Horsefly River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Horsefly River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Near Wells Gray Provincial Park 52°22′N 120°31′W / 52.367°N 120.517°W |
| River mouth | Quesnel River 52°28′N 121°23′W / 52.467°N 121.383°W |
| Length | 98 km (61 mi) |
The Horsefly River is an important river located in the Cariboo district of British Columbia, Canada. It starts its journey near the beautiful Wells Gray Provincial Park. From there, it flows into a large body of water called Quesnel Lake.
Quesnel Lake is the beginning of the Quesnel River, which then flows into the mighty Fraser River. The Horsefly River is the biggest river that feeds water into Quesnel Lake. It drains a huge area of land, about 2,750 square kilometers (1,062 square miles), in a region called the Interior Plateau.
Contents
Where Does the Horsefly River Flow?
The Horsefly River is about 98 kilometers (61 miles) long. It begins high up near Wells Gray Provincial Park. This park is known for its amazing wilderness and natural beauty.
Journey to the Pacific Ocean
After leaving its source, the Horsefly River travels west. It empties into Quesnel Lake, which is a very deep and large lake. The water from the Horsefly River then becomes part of the Quesnel River. This river eventually joins the Fraser River, which is one of Canada's longest rivers. The Fraser River then flows all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Why is the Horsefly River Important?
The Horsefly River is very important for the environment and for different kinds of animals. It plays a key role in the life cycle of several types of fish.
Home for Salmon
The Horsefly River is a crucial place for different kinds of salmon to lay their eggs. These include:
Salmon are amazing fish that travel long distances from the ocean back to the river where they were born to reproduce. The clean, cool waters of the Horsefly River provide the perfect environment for young salmon to hatch and grow before they head out to the ocean.
Ancient Discoveries Along the River
Scientists have found some really old and interesting things along the banks of the Horsefly River. These discoveries help us learn about what the Earth was like millions of years ago.
Fossils from the Eocene Epoch
Along the river, there are special rock layers that hold fossils. These fossils are from a time called the Eocene Epoch, which was about 56 to 34 million years ago. Scientists have found fossils of:
- Ancient insects
- Old types of fish
- Plants that lived a very long time ago
These fossils tell us that the area around the Horsefly River was once home to a large lake. It was a very different environment than what we see today. Studying these fossils helps us understand how life and landscapes have changed over millions of years.
