Magpie River (Ontario) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Magpie River |
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Magpie River near Dubreuilville
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 Location of the mouth of the Magpie River in Ontario
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Northeastern Ontario |
| District | Algoma |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Upper Magpie Lake 420 m (1,380 ft) 48°38′05″N 84°37′18″W / 48.63472°N 84.62167°W |
| River mouth | Lake Superior 180 m (590 ft) 47°56′02″N 84°50′59″W / 47.93389°N 84.84972°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,900 km2 (730 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Magpie River is a river located in the Algoma District of northeastern Ontario, Canada. This river flows into Michipicoten Bay, which is part of the large Lake Superior. It is found close to the town of Wawa. The Magpie River helps drain a large area of land, about 1,900 square kilometers (730 square miles).
Contents
The River's Journey
The Magpie River starts its journey at Upper Magpie Lake. This lake is about 420 meters (1,380 feet) above sea level. From there, the river flows north and then northeast. It passes through several other lakes, including Wejinabikun Lake and North Wejinabikun Lake.
The river then turns southeast and enters Mosambik Lake. After leaving Mosambik Lake, it heads north again for a bit. Then, it turns east-southeast and flows into the northeast part of Esnagi Lake.
Connecting to Other Rivers
From Esnagi Lake, there's a path called the Five Mile Portage. This path leads north over Five Mile Creek to Five Mile Bay on Kabinakagami Lake. Kabinakagami Lake is part of the Albany River system, which flows all the way north to James Bay.
Another way to reach James Bay is to take the Pine Portage from Kabinakagami Lake. From there, you can go up the Oba River to the Albany Forks. The Mattawitchewan River then flows downstream as part of the Missinaibi and Moose rivers, eventually reaching James Bay.
Downstream Flow
At Esnagi Lake, a smaller river called Tripoli Creek joins the Magpie River from the right side. The Magpie River then leaves Esnagi Lake at its south end, near a place called Swanson. Here, the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline crosses over the river.
The river continues flowing south, passing over the Jean Falls. It then takes in Peckerwood Creek, another smaller river, from the left. Further downstream, Hobon Creek joins from the left, just before the community of Dubreuilville. In Dubreuilville, Herman Creek also joins from the left, and Highway 519 crosses the river. The Magpie River then makes a sharp turn to the west.
Soderston Creek enters from the right, and the river flows over the Toolong Rapids before turning south again. Evans Creek joins from the right, and the Magpie River passes over Cedar Falls, then Steephill Falls.
Finally, Catfish Creek joins from the right. The river reaches Wawa, where it is crossed by the Algoma Central Railway and Highway 17. The Magpie River then flows over the Magpie Falls. The Michipicoten River joins it just before the Magpie River empties into Michipicoten Bay on Lake Superior. This area is also home to Michipicoten Provincial Park.
Using the River's Power
The Magpie River is used to create hydroelectric power. This means that the force of the flowing water is used to generate electricity. There are several hydroelectric plants along the river. The largest one is located at Steephill Falls.
Rivers Joining the Magpie
Here are some of the rivers and creeks that flow into the Magpie River:
- Michipicoten River (joins from the left)
- Catfish Creek (joins from the right)
- Evans Creek (joins from the right)
- Soderston Creek (joins from the right)
- Herman Creek (joins from the left)
- Hobon Creek (joins from the left)
- Peckerwood Creek (joins from the left)
- Tripoli Creek (joins from the right)
