Gamache River (Anticosti Island) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gamache River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Côte-Nord |
| Regional County Municipality | Minganie Regional County Municipality |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lake Claude L'Île-d'Anticosti 68 m (223 ft) 49°49′56″N 63°55′37″W / 49.83222°N 63.92694°W |
| River mouth | Gulf of Saint Lawrence L'Île-d'Anticosti 1 m (3.3 ft) 49°49′26″N 64°19′44″W / 49.82389°N 64.32889°W |
| Length | 9.4 km (5.8 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Gamache River is a small river located on Anticosti Island in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. This river is part of the Minganie Regional County Municipality in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec.
Contents
River's Journey
Where the River Starts
The Gamache River begins its journey at a lake called Lac Claude. This lake is about 2.0 km (1.2 mi) long. It sits at an altitude of 68 m (223 ft) above sea level. Lac Claude is found in the western part of Anticosti Island. Around the lake, you'll find many marshy areas.
The lake's exit point, where the river starts, is on its west side. It's located about 7.1 km (4.4 mi) north of the village of Port-Menier.
Flowing South
From Lac Claude, the Gamache River flows mostly south. It travels between two other water bodies. To its west is Diane Creek, and to its east is the Trois Milles River.
The river flows for about 9.4 km (5.8 mi). During its journey, it drops about 67 m (220 ft) in elevation.
Path to the Gulf
For the first 4.4 km (2.7 mi), the river flows northwest, then curves south. It passes through more marshy areas. It also crosses a road that goes north of the Port-Menier airport.
The next 5.0 km (3.1 mi) of the river flows southwest in a fairly straight line. Along this path, it flows through Lake Saint-Georges. This lake is about 1.0 km (0.62 mi) long and sits at an altitude of 6.0 m (19.7 ft). Lake Saint-Georges also receives water from the Trois Milles River.
Where the River Ends
The Gamache River finally empties into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. It flows into Gamache Bay, right in the heart of the village of Port-Menier. The river's mouth is on the north side of the wharf in Port-Menier.
Gamache Bay is quite large, about 5.7 km (3.5 mi) long. This bay also includes two smaller bays: Jolliet Bay to the northwest and Navots Bay to the northeast.
Naming the River
A Special Name
Both "Gamache Bay" and "Gamache River" are named after the same person. The village of Port-Menier grew up around Gamache Bay.
The name honors Louis-Olivier Gamache. He was a very famous person who lived on Anticosti Island. People often called him the "Robinson Crusoe of French Canada." He was known for being smart, skilled, brave, and strong. He faced many challenges living on the island.
A Bit of History
Louis-Olivier Gamache passed away in 1854. He died at Ellis Bay, where he had built his home. Interestingly, his house was built on the very spot where Louis Jolliet had once built a fort.
The name "Gamache River" first appeared in a geography bulletin in 1925. It was officially recognized as "rivière Gamache" on December 5, 1968.
