Boyer River (Bellechasse) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boyer River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Chaudière-Appalaches |
| MRC | Bellechasse Regional County Municipality |
| Municipality | Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse, Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse and Saint-Vallier |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Boyer River North et Boyer River South Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse 61 m (200 ft) 46°43′42″N 70°57′52″W / 46.72833°N 70.96444°W |
| River mouth | Chenal des Grands Voiliers (Saint Lawrence River) Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse 4 m (13 ft) 46°53′08″N 70°51′37″W / 46.88556°N 70.86028°W |
| Length | 34.0 km (21.1 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Boyer River (called Rivière Boyer in French) is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Chenal des Grands Voiliers, which is part of the mighty Saint Lawrence River. This small river is about 40 kilometres (25 mi) long.
It flows through three towns: Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse, Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse, and Saint-Vallier. These towns are in the Bellechasse Regional County Municipality, which is in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec.
The areas around the Boyer River are mostly used for farming. There are also some forest areas.
Contents
River Life and Seasons
The Boyer River changes with the seasons. From early December to late March, the river usually freezes over. This means you can often walk or skate on the ice safely from mid-December to mid-March. However, areas with fast-moving water (rapids) might not freeze completely.
The amount of water in the river changes too. It depends on the season and how much rain or snow falls. In March or April, when the snow melts, the river's water level rises a lot. This is called the spring flood.
Where the River Starts and Ends
The Source of the Boyer River
The Boyer River begins in Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse. It forms where two smaller rivers meet: the Boyer North River and the Boyer South River. This starting point is about 4.8 km (3 mi) southwest of the center of Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse village.
The River's Journey
From its source, the Boyer River flows for about 34 km (21 mi). It winds its way generally northeast. Along its path, it passes near the village of Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse. It also flows through or near the towns of Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse and Saint-Vallier.
The river crosses under several roads, including Quebec Route 279, Quebec Route 218, and Quebec Route 281. It also goes under Highway 20. The last part of the river forms the border between Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse and Saint-Vallier.
Where the River Meets the Saint Lawrence
The Boyer River finally flows into the Chenal des Grands Voiliers, which is a channel of the Saint Lawrence River. This meeting point is near the villages of Saint-Vallier and Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse. It's also across from Saint-Jean-de-l'Île-d'Orléans on Île d'Orléans.
Main Branches of the Boyer River
The main smaller rivers and streams that flow into the Boyer River are:
- Boyer River North
- Boyer River South
- Portage stream
Naming the River
What is Toponymy?
Toponymy is the study of place names. It looks at where names come from and what they mean.
The Boyer River's Name
The name "rivière Boyer" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is the official group in Quebec that names places.
