Petite rivière à l'Ours (Témiscamingue) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Petite rivière à l'Ours |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
| MRC | Témiscamingue Regional County Municipality |
| City | Les Lacs-du-Témiscamingue |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unidentified Lake Les Lacs-du-Témiscamingue 359 m (1,178 ft) 46°19′25″N 78°53′56″W / 46.32361°N 78.89889°W |
| River mouth | Ottawa River Les Lacs-du-Témiscamingue 145 m (476 ft) 46°13′34″N 77°54′54″W / 46.22611°N 77.91500°W |
| Length | 14 km (8.7 mi) |
The Petite rivière à l'Ours (which means Little Bear River in English) is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Ottawa River. This river is found in the unorganized territory of Les Lacs-du-Témiscamingue. This area is part of the Témiscamingue Regional County Municipality. It is also within the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region of Quebec.
From the late 1800s, people in this area mainly worked in forestry. This means they harvested trees from the forests. Later, in the 1900s, the area became popular for recreation and tourism. People started visiting for fun activities like fishing or hiking.
Where the River Flows
The Petite rivière à l'Ours is surrounded by other rivers and lakes. These are called its neighboring watersheds.
- To the north, you'll find the Fildegrand River.
- To the east, there's also the Fildegrand River and the Dumoine River.
- To the south, it meets the big Ottawa River.
- To the west, you'll find the Rivière à l'Ours (Bear River) and Whitton Lake.
The River's Journey
The Petite rivière à l'Ours starts at Lake Junco. This lake is about 0.6 kilometers long. It sits at an altitude of 375 meters. From Lake Junco, the river flows in a zigzag pattern. It travels about 5.8 kilometers towards the southwest. Along the way, it passes through Lake Loriot and some marshy areas.
It then reaches an unnamed lake. This lake receives water from Whitton Lake. Whitton Lake is about 0.8 kilometers long. The Petite rivière à l'Ours flows through this unnamed lake for about 280 meters.
From there, the river continues for 3.5 kilometers to the south. It flows through the Zec Dumoine area. It reaches the north shore of "Petit lac à l'Ours" (Little Bear Lake). This lake is 1.7 kilometers long. It also gets water from Parogee Lake. Finally, the Petite rivière à l'Ours flows for 4.7 kilometers to the southeast. It empties into a bay on the east bank of the Ottawa River. This spot is in Holden Lake. It is across from Grants Creek and Pichette Bay in Ontario.
The mouth of the Petite rivière à l'Ours is located 3.7 kilometers downstream from the mouth of the Rivière à l'Ours. It is also 4.8 kilometers upstream from the mouth of the Dumoine River.
Why it's Called "Little Bear River"
Many places in French Canada are named after animals. The bear is an animal that people respect. It is known for its strength. Bears are also important in many local legends. These stories often come from Aboriginal traditions.
The name "Petite rivière à l'Ours" means "Little Bear River." It is named this because it is close to another river called the "Rivière à l'Ours" (Bear River). The "Little Bear River" is like its smaller neighbor.
The name "Petite rivière à l'Ours" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec.
