Ferrée River (Montmorency River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ferrée River |
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|---|---|
| Native name | Old name: "Rivière Laval" (French) |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Capitale-Nationale |
| Regional County Municipality | La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality |
| Municipality | L'Ange-Gardien, Boischatel |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mountain stream L'Ange-Gardien 339 m 46°57′22″N 71°10′31″W / 46.95611°N 71.17527°W |
| River mouth | Montmorency River Boischatel 117 m 46°54′05″N 71°10′10″W / 46.90139°N 71.16944°W |
| Length | 175 km (109 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Ferrée River is a cool waterway in Quebec, Canada. It's like a smaller stream that flows into a bigger river, the Montmorency River.
This river runs through two towns: L'Ange-Gardien and Boischatel. These towns are part of the La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality.
The area around the river is used for different things. In the upper part, people use forest roads to access sugar bushes, where they collect maple sap. This is a big part of the local economy. People also enjoy outdoor activities and tourism here. The lower part of the river flows near the town of Boischatel.
During winter, the Ferrée River usually freezes over from early December to late March. It's safest to walk on the ice from mid-December to mid-March. The amount of water in the river changes with the seasons and how much rain or snow falls. The biggest flood usually happens in March or April.
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River's Journey
The Ferrée River starts as a small stream in a forest. This spot is high up in the mountains, about 339 metres (1,112 ft) (1,112 feet) above sea level. It begins in the town of L'Ange-Gardien.
From its source, the river flows for about 17.5 kilometres (10.9 mi) (10.9 miles). As it travels, it drops 222 metres (728 ft) (728 feet) in height.
Upper Part of the River
The first part of the Ferrée River's journey is about 6.0 kilometres (3.7 mi) (3.7 miles) long.
- It flows north through a deep valley in L'Ange-Gardien.
- Then, it turns and flows southeast.
- Along the way, it meets another river called the Rivière la Retenue.
Lower Part of the River
The second part of the river's journey is longer, about 11.5 kilometres (7.1 mi) (7.1 miles).
- It flows south through a flat, forested area.
- It winds around, making loops to the east and west.
- It crosses a road called Chemin du Pont-à-Mathias.
- The river then reaches the border of Boischatel.
- In Boischatel, it flows through a forest and past the northern part of the town.
- It even goes through a small artificial lake.
- Finally, it flows southwest, crossing a golf course and a street called Notre-Dame.
- The Ferrée River then joins the Montmorency River.
From where the Ferrée River joins the Montmorency River, the water continues to flow for about 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) (2 miles). It eventually reaches the big St. Lawrence River.
The Underground River
One really cool thing about the Ferrée River is that part of it flows underground! For about 800 metres (2,600 ft) (2,625 feet), the river disappears below the surface. This underground section helps to feed the Boischatel Cave. During very heavy rains or floods, this part of the river might flow above ground again.
What's in a Name?
The Ferrée River wasn't always called that. In the past, it was known by other names like "Rivière Laval" and "Rivière Ferry."
The name "Rivière Ferrée" was officially given to the river on August 14, 1997. This was decided by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like the official naming committee for places in Quebec.
Related Articles
- Boischatel Cave
- La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality
- L'Ange-Gardien, Quebec, a municipality
- Boischatel, a municipality
- Rivière la Retenue
- Montmorency River
- List of rivers of Quebec
