MacDonald River (Métabetchouane River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MacDonald River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean |
| Regional County Municipality | Lac-Saint-Jean-Est Regional County Municipality |
| Municipalities | Métabetchouan–Lac-à-la-Croix and Desbiens |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of two agricultural and forestry streams Métabetchouan–Lac-à-la-Croix 170 m (560 ft) 48°23′05″N 71°53′24″E / 48.38460°N 71.88987°E |
| River mouth | Métabetchouane River Desbiens 101 m (331 ft) 48°24′57″N 71°57′31″E / 48.41583°N 71.95861°E |
| Length | 8.0 km (5.0 mi) |
The MacDonald River is a small river in the province of Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Métabetchouane River. This river is located in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. It passes through the towns of Métabetchouan–Lac-à-la-Croix and Desbiens.
The main activities in this area are farming and tourism. The river's surface usually freezes from late November to early April. However, it's safest to walk or play on the ice from mid-December to late March.
Contents
Exploring the MacDonald River
The MacDonald River is an important part of the local water system. It connects to several other rivers and lakes. Understanding its path helps us see how all these waterways are linked.
Where the River Flows
The MacDonald River starts where two small streams meet. These streams come from farming and forest areas. This starting point is near Chemin du 4e rang in Métabetchouan–Lac-à-la-Croix.
From its source, the river flows for about 8.0 km (5.0 mi). During its journey, the river drops about 69 m (226 ft) in height.
- First, it flows northwest, then west for about 4.1 km (2.5 mi). It passes a small stream coming from the south.
- Then, it continues west for about 3.9 km (2.4 mi). It flows south of the village of Desbiens.
- Finally, it reaches its mouth on the east bank of Métabetchouane harbor. Here, it joins the Métabetchouane River.
Connected Waterways
The MacDonald River is part of a larger network of water bodies.
- To the north, it connects to Lac Saint-Jean.
- To the east, you'll find the Couchepaganiche River and la Belle Rivière.
- To the south, it's near the Métabetchouane River and its smaller branches like the L'Abbé River and rivière à la Carpe.
- To the west, it's bordered by the Métabetchouane River.
After the MacDonald River joins the Métabetchouane River, the water travels further. It flows about 0.8 km (0.50 mi) northwest into Métabetchouane harbor. From there, it enters Lac Saint-Jean. The water then crosses Lac Saint-Jean for about 22.8 km (14.2 mi) northeast.
Next, it flows into the Saguenay River through la Petite Décharge. The water travels about 172.3 km (107.1 mi) along the Saguenay River until it reaches Tadoussac. At Tadoussac, it merges with the large Saint Lawrence estuary.
River's Name
The name "MacDonald River" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like a special committee that names places in Quebec.
Related Places
- Lac-Saint-Jean-Est Regional County Municipality
- Métabetchouan–Lac-à-la-Croix, a town
- Desbiens, another town
- Métabetchouane River
- Lac Saint-Jean, a big lake
- Saguenay River
- St. Lawrence River
- List of rivers of Quebec
