Canoe River (British Columbia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canoe River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cariboo Mountains |
| River mouth | Columbia River Kinbasket Lake |
The Canoe River is a river in British Columbia, Canada. It is the most northern river that flows into the mighty Columbia River. A large part of its lower section is now covered by water from the Mica Dam. This flooded area is called Canoe Reach, which is part of Kinbasket Lake.
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Where Does the Canoe River Flow?
The Canoe River starts high up in the Cariboo Mountains. This is west of a town called Valemount, British Columbia. From there, it flows east towards Valemount. Then, it turns southeast. It eventually joins the Columbia River at a place known as the "Big Bend." This spot is just upstream from the Mica Dam.
Canoe Reach and Kinbasket Lake
The water held back by the Mica Dam forms Kinbasket Lake. This lake stretches far up the Canoe River, almost reaching Valemount. This flooded part of the river is what we call the Canoe Reach. Even though the Canoe River used to meet the Columbia River directly, today its mouth is considered to be at the northern end of Canoe Reach.
Rivers and Creeks Joining Canoe River
Many smaller rivers and creeks flow into the Canoe River and Canoe Reach. Some of these include Camp Creek, Packsaddle Creek, Dave Henry Creek, and Hugh Allan Creek. The Wood River also joins the Canoe Reach right at the Big Bend.
Most of the Canoe River, especially the Canoe Reach, lies within a long valley. This valley is called the Rocky Mountain Trench. Other important rivers like the upper Fraser River and the McLennan River also flow through parts of this same valley near Valemount. The Canoe River and its tributary, Camp Creek, drain an area just north and east of where the North Thompson River begins.
History of the Canoe River
The Canoe River got its name from a famous explorer named David Thompson. He spent a winter near the river's mouth in 1811.
The York Factory Express Route
From the early 1820s until 1846, the Canoe River was a very important part of a trade route. This route was called the York Factory Express. It was used by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) to transport furs and supplies. The route connected London (via Hudson Bay) to the valuable fur trading region of the Columbia District. This district was based at Fort Vancouver on the lower Columbia River. So, the Canoe River was a busy waterway for traders during that time.
Notable Events
In 1950, a notable event involving a train happened near Valemount, British Columbia, close to the Canoe River.
