Galiote River facts for kids

The Galiote River (French: Rivière Galiote) is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. This river is found on Anticosti Island, which is part of the Minganie Regional County Municipality.

The area around the Galiote River is important for two main activities. One is forestry, which means harvesting trees. The other is recreational tourism, like hiking and exploring nature. A forest road runs along the west side of the river valley, helping people access the area.

River's Journey: Where the Galiote River Flows

The Galiote River starts high up in the mountains of Anticosti Island. It begins where two mountain streams meet, about 215 meters (705 feet) above sea level. This starting point is in a forested area in the south-central part of the island.

From its source, the Galiote River flows for about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles). During its journey, the river drops about 214 meters (702 feet) in height.

• First, it flows south for about 4.9 kilometers (3 miles). Along the way, it collects water from three smaller streams. There's a spot called Galiote-la-Chute on the west bank.
• Next, the river turns east and flows for about 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles) through a deep valley. Another stream joins it from the northeast. This area has a place called Galiote-la-Fourche.
• Then, it flows south for 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) through another deep valley. Here, water from two lakes flows into the river.
• Finally, the river continues south for about 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles). It passes under a forest road bridge before reaching its mouth.

The Galiote River ends its journey by flowing into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. This is on the south shore of Anticosti Island. The river's mouth is located east of Pointe de la Tourbe and west of the mouth of the Rivière aux Rats.

Why is it Called Galiote?

The name "Galiote River" comes from an old type of sailing ship called a "galiote." These ships were often used by Dutch sailors. The word "galiote" also referred to smaller coastal ships or fishing boats.

David Têtu, who watched for shipwrecks in the late 1800s, was the first to use the name "Galiote River" on his map. Over the years, the river was sometimes called "River Galiotte," "Sabotte River," or "Galti River."

It's believed that the river was named after a galiote ship that might have been shipwrecked near its mouth. Anticosti Island is sometimes called the "Gulf Cemetery" because more than 400 shipwrecks have happened around the island since 1680. This sad history makes the idea of a shipwreck giving the river its name seem very likely. Other places on Anticosti Island, like Havre du Brick and Pointe à la Goélette, also have names that remind us of old ships and shipwrecks.

In 1959, the Quebec Geography Commission officially decided to keep the name "Rivière Galiote." The name was made official on December 5, 1968.

Protecting Nature: Lac-Salé Ecological Reserve

In 1991, the government of Quebec created the "Lac-Salé Ecological Reserve." This reserve covers about 7,000 hectares (about 17,300 acres). An ecological reserve is a special area set aside to protect nature, including plants, animals, and their habitats.

The reserve is bordered by the rivière du Brick on one side and the Galiote River on the other. This helps protect the natural environment of both rivers and the land between them.

Fun Activities: Recreational Tourism

The Galiote River offers a beautiful and wild place for people to visit. Between kilometers 7 and 11, the river has gentle edges, making it easy to explore. If the water level is low, you can even walk along the stony riverbed, almost like a natural path.

When you're exploring the area, you might spot some local wildlife, like hares and deer. The plants growing here are also special, with many rare species found in this unique environment. It's a great place for nature lovers to enjoy the outdoors.