Normandin Lake (Normandin River) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Normandin Lake |
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 Normandin Lake
Location in Quebec
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| Location | Le Domaine-du-Roy (RCM) |
| Coordinates | 48°57′39″N 74°16′49″W / 48.96083°N 74.28028°W |
| Type | Lake of dam |
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| Primary outflows | Normandin River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 6.7 kilometres (4.2 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.9 kilometres (0.56 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 403 metres (1,322 ft) |
Normandin Lake is a freshwater lake located in the province of Quebec, Canada. It's found in the western part of the Le Domaine-du-Roy region, within an area called Lac-Ashuapmushuan, Quebec.
The lake is entirely within the Ventadour area. This region is known for its forests. The main activity here is forestry, which means cutting down trees for wood. After forestry, tourism and outdoor fun are also important.
A forest road, Quebec route 212, passes south of Normandin Lake. This road connects the communities of Obedjiwan and La Tuque. Other smaller forest roads also lead to the lake area.
Normandin Lake usually freezes over in early November. It stays frozen until mid-May. However, it's generally safe to walk or play on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
Exploring Normandin Lake's Geography
Normandin Lake is about 6.7 kilometres (4.2 mi) long. At its widest point, it measures 0.9 kilometres (0.56 mi). The lake sits at an elevation of 403 metres (1,322 ft) above sea level.
The lake has two main parts. A narrow section connects them. The southern part is about 2.6 kilometres (1.6 mi) long. The northern part is longer, measuring 4.1 kilometres (2.5 mi).
Where the Water Flows
The water from Normandin Lake flows into the Normandin River. This river eventually leads to Ashuapmushuan Lake. From there, the water continues into the Ashuapmushuan River, which then flows into Lac-Saint-Jean.
The lake is surrounded by several other bodies of water. Here are some of the main rivers and lakes nearby:
- To the North: Anctil Lake, Normandin River, Marquette River, Poutrincourt Lake, Titipiti River.
- To the East: Normandin River, Frontenac Lake, Marquette Lake, Du Milieu River (Normandin River), Marquette West River.
- To the South: Townsend Creek, Wapous River, Oskatcickic Creek.
- To the West: Dubois Lake, Eau Claire River (Gouin Reservoir), Toussaint River.
The Story Behind the Name
The name "Normandin Lake" honors a surveyor named Joseph-Laurent Normandin. In 1732, he explored the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. His job was to create a detailed map of the area. He marked down lakes, big and small, and helped set the boundaries of the "Domaine du Roi" (King's Domain).
Joseph-Laurent Normandin also wrote a travel diary. In it, he described his journey through the King's Domain in Canada. During his 1732 exploration, he called this specific lake "Lac Patchitachekaosakajgane." This long name meant "lake of the height of land."
The official name "Lake Normandin" was formally recognized on December 5, 1968. This happened when the Commission de toponymie du Québec (Quebec Toponymy Commission) was created.
