Ourse River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ourse |
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Watershed of Nottaway River
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| Other name(s) | French: “Rivière de l’Ourse” |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality) |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Forested creek Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality), Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 317 m (1,040 ft) 49°35′07″N 77°58′36″W / 49.58528°N 77.97667°W |
| River mouth | Kitchigama River Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality), Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 239 m (784 ft) 49°38′04″N 77°55′44″W / 49.63444°N 77.92889°W |
| Length | 10.1 km (6.3 mi) |
The Ourse River is a small river in Quebec, Canada. Its name in French is “Rivière de l’Ourse,” which means "Bear River." This river is a tributary of the Allard River. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger river.
The Ourse River flows through the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James municipality in the Nord-du-Québec region. A road called Quebec Route 109 runs nearby to the south. The river usually freezes over in early November. It stays frozen until about mid-May. However, it's safest to walk or play on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
Contents
Ourse River: Where It Flows
The Ourse River is surrounded by other rivers and creeks. Understanding these nearby waters helps us see how the Ourse River fits into the larger water system.
Nearby Rivers and Creeks
- To the North: The Allard River and the Gouault River.
- To the East: The Allard River, Véract Creek, and the Bell River.
- To the South: The Allard River and Dollard Creek.
- To the West: The Adam River, the Harricana River, and McClure Creek.
The River's Journey
The Ourse River starts from a small forest stream. This starting point is about 317 metres (1,040 ft) (about 1,040 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Vezza canton, which is a type of land division.
From its source, the Ourse River flows for about 10.1 kilometres (6.3 mi) (about 6.3 miles). Here is how its journey unfolds:
- It flows North for 0.2 kilometres (0.12 mi) (0.12 miles). This takes it to the edge of the Cavalier township.
- Then, it continues North for 3.1 kilometres (1.9 mi) (1.9 miles) within the Cavalier township. Here, it meets a small creek coming from the West.
- Next, it turns East and flows for 2.0 kilometres (1.2 mi) (1.2 miles). It then meets another creek coming from the South.
- Finally, it flows northeasterly for 4.8 kilometres (3.0 mi) (3 miles) until it reaches its mouth.
Where the Ourse River Ends
The Ourse River flows into the Allard River. This meeting point is on the southwestern side of the Allard River.
This spot is located:
- About 26.8 kilometres (16.7 mi) (16.7 miles) southwest of where the Allard River flows into Lake Matagami.
- About 198 kilometres (123 mi) (123 miles) southeast of where the Nottaway River flows into Rupert Bay.
- About 22.2 kilometres (13.8 mi) (13.8 miles) south of the center of Matagami town.
- About 24.8 kilometres (15.4 mi) (15.4 miles) southwest of Lake Matagami.
How the Ourse River Got Its Name
The study of place names is called toponymy. The name "Rivière de l'Ourse" (Ourse River) was officially recognized on November 21, 1972. This happened when the Commission de toponymie du Québec was created. This commission is in charge of naming places in Quebec.
