Lac Deschênes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lac Deschênes |
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| Location | Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau / Pontiac, Quebec |
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| Primary inflows | Ottawa River, Carp River, Constance Creek, Shirley's Brook, Watts Creek, Still Water Creek, Graham Creek |
| Primary outflows | Ottawa River |
| Catchment area | 90,900 km2 (35,100 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 44 km (27 mi) |
| Max. width | 3.2 km (2.0 mi) |
| Average depth | 9.0 m (29.5 ft) |
| Max. depth | 49 m (161 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 57.9 m (190 ft) |
| Islands | Kedey's Island (ON), Île O'Connor (QC), Alexandra Island (ON), Île Mohr (QC), Île Allen (QC) (Twelve Mile Island), Alymer Island (ON) |
| Settlements | Ottawa (ON), Gatineau (QC) |
Lac Deschênes is a long lake on the Ottawa River. It stretches about 44 kilometers (27 miles) from the Chats Falls Dam in the west to the Deschênes Rapids in the east. At its widest, it's over 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) across. In some spots, it's only a few hundred meters wide. The border between Ontario and Quebec runs right through the middle of the lake. The city of Ottawa is on its southern side. Gatineau is mostly on its northern side. This lake is officially known by its French name only.
The shoreline of Lac Deschênes is mostly gently sloped. It is made up of broken limestone. There are also smaller areas with water plants or mudflats. Upstream from the Chats Falls Dam is Lac des Chats. Downstream from Britannia, there are many rapids and waterfalls. These end at the Chaudière Falls. The river cannot be traveled by boat between these rapids and falls.
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Fun on the Water: Boating and Sailing
Lac Deschênes is a popular spot for boating and sailing. It is home to five sailing clubs. There is also one commercial marina. The Britannia Yacht Club is the oldest. It was started in 1887. You can find it at the eastern end of the lake. The Nepean Sailing Club was founded in 1979. It is now the largest sailing club in the Ottawa area. It is located in Dick Bell Park on Carling Avenue.
Sailing Clubs to Explore
The Lac Deschênes Sailing Club and the Kanata Sailing Club are smaller. They mostly have dinghy boats. On the Quebec side of the lake is the Club de Voile Grande-Rivière. It is located at the Aylmer Marina. Further upstream on the Ontario side is the Port of Call Marina.
Getting Around the Lake
Many boat launch ramps are available on both sides of the lake. On the Ontario side, you can find them at Fitzroy Harbour and Buckham's Bay. There are also ramps at Port of Call Marina and Shirleys Bay. The Nepean Sailing Club has a ramp too. A small public dock is at Pinhey's Point. The village of Quyon has larger public docks. These are near the western end of the lake.
You can cross Lac Deschênes between Ontario and Quebec by ferry. This ferry service runs between West Carleton and Quyon. A bridge has been suggested, but it has not been approved yet.
The Canadian Coast Guard helps keep the lake safe. They maintain lights and buoys. If you need help, local emergency services in Ottawa and Gatineau are responsible. You can call 911 to reach them quickly.
The lake's water levels change throughout the year. They go up and down by about 0.9 meters (3 feet). The highest levels are usually in spring. The lowest levels are typically in September. Water levels are mainly affected by the water coming from upstream. The water flows slowly in most parts of the lake. It moves faster right below the Chats Falls Dam. It also moves faster at Britannia Rapids. Most of Lac Deschênes is shallow, less than 9.0 meters (30 feet) deep. However, there is a very deep spot. It is between Twelve Mile Island and Aylmer Island. This area reaches depths of 49 meters (161 feet).
Fishing Adventures
Lac Deschênes is a great place to fish. Many types of sport fish live here. You can find black crappie, pickerel (walleye), muskie, and pike. Lots of Catfish can be found in many of the bays.
Birdwatching Wonders
Many different birds can be seen at Lac Deschênes. You will find Ring-billed, herring, and great black-backed gulls. Other waterfowl species are also common. Large groups of Canada geese stop at the lake during their fall migration. Other waterbirds do too. Mallards are often seen, especially near Shirleys Bay. Red-throated loons, Arctic terns, and common terns have also been spotted. Many shorebirds gather in the muddy parts of the shoreline. Places like Shirleys Bay and Andrew Hayden Park are good for this. A group of purple martins lives at the Nepean Sailing Club.
