Picanoc River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Picanoc River |
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Covered bridge over the Picanoc River west of Gracefield
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Outaouais |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Gatineau River Gracefield, La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau Regional County Municipality |
| Length | 85 km (53 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Gatineau River→ Ottawa River→ Saint Lawrence River→ Gulf of Saint Lawrence |
| River system | Ottawa River drainage basin |
The Picanoc River is a cool river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Gatineau River in the Outaouais area. This river starts in a wild territory called Lac-Nilgaut, Quebec. It then travels all the way to Gracefield.
Where the Picanoc River Flows
The Picanoc River begins about 10 kilometers southeast of Lake Usborne. It also starts north of Lac Dumont in Pontiac County. The river generally flows east, making a big loop to the south. It travels for about 85 kilometers.
The Picanoc River gets wider in some places. One spot where it widens is called Lac à la Loutre, which means Otter Lake. Finally, the river flows into the Gatineau River. This happens near a place called Wright, which is south of Gracefield. The Picanoc River is part of the larger Saint Lawrence River system.
Fun on the River: Kayaking and Canoeing
The Picanoc River is narrow and sometimes moves very fast. This makes it a great spot for people who love outdoor adventures. It's especially popular for kayaking and canoeing.
The river is about 95 kilometers long. Most of it is a "Class II" river, which means it has some easy rapids. But some parts of the river are "Class III." These sections are more challenging and exciting for experienced paddlers.
The Story Behind the Name: Picanoc
The name "Picanoc" has an interesting history. It comes from an old Native American word, "pakanak." This word means "walnut" or "nuts." People think the river was named this because walnut trees grew nearby. Native Americans used walnut wood to make their bows.
Over time, the name changed as different languages were spoken in the area. In 1906, it was sometimes spelled "Pikanook." By 1925, you might see it as "Pickanok" or "Pickinock" on maps. The spelling "Picanoc" that we use today first appeared on a map in 1927.
The name "Picanoc" was also used for a bridge, some roads, and even a small stream. It was even part of the old name for the town of Gracefield. The official name "River Picanoc" was made formal on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like Quebec's names board.
