Le Moyne River facts for kids

The Le Moyne River is a small river in Quebec, Canada. It flows south through the town of Château-Richer before joining the mighty St. Lawrence River. This river is located in the Capitale-Nationale region, which is part of the La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality.

The area around the Le Moyne River is quite interesting. You'll find roads like avenue Royale and route 138 running along the St. Lawrence River near its lower part. Further up, there are other roads like Chemin de la Mine. The main activity in this valley is forestry, which means people work with trees and forests. Some farming also happens in the lower parts of the valley.

Just like many rivers in Canada, the Le Moyne River freezes over in winter. It's usually covered in ice from early December until late March. If you're thinking of walking on the ice, it's generally safe from mid-December to mid-March. The amount of water in the river changes throughout the year, depending on how much rain or snow falls. In spring, usually in March or April, the river experiences a "spring flood" when snow melts and water levels rise.

Where the Le Moyne River Flows

The Le Moyne River starts high up in the mountains behind the Côte-de-Beaupré area, specifically in Château-Richer. It begins where two smaller streams meet. This starting point is about 5.8 kilometers (3.6 miles) from where the river eventually meets the St. Lawrence River.

From its source, the Le Moyne River flows for about 7.6 kilometers (4.7 miles). During its journey, it drops about 291 meters (955 feet) in elevation. It flows through different types of landscapes:

• First, it travels through a forest area, heading southeast.
• Then, it continues south across a flat area called the Laurentian plateau.
• Next, it quickly drops down a steep hill, passing through a small village called Plage-Rhéaume and a tiny lake.
• Finally, it flows southeast through farmland, passing under large Hydro-Québec power lines. It goes between the villages of Laverdière and Le Moyne before reaching route 138.
• After route 138, it flows a short distance more to its mouth.

The Le Moyne River ends its journey by flowing into a small bay on the northwest side of the St. Lawrence River in Château-Richer. This bay is directly across from the northern tip of Île d'Orléans, a large island in the St. Lawrence. The mouth of the river is located between the small communities of Le Moyne and Laverdière. It's also about 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) south of the center of Château-Richer.

What's in a Name?

The name "Le Moyne River" honors a famous explorer named Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville. He was an important figure in Canadian history.

The official name "Rivière Lemoyne" was formally recognized on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like a special committee that names places in Quebec.