Cabanage River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cabanaga River |
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|---|---|
| Native name | Rivière du Cabanage |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean |
| Regional County Municipality | Le Fjord-du-Saguenay Regional County Municipality |
| Municipalities | Petit-Saguenay |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lac de la Muraille Petit-Saguenay 503 m (1,650 ft) 48°11′19″N 70°00′54″W / 48.18852°N 70.01503°W |
| River mouth | Saguenay River Petit-Saguenay 20 m (66 ft) 48°11′19″N 70°00′54″E / 48.18852°N 70.01503°E |
| Length | 15.8 km (9.8 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Cabanage River (also known as Rivière du Cabanage in French) is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Petit Saguenay River, which then joins the larger Saguenay River. The river is located in the Petit-Saguenay area.
The area around the Cabanage River is important for two main things:
- Forestry: This means cutting down trees for wood and other products.
- Recreational tourism: This includes fun activities like hiking, fishing, and enjoying nature.
The Cabanage River usually freezes over in early December. It stays frozen until the end of March. It's generally safe to walk or play on the ice from mid-December to mid-March.
Contents
Where is the Cabanage River?
The Cabanage River is in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. It's part of the Le Fjord-du-Saguenay Regional County Municipality.
Nearby Rivers
Other important rivers close to the Cabanage River include:
- To the north: Petit Saguenay River and Saguenay River.
- To the east: Petit Saguenay River, Saint-Athanase River, and Saint-Étienne River.
- To the south: Saint Jean River.
The River's Journey
The Cabanage River starts at a lake called "Lac de la Muraille" (which means "Lake of the Wall"). This lake is about 1.0 km (0.6 mi) long and sits high up at 503 meters (1,650 ft).
From its source, the river flows for about 15.8 km (9.8 mi). Here's a simple look at its path:
- It starts by flowing northeast through a steep valley.
- It passes by the outlet of "Lac des Collets" and other small lakes.
- The river then goes through "Long Lake" for about 1.0 km (0.6 mi).
- It continues northeast, winding its way.
- Finally, the Cabanage River empties into the "Anse au Cheval" bay. This bay is on the south side of the Saguenay River.
The mouth of the river is close to the village of Petit-Saguenay. It's also about 9.3 km (5.8 mi) east of L'Anse-Saint-Jean.
A Look at History
People have lived near the Petit Saguenay River for a very long time. Evidence shows that Indigenous people were here at least 3,000 years ago (around 1000 BC). In more recent times, during the 1900s, Indigenous people and Métis (people of mixed Indigenous and European heritage) often visited the river valley for hunting and fishing.
Early Settlers
When the first European settlers tried to build a community near the mouth of the Petit Saguenay River, Métis families were already living there. In 1844, workers building a mill mentioned that a Métis man named Charles Bernier was part of their team. After the mill was no longer used, Charles Bernier and his family were the first to settle in the area known as "Le Cabanage." Indigenous and Métis people continued to live in this area until the 1920s.
What's in a Name?
The name "Cabanage River" comes from the word "Cabanagem." This word refers to a type of simple hut or shelter. These huts were often used by poor people, especially Métis, freed slaves, and Indigenous peoples.
There's also a small community called "Le Cabanage" about 4.8 km (3.0 mi) southwest of Petit-Saguenay village, along the river. The name "Rivière du Cabanage" became official on December 5, 1968.
