Lake Pierre-Paul (Mékinac) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Pierre-Paul |
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Location | Saint-Tite, Mékinac Regional County Municipality, Quebec, Canada |
Coordinates | 46°44′35″N 72°30′47″W / 46.743°N 72.513°W |
Lake type | Natural |
Primary outflows | Pierre-Paul River |
Surface elevation | 150 m (490 ft) |
Lake Pierre-Paul is a beautiful lake located in Saint-Tite, a town in the Mékinac Regional County Municipality in Quebec, Canada. This lake is part of a larger water system called the Batiscanie watershed. It's a natural lake, meaning it was formed by nature, not by people.
The lake is surrounded by lovely scenery. A road called Lake Pierre-Paul Road goes around it, making it easy to explore. The CN railroad also runs along the northwest side of the lake, connecting Saint-Tite and Sainte-Thècle.
Discovering Lake Pierre-Paul's Features
Lake Pierre-Paul has a special island right in its middle. This island is shaped a bit like a moccasin, which is a type of shoe. You can even reach the island by crossing a bridge from the north shore of the lake!
The lake's surface is about 150 meters (or 492 feet) above sea level. Water flows out of the lake from its northeast side into a smaller lake. From that small lake, the water then flows into the Pierre-Paul River. This river has a unique path that looks like a giant "Z" as it flows north towards Sainte-Thècle and Saint-Adelphe.
Exploring the Area Around the Lake
Today, the area around Lake Pierre-Paul is a popular spot for vacations and resorts. Many people come here to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Long ago, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the land north of the lake was cleared for farming. However, farming was later stopped, and the area was replanted with trees. This means the forests you see today have grown back over time.
Why is it Called Pierre-Paul?
The names "Pierre-Paul lake" and "Pierre-Paul River" have an interesting history. One idea is that they were named after an Indigenous family called Pierre-Paul who lived near the lake a long time ago.
In the 1870s, the name "Pierre-Paul" referred to a specific place near where the river flows out of the lake. This spot eventually became the center of the parish of Saint-Adelphe.
The names "Pierre-Paul lake" and "Pierre-Paul River" were officially recognized and added to the records by the Commission de toponymie du Québec (Quebec's place name commission) on December 5, 1968. Another nearby stream, which is the largest branch of the Pierre-Paul River, was also officially named "Bras de la rivière Pierre-Paul" (Arm of Pierre-Paul River) on December 18, 1979.