Kapiskau River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kapiskau River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Kapiskau River in Ontario
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Central Ontario |
| District | Kenora |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unnamed lake 194 m (636 ft) 52°03′18″N 85°39′29″W / 52.05500°N 85.65806°W |
| River mouth | James Bay 0 m (0 ft) 52°46′10″N 81°58′13″W / 52.76944°N 81.97028°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Hudson Bay drainage basin |
| Tributaries |
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The Kapiskau River is an important river located in the far northeastern part of Ontario, Canada. It flows into James Bay, which is a large body of water connected to Hudson Bay. The river is found in the Kenora District of Northwestern Ontario.
Contents
Where the River Flows
The Kapiskau River starts in an unnamed lake. This lake is about 50 kilometres (31 mi) northeast of a place called Ogoki Post. From its start, the river first flows north, then east, and then southeast. It reaches a lake known as Kapiskau Lake.
After Kapiskau Lake, the river continues its journey southeast and then east. It then turns north and meets the Noluskatsi River, which joins it from the right side. The Kapiskau River then heads northeast.
As it flows northeast, it takes in more water from other rivers. The Atikameg River joins from the right, and the Beaver River joins from the left. The river keeps going northeast. Just before it reaches its end, the Otadaonanis River joins from the right. Finally, the Kapiskau River empties into James Bay.
River Systems and Basins
A river system includes a main river and all the smaller rivers and streams that flow into it. The Kapiskau River is one of two main river systems in its area. The other is the Lawashi River. These two rivers are located between two much larger rivers: the Attawapiskat River to the north and the Albany River to the south.
The Kapiskau River is part of the larger Hudson Bay drainage basin. A drainage basin is like a giant bowl where all the rain and melted snow eventually flow into one main river or lake.
Wildlife and Nature
The area where the Kapiskau River meets James Bay is very special for birds. It is part of an "Important Bird Area" called "Albany River Estuary and Assoc. Coastline" (CA368). This means it's a crucial place for many different kinds of birds to live, feed, and raise their young. Protecting these areas helps keep bird populations healthy.
Earth's Features
Some parts of the Kapiskau River and its smaller streams are located near a unique geological area. This area is known as the southeastern edge of the Northern Ontario Ring of Fire. This "Ring of Fire" is a large, ring-shaped area in Northern Ontario. It is known for having many valuable minerals deep underground.
Local Connections
The Kapiskau River plays a role in local transportation. The James Bay Winter Road crosses the Kapiskau River. This special road is only open in winter when the ground is frozen solid. It connects the towns of Moosonee and Attawapiskat, helping people and supplies move between these communities when other routes are difficult.
Rivers Joining the Kapiskau
Here are the main rivers that flow into the Kapiskau River:
- Otadaonanis River (joins from the right side)
- Beaver River (joins from the left side)
- Pekwako River (joins from the left side)
- Atikameg River (joins from the right side)
- Noluskatsi River (joins from the right side)
