is the Rideau River, which comes from Upper Rideau Lake. This water travels through a channel called The Narrows. Another important stream that flows into the lake is Black Creek.
The water then flows out of Big Rideau Lake, also as the Rideau River. It goes into what is called Lower Rideau Lake. From there, the Rideau River continues its journey to the Ottawa River, and then finally to the huge Saint Lawrence River. This whole system is like a big watery highway!
Lake Communities
There are a couple of small communities right on the shores of Big Rideau Lake.
Rideau Ferry
The community of Rideau Ferry is found at the northeastern end of the lake. This is where Big Rideau Lake connects to Lower Rideau Lake. It's a popular spot for visitors.
Portland
The community of Portland is located along the southern shore of the lake. Both communities are great places to enjoy the lake.
Fun on the Lake
Big Rideau Lake is a very popular place for recreation. Many people have cottages and houses along its beautiful shoreline.
Murphys Point Provincial Park
On the northern side of the lake, you'll find Murphys Point Provincial Park. This is a public recreation area and campground. It's a fantastic spot for camping, hiking, swimming, and enjoying nature.
Big Rideau Lake Association
The Big Rideau Lake Association (BRLA) is a special group that started in 1911. It's a non-profit organization, which means it works to help the lake without making money. Their main goal is to keep Big Rideau Lake a great place for everyone. They even put out special markers in the lake. These markers show where there might be hidden rocks or shallow spots underwater. This helps boaters stay safe!
Admiral Kingsmill's Love for the Lake
A very important person named Admiral Sir Charles Kingsmill loved Big Rideau Lake. He helped create the Royal Canadian Navy. Admiral Kingsmill had a summer house on Grindstone Island, one of the many islands in the lake. He enjoyed sailing there and passed away on the island in 1935.
Lake Events
Big Rideau Lake hosts an exciting annual event called the International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating Marathon. Imagine people racing across the frozen lake on skates!
Lake Wildlife
Big Rideau Lake is home to many different kinds of fish. If you like fishing, you might catch:
