Port au Persil River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Port au Persil River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Capitale-Nationale |
| Regional County Municipality | Charlevoix-Est Regional County Municipality |
| City | Saint-Siméon |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mountain creek La Malbaie 281 m (922 ft) 47°50′48″N 69°56′40″W / 47.84656°N 69.94444°W |
| River mouth | St. Lawrence River Saint-Siméon 3 m (9.8 ft) 47°48′22″N 69°54′01″E / 47.80611°N 69.90028°E |
| Length | 9.4 km (5.8 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Port au Persil River (which means "Parsley Port River" in French) is a small river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the northwest side of the St. Lawrence River. This river is located in the town of Saint-Siméon, which is part of the Charlevoix-Est Regional County Municipality.
The river's path ends in the village of Port au Persil. This village is northeast of the city of La Malbaie.
A main road, Route 138, runs along the St. Lawrence River. This road crosses the Port au Persil River. Another local road, the Port-au-Persil road, also crosses the river near where it meets the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The main activity in this area is forestry, which means cutting down trees for wood. Tourism and vacation activities are also important.
The river usually freezes over from mid-December to the end of March. It's generally safe to walk or play on the ice from late December to mid-March.
Where the River Flows
The Port au Persil River is surrounded by other rivers and water bodies. Here are the main ones nearby:
- North side: Noire River, Port aux Quilles River, Rivière de la Baie des Rochers, Saguenay River.
- East side: Port aux Persil Cove and the St. Lawrence River.
- South side: Marguerite Creek, Port au Saumon River, Rivière à la Loutre, Malbaie River.
- West side: Salmon Port River.
The Port-au-Persil River starts from a mountain stream. This stream is in a forest area. It is southeast of a lake called "lac des Rats Musqués," which means "Musk Rats Lake." The starting point of the river is about 281 m (922 ft) high.
The Port aux Persil River flows for about 9.4 km (5.8 mi). Here's how its journey goes:
- It flows for 3.0 km (1.9 mi) towards the southeast. Then it reaches a bend where another stream joins it from the north.
- Next, it flows for 2.9 km (1.8 mi) to the south. During this part, it goes under Hydro-Québec power lines. Then it turns east, winding its way to Route 138. It crosses this road about 0.4 km (0.25 mi) north of the small village of Saint-Chrétien.
- After that, it flows 1.5 km (0.93 mi) south to another bend. Here, a stream joins it from the west.
- Finally, it travels 2.0 km (1.2 mi) east. This part of the river has many rapids and waterfalls. It then reaches the east shore of Port Anse à Persil. This area connects directly to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
How the River Got its Name
The name "Port au Persil" is used for many places in the Saint-Siméon area. It refers to the harbor, a small village, a bay, a road, a lake, the river itself, and even a street.
The word "parsley" was mentioned by Samuel de Champlain in 1626. He was an early explorer of Canada. The "parsley" he referred to is a plant called "Ligusticum scothicum." This plant is also known as Scottish lovage or wild parsley. It grows a lot along the shores of the St. Lawrence River, especially near Rivière-du-Loup.
The official name "Rivière du Port au Saumon" was formally recognized on March 28, 1974. This was done by the Bank of Place Names of the Commission de toponymie du Québec.
