Poplar River (Manitoba) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Poplar River |
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![]() Spring thaw on Poplar River, looking West (taken at Poplar River First Nation)
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Location of the river mouth in Manitoba
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Native name | Negginan |
Country | Canada |
Provinces | |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Unnamed lake Kenora District, Ontario 348 m (1,142 ft) 52°24′23″N 94°36′54″W / 52.40639°N 94.61500°W |
River mouth | Lake Winnipeg Manitoba 217 m (712 ft) 52°59′46″N 97°18′01″W / 52.99611°N 97.30028°W |
Basin features | |
River system | Hudson Bay drainage basin |
The Poplar River is a beautiful river in Canada. It flows through the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario. This river is part of the huge Hudson Bay drainage basin. It eventually empties into the eastern side of Lake Winnipeg. The Poplar River area is special because it has one of the biggest and most untouched boreal forests left anywhere.
River's Journey
The Poplar River starts in Northwestern Ontario. It begins at a lake that doesn't have a name. From there, it flows west until it reaches the border of Manitoba. Finally, it flows into Lake Winnipeg. The water from Lake Winnipeg then travels through the Nelson River all the way to Hudson Bay.
First Nations and Their Home
The Ojibwe people have a special name for the Poplar River: Negginan. This means "my home." The Poplar River is close to the Asatiwisipe River. It is a very clean river with beautiful forests and many lakes and creeks that haven't been changed by people.
This whole area is the traditional land of the Poplar River First Nation. The Ojibwe people still use these lands and waters. They hunt, fish, and gather wild foods and medicines, just as their ancestors did. The Poplar River First Nation has even worked with the government of Manitoba to make their traditional lands a protected area.
Nature and Wildlife
The Poplar River is part of a special area that might become a United Nations World Heritage Site. This would help protect the large, wild area near Lake Winnipeg and in northwestern Ontario. This river is one of the few in southern Canada that is still very clean and natural. There are no big mines, roads, or logging areas nearby.
This wild area is a very important home for many animals. It helps protect a group of woodland caribou, which are a threatened species. It also provides a safe place for the chestnut lamprey, a fish that needs special care.
Many old pictographs (rock paintings) and other archaeological sites have been found here. These show that the area has been very important to First Nations people for a long, long time.
Fun Activities
The Poplar River is a great place for outdoor adventures. People enjoy fishing, canoeing, and ecotourism here. It's also a wonderful spot for sightseeing.
In the summer and fall, the river water gets very warm, which is perfect for swimming. This is different from rivers fed by glaciers or mountains, which are usually very cold. Along the river, you can see many cliffs, exciting rapids, and beautiful waterfalls.
The area is home to lots of wildlife, including woodland caribou, wolves, black bears, lynx, and bobcats. You can also find remote, quiet beaches. Many kinds of birds build their nests here, like the majestic bald eagle and the wise great grey owl.