Deserters Canyon facts for kids

Deserters Canyon is a cool canyon located in British Columbia, Canada. It's found along the Finlay River, which is a big river in the northern part of the province. This canyon is special because of its history and the amazing nature around it. It's also close to a huge lake called Williston Lake.

Williston Lake is actually a giant reservoir, which is a man-made lake. It was created by the W. A. C. Bennett Dam on the lower Peace River. Deserters Canyon sits just upstream (north) from where the Finlay River flows into Williston Lake.

What is Deserters Canyon?

Deserters Canyon is a deep, narrow valley carved by the Finlay River. Canyons are often formed over millions of years as rivers cut through rock. This process slowly erodes the land, creating steep walls and dramatic landscapes. The Finlay River is an important waterway in British Columbia, known for its wild beauty and its role in the region's history.

Where is Deserters Canyon Located?

This canyon is found in the northern part of the Interior of British Columbia. This area is known for its vast forests, mountains, and many rivers and lakes. It's a remote and beautiful part of Canada, full of wildlife and natural wonders. The canyon is part of a larger system of rivers that eventually flow into the Arctic Ocean.

The Story Behind the Name

The name "Deserters Canyon" tells a fascinating story from the past. It comes from an exploration trip that happened way back in 1824.

Samuel Black's Expedition

In 1824, a famous explorer named Samuel Black was leading a group of people on an important journey. Their mission was to find the very beginning, or "headwaters," of the Finlay River. The Finlay River is actually the North Fork of the Peace River, meaning it's one of the main branches that feed into it.

Black's expedition was part of the fur trade, which was a huge business in Canada at the time. Explorers like Black were trying to map out new areas and find new routes for trading furs.

The Deserters

During this challenging expedition, two men from Samuel Black's party decided to leave the group. They "deserted" at this very location, which is why the canyon, and other nearby places, got their names. It must have been a very difficult journey for them to decide to leave the safety of the group.

Other Places with the Same Name

The story of the deserters also gave names to other natural features in the same area. You can find:

• Deserters Creek: A small stream that flows into the Finlay River.
• Deserters Peak: A mountain in the region.

These names serve as a reminder of the early explorers and the challenges they faced while mapping out the wild lands of British Columbia.

Williston Lake and the W. A. C. Bennett Dam

Deserters Canyon is located near Williston Lake, which is a very important part of British Columbia's power system.

How Williston Lake Was Formed

Williston Lake is not a natural lake. It was created in the late 1960s when the W. A. C. Bennett Dam was built on the Peace River. This massive dam was constructed to generate hydroelectricity, which is electricity made from the power of moving water. When the dam was built, it flooded a huge area, creating the large reservoir we now know as Williston Lake. It's one of the largest reservoirs in North America.

The Purpose of the Dam

The W. A. C. Bennett Dam plays a crucial role in providing clean energy to the people of British Columbia. The water stored in Williston Lake is released through turbines in the dam, which spin generators to produce electricity. This process helps power homes, schools, and businesses across the province.