Ivanhoe River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ivanhoe River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Ivanhoe River in Ontario
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Northeastern Ontario |
| Districts |
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unnamed lake Halsey Township, Sudbury District 450 m (1,480 ft) 47°40′56″N 83°10′57″W / 47.68222°N 83.18250°W |
| River mouth | Groundhog River Montcalm Township, Cochrane District 262 m (860 ft) 48°40′27″N 82°11′27″W / 48.67417°N 82.19083°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | James Bay drainage basin |
| Tributaries |
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The Ivanhoe River is a cool river found in Ontario, Canada. It flows through the Cochrane District and Sudbury District in the northeastern part of the province. This river is part of the huge James Bay drainage basin, which means all its water eventually flows into James Bay. The Ivanhoe River is a "left tributary" of the Groundhog River, meaning it joins the Groundhog River from its left side as you look downstream.
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Where Does the Ivanhoe River Flow?
The Ivanhoe River starts its journey in a small, unnamed lake in Halsey Township, located in the northern part of the Sudbury District. From there, it flows northeast. Early in its path, it goes under the Canadian Pacific Railway main line. This railway is used by the Via Rail Sudbury – White River train.
Lakes and River Channels
As the river continues, it passes through South Ivanhoe Lake and Halsey Lake. It then meets the Kinogama River, which joins it from the right. The Ivanhoe River then flows into Ivanhoe Lake. Much of this lake is part of the beautiful Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park.
The Ivanhoe River has two ways to leave Ivanhoe Lake:
- Ivanhoe River (Old Channel): This is the left, or west, channel. It flows out of the lake and goes under Ontario Highway 101. This channel eventually reaches the community of Foleyet.
- Ivanhoe River (New Channel): This is the right, or east, channel. Its flow is controlled by the Ivanhoe Lake Dam. This dam helps manage the water level in the lake. It also stores water for power plants further downstream. This channel then takes in the Midway River from the right. It passes under the Canadian National Railway (CNR) main line. Via Rail Canadian trains stop nearby at the Foleyet railway station. The New Channel then takes in the Muskego River from the right. It passes under the CNR line again, and then under Highway 101 at Foleyet.
The River's Path to James Bay
After the two channels rejoin, the river flows north. It goes under the CNR line one more time. The Shawmere River then joins it from the left. The river then flows through a natural water slide area called The Chutes. It then enters the Cochrane District.
The Ivanhoe River turns northeast and the Paypeeshek River joins it from the left. Finally, the Ivanhoe River reaches its end, flowing into the Groundhog River. The Groundhog River then flows into the Mattagami River, which then flows into the Moose River, and eventually all that water reaches James Bay.
Protecting the Ivanhoe River
For a while, there were plans to build two small hydroelectric power stations on the Ivanhoe River. These stations would have been at The Chutes and another spot called Third Falls. They were planned to produce 8.7 megawatts of power.
However, a group called the Ontario Rivers Alliance and its members worked hard to protect the river. Because of their efforts, the plans for these power stations were stopped. This helped protect the Ivanhoe River from development. In total, 10 rivers in Ontario were saved from similar projects, including the Ivanhoe River. This shows how important it is to protect our natural spaces!
Rivers That Join the Ivanhoe
Many smaller rivers and creeks flow into the Ivanhoe River. These are called tributaries. Here are some of them:
- Paypeeshek River (joins from the left)
- Komak Creek (joins from the left)
- Osishana Creek (joins from the left)
- Oates Creek (joins from the left)
- Shawmere River (joins from the left)
- Biting Creek (joins from the right)
- Gullystone Creek (joins from the right)
- Jackpine Creek (joins from the left)
- Hellyer Creek (joins from the left)
- Biggs Creek (joins from the right)
- Kinogama River (joins from the right)
- Wright Creek (joins from the left)
