Lake Kiskissink facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Kiskissink |
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 Lake Kiskissink
Location in Quebec
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| Location | La Tuque (urban agglomeration), Mauricie, Quebec |
| Coordinates | 47°54′29″N 72°07′48″W / 47.90806°N 72.13000°W |
| Lake type | natural |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 11.2 km (7.0 mi) |
| Max. width | 1.7 km (1.1 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 416 m (1,365 ft) |
Lake Kiskissink is a natural lake located in the La Tuque (urban agglomeration) area of Quebec, Canada. It is part of the Mauricie region. The land around the lake is managed by the Zec Kiskissink organization.
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Geography of Lake Kiskissink
Lake Kiskissink is about 63 km northeast of La Tuque city center. It is also 42 km southwest of Chambord. The lake is 21 km northeast of Lac-Édouard.
The lake has a very long and narrow shape. It stretches mainly from north to south. Lake Kiskissink is 11.2 km long. Its widest point is about 1.7 km across, including one of its bays.
This lake is located near the Grand Lake Bostonnais. Grand Lake Bostonnais is about fifteen kilometers to the west. Lake Kiskissink sits in areas known as the Rhodes and Lescarbot cantons. The lake's surface is about 416 meters above sea level. Some hills around the lake are taller than 460 meters.
Lake Kiskissink and its southern neighbor, Lake Lescarbot, are close to a special boundary. This boundary separates the water flowing towards Lac Saint-Jean (through the Métabetchouan River) from the water flowing into the Saint-Maurice River system. This dividing line is usually one to two kilometers east of the lakes.
Lake Kiskissink gets its water from the south. Water flows into it from Lake Lescarbot. From the northern end of Lake Kiskissink, a part of the Bostonnais River flows out. This river segment goes north, then west. It is 8.2 km long. This includes 3.8 km of river and a 4.4 km long bay that connects to Grand Lake Bostonnais.
The small village of Kiskissink is found at the end of a long bay. This bay is located on the northwest side of Lake Kiskissink.
What's in a Name? (Toponymy)
The name "Kiskissink" comes from the Algonquin and Montagnais languages. It means "little cedar." In the past, Lake Kiskissink was known as "Cedar Lake." The official name "Lake Kiskissink" was registered on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like Quebec's official place-naming board.
History of Lake Kiskissink
Early Indigenous History
Many old tools and items from Indigenous peoples have been found near Lake Kiskissink. This area in Haute-Mauricie has about thirty places where archaeologists think more artifacts might be found. Many Indigenous groups, who often moved from place to place, traveled through this area over time.
This area was important because it was a transition zone. It connected the upper Métabetchouane River watershed with the upper Saint-Maurice River watershed. For example, in the 1630s, Indigenous communities used this area. Lake Kiskissink was a key spot for them.
The Métabetchouane River and Bostonnais River were like highways. In winter, they were used as ice roads. In other seasons, they were waterways for travel and bringing supplies. Many Indigenous communities lived as semi-nomads or met near these two rivers. They often traded goods with each other. Indigenous "wood runners" helped with trade between different communities.
First Non-Native Activities
The first non-Indigenous farmers and settlers arrived in this area in the late 1800s. Their arrival was mainly due to the new railway. This railway came from Montreal and passed through Lac-Édouard. The train tracks run along the western side of the northern part of Lake Kiskissink. This railway helped serve the small communities of Kiskissink and Van Bruyssels.
The railway's arrival was a big reason why private hunting and fishing clubs started in the area. Many important people, from Canada and the United States, came here to enjoy these outdoor activities.
Related Articles
- La Tuque (city)
- La Tuque (urban agglomeration)
- Saint-Maurice River
- Bostonnais River
- Grand Lake Bostonnais
- La Bostonnais (municipality)
- Métabetchouane River
