Notre Dame Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Notre Dame Mountains |
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The Chic-Choc Mountains subrange on the Gaspé Peninsula
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| Geography | |
| Countries | Canada and United States |
| Range coordinates | 48°45′N 66°00′W / 48.75°N 66°W |
| Parent range | Appalachian Mountains |
The Notre Dame Mountains are a part of the Appalachian Mountains. They stretch from the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec, Canada, all the way to the Green Mountains in Vermont, United States.
These mountains run from northeast to southwest. They form the southern edge of the Saint Lawrence River valley. They also follow the border between Quebec and Maine. Parts of New Brunswick and New Hampshire are found within these mountains too.
The Notre Dame Mountains are very old. Because of this, they have worn down over time. Their average height is about 600 m (2,000 ft).
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Notre Dame comes from French. It means "Our Lady." This is a Catholic term that refers to the Virgin Mary.
A French explorer named Jacques Cartier was on a trip on August 15, 1535. He wrote about seeing "very high mountains" to the south. August 15 is a special day in the Catholic Church called the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Because of this, the name "Notre Dame" quickly became popular for these mountains in the 1500s. Other mapmakers, like Jean Alfonse and Gerardus Mercator, also used this name.
Where are the Mountains?
Mountain Shapes and Sizes
The Notre Dame Mountains are the main part of the Appalachian Mountains in Quebec. In Quebec, they run alongside the St. Lawrence River. They end at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula.
The Chic-Choc Mountains are a major part of the Notre Dame Mountains. They are in the northeastern Gaspé Peninsula. The tallest mountain in the entire range is here. It's called Mont Jacques-Cartier, and it stands 1,268 m (4,160 ft) tall.
Another important part of the Notre Dame Mountains is the Massif du Sud. This area is found southeast of Quebec City. It reaches a height of 915 m (3,002 ft).
Protecting the Mountains
Several parks help protect the Notre Dame Mountains. These parks are managed by both the Canadian government (Parks Canada) and provincial governments in Quebec (Sépaq) and New Brunswick:
- Forillon National Park
- Bic National Park
- Frontenac National Park
- Lake Témiscouata National Park
- Gaspésie National Park
- Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Images for kids
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Champlain Peak in Bic National Park
See also
In Spanish: Montes Notre Dame para niños
