Black River (Ontario) facts for kids

The Black River is the name of several different rivers in the province of Ontario, Canada. Many rivers are named "Black River" because their water often looks dark. This dark color comes from plant material in the water, like leaves and soil. These rivers are important for nature, local communities, and sometimes for fun activities like canoeing.

Exploring Ontario's Black Rivers

Ontario is a big province, and it has many rivers called Black River! Each one has its own special features and history. Let's learn about some of them.

Black Rivers in Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario has a few Black Rivers, often flowing through wild and natural areas.

Black Rivers in Cochrane District

• One Black River in the Cochrane District flows into the Abitibi River. The Abitibi River is a large river that eventually flows into James Bay.
• Another Black River in the Cochrane District is a branch of the Bodell River. The Bodell River then joins the Kesagami River.

Black River in Thunder Bay District

The Black River in the Thunder Bay District starts near Manitouwadge, Ontario. It flows until it meets the Pic River close to Lake Superior.

A small hydroelectric power plant is on this river. It makes electricity using the river's water power. The Pic River First Nation operates this plant. Long ago, there were two lumber companies here. They built a special elevated timber slide to move logs from the Black River over the Pic River! This helped one company keep its logs separate from the other's.

Black Rivers in Southern Ontario

Southern Ontario also has important Black Rivers, often closer to towns and farms.

Black River in Hastings County

In Hastings County, there is a Black River that joins the Moira River. This happens near the village of Tweed, Ontario.

Black River in Kenora District

The Black River in the Kenora District, Ontario flows into a very large lake called the Lake of the Woods. This lake is famous for its many islands and beautiful scenery.

Black Rivers in Simcoe County

Simcoe County is home to two Black Rivers that are part of the same larger river system.

Black River (Severn River tributary)

One Black River in Simcoe County starts in Haliburton County. It flows south and west to join the Severn River near Washago. This meeting point is about a mile downstream from where the Severn River begins at Lake Couchiching. Many people think this Black River flows into Lake Couchiching, but it actually flows into the Severn River just after it leaves the lake.

In the 1860s, this was a problem for lumberjacks! They needed to move logs from the Black River to Lake Couchiching. So, they created the Rama Timber Transport Company to help move the logs. Today, this river is popular for fun activities like canoeing and kayaking. The Head River is another river that flows into this Black River.

Black River (Gloucester Pool)

Another Black River in Simcoe County flows into Gloucester Pool. Gloucester Pool is a part of the same Severn River system, further downstream.

Black River in York Region

The Black River in the Regional Municipality of York starts in a special area called the Oak Ridges Moraine. This moraine is a ridge of hills formed by glaciers. The river then flows north into Lake Simcoe.

Agriculture is very important in the area around this river. Many farms use the land in its watershed. In the spring, the water levels on this river are high enough for nice canoeing and kayaking trips from Sutton. If you like watching birds, April is a great time to visit this river! The water flow is calm, which makes it perfect for beginners and families to enjoy a canoe trip.