Lac des Roches facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake des Roches |
|
|---|---|
 Lake des Roches
Location in Quebec
|
|
| Location | Capitale-Nationale, Quebec |
| Coordinates | 46°55′16″N 71°15′05″W / 46.92111°N 71.25139°W |
| Primary inflows | Five small forest and mountain streams. |
| Primary outflows | Rivière des Roches |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Surface elevation | 295 m (968 ft) |
| Settlements | Quebec City |
Lac des Roches (which means Lake of Rocks in English) is a freshwater lake located in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. It's a very important lake because it's the main source of drinking water for the Charlesbourg area of Quebec City.
Five small streams flowing from the nearby mountains feed the lake. You can reach the lake mainly by the Lac des Roches road on its east side and the Arthur-Drolet road on its south side. These roads are used for fun activities and forestry.
The lake's surface usually freezes from early December to late March. It's generally safe to walk or play on the ice from late December to early March.
What is Lac des Roches Like?
Lac des Roches has two shallow parts, and a mixed forest surrounds them. A piece of land sticks out from the north shore, reaching about 0.5 kilometers (half a mile) into the middle of the lake.
Most of the eastern part of the lake has private properties with about a dozen cabins. However, the western part of the lake is owned by the City of Quebec. Because the lake provides drinking water, human activities like swimming or boating are not allowed in this area.
The water from Lac des Roches goes into the water treatment plant in Charlesbourg. This plant started working in 2009 and is one of four water treatment centers in Quebec City.
The water from Lac des Roches flows into the Roches River. The lake's outlet is about 4.7 kilometers (2.9 miles) northeast of where the Roches River begins. It's also about 6.6 kilometers (4.1 miles) north of the center of the Charlesbourg area.
How Lac des Roches Got Its Name
The name "Lac des Roches" first appeared on a map in 1834. This map was called "The Environs of Quebec" and was made by a merchant named Alfred Hawkins.
The official name "Lac des Roches" was confirmed on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like a special committee that names places in Quebec.
Gallery
-
Sign indicating the prohibitions
-
Building at the outlet of the lake
-
A power line crossing the western basin of the lake
-
Vegetation
