Comporté River facts for kids
The Comporté River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Malbaie River near the town of La Malbaie. The Comporté River starts high up in the mountains and drops about 489 meters (1,604 feet) as it flows. It has many exciting rapids and waterfalls along its path through the forest.
The area around the river is served by roads like Fraser Falls Road and Rang Sainte-Julie Road. These roads help people get around for logging and fun outdoor activities. Some trails even lead north into the Zec du Lac-au-Sable, which is a protected area for outdoor adventures.
Logging is the main business in this area. Many people also visit for outdoor fun like hiking and fishing. The river usually freezes over from mid-December to late March. It's generally safe to walk or play on the ice from late December to mid-March.
Quick facts for kids Comporté River |
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|---|---|
| Native name | Rivière du Grand Fonds |
| Other name(s) | Rivière Comporté |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Capitale-Nationale |
| Regional County Municipality | Charlevoix Regional County Municipality |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Comporté Lake La Malbaie 499 m (1,637 ft) 47°46′37″N 71°05′15″W / 47.777°N 71.087422°W |
| River mouth | Malbaie River La Malbaie 10 m (33 ft) 47°48′02″N 70°07′15″W / 47.80056°N 70.12083°W |
| Length | 15 km (9.3 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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Where the River Starts and Flows
The Comporté River begins at Comporté Lake. This lake is about 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) long and sits at an elevation of 499 meters (1,637 feet). It is located in a forest area, surrounded by mountains.
The River's Journey
The Comporté River flows for about 20.8 kilometers (12.9 miles). Here's how its journey goes:
- For the first 5.4 kilometers (3.4 miles), it flows southeast. It winds its way until it reaches the Grand-Fonds Road bridge.
- Next, it travels 2.9 kilometers (1.8 miles) south. It follows the Chemin des Loisirs and passes Mont-Grand-Fonds.
- Then, for 5.0 kilometers (3.1 miles), it continues south along the Chemin des Loisirs. This part of the river passes by many houses and cottages in the Grand-Fonds village. It also goes through two sets of rapids.
- Finally, for 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles), it flows south. It passes through more rapids and waterfalls, goes by Butte-à-Julie, and crosses a dam. It also goes past Fraser Falls and a campsite. The river then flows under large Hydro-Québec power lines. It crosses the Chemin de la Vallée and a small park before joining the Malbaie River.
The Comporté River joins the Malbaie River in the town of La Malbaie. This meeting point is across from Quebec Route 138, a main road.
Why the River is Called Comporté
The name "Comporté" comes from a person named Philippe Gaultier de Comporté. He was a lieutenant in the Carignan-Salières Regiment. He arrived in Quebec in 1665.
Philippe Gaultier de Comporté was a military officer and a lord. He was also involved in managing the king's supplies and other important tasks. He was born in 1641 in Comporté, near Poitiers, France. He passed away in Quebec in 1687.
The name "Comporté River" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like a special committee that names places in Quebec.
