Matawin River (Quebec) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matawin River |
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Rivière Matawin
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| Other name(s) | Mattawin River |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Saint-Michel-des-Saints |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Matawin Lake, Lac-Matawin, Quebec Elevation 491 m (1,611 ft) 46°49′00″N 74°18′00″W / 46.816666°N 74.3°W |
| River mouth | Saint-Maurice River at Shawinigan / Lake Norman, Quebec, 1 km South of Matawin-River hamlet Elevation: 101 metres (331 ft) 46°54′11″N 72°56′00″W / 46.903055°N 72.933333°W |
| Length | 161 km (100 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | St. Lawrence River |
| Basin size | 5,560 km2 (2,150 sq mi) |
The Matawin River is a cool river in Quebec, Canada. It flows for about 161 kilometers (100 miles) from west to east. This river is super important because it's the main helper, or tributary, of the big Saint-Maurice River. Other rivers like the Vermillion and Manouane also join it.
As the Matawin River flows, it helps fill up the Taureau Reservoir. This reservoir is a huge lake surrounded by the beautiful Regional Park of Taureau Lake. For a long time, people mostly used the Matawin River area for cutting down trees (forestry). Now, tourism is also a big part of the area's economy.
Contents
Where the Matawin River Flows
The Matawin River starts in Matawin Lake. This lake is found in the Rouge-Matawin Wildlife Reserve. The river begins about 8 miles southwest of Lake Charland.
From Lake to Reservoir
First, the Matawin River flows west. It goes through many small lakes. Then, it reaches the edge of Mont-Tremblant National Park. After that, the river turns and flows east. It passes by the village of Saint-Michel-des-Saints.
In this village, the river flows into a large bay. This bay is part of the huge Taureau Reservoir. The area around Lac-Taureau is managed by the Matawinie Regional County Municipality. This whole region is part of Lanaudière.
Journey to the Saint-Maurice River
After leaving the Taureau Reservoir, the Matawin River keeps flowing east. It finally joins the Saint-Maurice River. This meeting point is about halfway between La Tuque and Grand-Mère.
The mouth of the Matawin River is about one kilometer south of Matawin Island. This island is right in the middle of the Saint-Maurice River. The Matawin River also forms the northern border of La Mauricie National Park.
What Does "Matawin" Mean?
The name "Matawin" (sometimes spelled Mantawa or Mattawin) comes from the Algonquin people. The word "Matawane" means "river falling fast."
Other Names and Meanings
The Abenaki people called the river Madôwaizibo. This name also means "water meeting" or "confluence." You can see this word, "Mataouan" or "Mattaouan," in old writings from 1686. It was used to describe where rivers split or join.
This word has a general meaning. It can describe many different river situations.
How the Name Was Used
The name "Matawin River" has been on maps and in books since the early 1800s. For example, it was in a book called "A topographical dictionary of the Province of Lower Canada" from 1832. This book was made by a surveyor named Joseph Bouchette.
In 1854, a plan of part of the Matawin River was drawn. Later, in 1862, a pastor mentioned the "Mantawa River" in a letter. Some books from 1914 and 1925 even called it "Mattawin river."
The name of the Rouge-Matawin Wildlife Reserve comes from the Matawin River. It's named after the Matawin River and the Red River (Rivière Rouge), which also flows through the area.
History of the Matawin River Area
The forest industry brought early wealth to the Matawin River Valley, also known as Matawinie. In 1839, a project started north of the river. By 1860, the Canadian government helped develop the river. This allowed businesses to use the pine forests in the Matawinie region.
Early Settlements and Logging
Around the same time, people began to settle in this part of the country. The parish of Saint-Michel-des-Saints was founded in 1863.
In the early 1900s, the forestry industry used the Matawin River a lot. They would cut down trees in the region. Then, they would float the logs down the river. The logs would reach the Saint-Maurice River. From there, they went to paper mills in Grand-Mère, Shawinigan, and Trois-Rivières.
Fun Activities on the Matawin River
The Matawin River is famous for its exciting rapids. It has the longest section of continuous Class 3 and 4 rapids in Quebec. This makes it perfect for water sports!
Popular Water Sports
Many people come here for rafting, river kayaking, and hydrospeed. Hydrospeed is where you float down the river on a special board. The river is also great for trips that last several days. You can find many camping sites along its banks. These sites offer different services for all sorts of water activities.
