Little Swan River (Ontario) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Swan River |
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 Location of the river mouth in Ontario
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Northwestern Ontario |
| District | Kenora |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unnamed swamp 71 m (233 ft) 51°47′51″N 83°33′39″W / 51.79750°N 83.56083°W |
| River mouth | Atikameg River 60 m (200 ft) 52°02′03″N 83°15′22″W / 52.03417°N 83.25611°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | James Bay drainage basin |
The Little Swan River is a small but important river located in the northern part of Ontario, Canada. It flows through a wild and natural area known as Kenora District in Northwestern Ontario. This river is part of a much larger system that eventually leads to James Bay.
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About the Little Swan River
The Little Swan River is a natural waterway. It plays a role in the local environment. Rivers like this help move water from higher ground to lower areas. They are also home to many plants and animals.
Where is the Little Swan River?
The river is found in the Kenora District of Ontario. This area is in the northwestern part of the province. It is a region known for its vast forests and many lakes and rivers. Canada is a very large country, and Ontario is one of its biggest provinces.
The River's Journey
The Little Swan River starts its journey in an unnamed swamp. A swamp is a type of wetland with lots of trees and water. From there, the river flows north. It travels until it reaches another river called the Atikameg River. The Little Swan River is a "right tributary" of the Atikameg River. This means it flows into the Atikameg River from the right side if you are looking downstream.
From Swamp to James Bay
The water from the Little Swan River joins the Atikameg River. The Atikameg River then continues its flow. Eventually, all this water makes its way to James Bay. James Bay is a large body of water. It is an arm of Hudson Bay, which is part of the Arctic Ocean.
What is a Drainage Basin?
The Little Swan River is part of the James Bay drainage basin. A drainage basin is like a giant funnel. It collects all the rain and melted snow from a specific area. All the water in that area flows into rivers and streams. These rivers then carry the water to a larger body of water, like a lake or an ocean. In this case, all the water from the Little Swan River's basin ends up in James Bay.
Why Rivers Are Important
Even small rivers like the Little Swan River are very important. They help keep the environment healthy.
- Water Source: Rivers provide fresh water for plants and animals.
- Habitats: They create homes for fish, insects, and other wildlife.
- Ecosystems: Rivers connect different parts of the landscape. They help move nutrients and support various ecosystems.
- Natural Beauty: Rivers also add to the natural beauty of a region. They offer places for exploration and learning about nature.
The Little Swan River is a quiet part of Ontario's natural world. It shows how all parts of nature are connected. From a small swamp, its waters travel far to the sea.
