Pika River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pika River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean |
| Regional County Municipality | Le Fjord-du-Saguenay Regional County Municipality |
| Unorganized territory and a city | Lac-Achouakan and Lac-Ministuk |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Pika Lake Lac-Achouakan 557 units? 48°00′44″N 71°34′02″E / 48.01222°N 71.56714°E |
| River mouth | Pikauba River Lac-Ministuk 410 m (1,350 ft) 48°07′01″N 71°28′48″E / 48.11694°N 71.48°E |
| Length | 20.5 km (12.7 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Pika River (also known as Rivière Pika in French) is a freshwater river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Pikauba River. The Pika River is located in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.
This river flows through two special areas called regional county municipalities:
- Lac-Achouakan
- Lac-Ministuk
You can reach the upper part of the Pika River valley using Route 169. Other smaller forest roads are also available. These roads are used for logging and for fun activities like hiking or camping.
The main activity in this area is forestry, which means cutting down trees for wood. Recreational tourism, like visiting for fun, is the second most important activity.
The Pika River usually freezes over from late November until early April. However, it's generally safe to walk or play on the ice from mid-December to late March.
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River's Journey
The Pika River is a small river that starts from small lakes in the northern part of the Laurentides wildlife reserve. It flows for about 20.5 km (12.7 mi). It begins at Pika Lake and flows into the Pikauba River.
Where the River Starts
The Pika River begins at Pika Lake, which is about 557 m (1,827 ft) above sea level. The start of the river is located near:
- Hocquart Lake (also known as "Petit lac Pika")
- Lac du Panache
- Lac Morin
From Pika Lake, the Pika River flows through a forest area. It drops about 147 m (482 ft) in height along its path.
Path of the Pika River
The Pika River flows in different directions along its journey:
- It first flows east, then turns northeast, going through Hocquart Lake.
- It then flows north, making a loop to the west, and then a hook to the northeast.
- Next, it continues north, making a small hook to the west, until it reaches the south shore of Lac Custeau.
- It crosses Lac Custeau, which receives water from other lakes like Lac Scott and Lac Clarence-Gagnon.
- The river then flows east, curving north around a mountain, until it reaches Route 169.
- It continues north, collecting water from Savard stream and the outlet of Lac Janvry.
- Finally, it flows north, making a hook to the east, and then north again, until it reaches its mouth where it joins the Pikauba River.
Nearby Waterways
Many other rivers and lakes are close to the Pika River. These are called "watersheds" and they include:
- To the north: Pikauba River, Bras des Angers, Dominus stream.
- To the east: Pikauba River, Savard brook, Little Pikauba river, Suzor-Côté lake.
- To the south: Lac du Panache, Rivière aux Canots, Riffon Lake.
- To the west: Rivière aux Écorces, Pika Lake, Lac Audubon.
River's Name
The Pika River crosses Route 169 near a place called Gîte-du-Berger. This forest road was used a long time ago, even before the current road was built. It was known as "Chemin du Gouvernement" and had rest stops for travelers. In 1869, a camp called Abri Pika was set up there.
The name "Pika" comes from the Innu language, related to the word "Apica." This name appeared on a map of the Laurentides Park in 1942. The word "Pik" means "small," "tiny," or "delicate," which fits the size of the river well.
The official name "Rivière Pika" was made formal on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like a naming committee for places in Quebec.
