Portneuf River (Capitale-Nationale) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Portneuf River |
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|---|---|
| Native name | Rivière Portneuf |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Capitale-Nationale, Mauricie |
| Regional County Municipality | Portneuf Regional County Municipality |
| Municipalities | Pont-Rouge, Saint-Basile |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sept Îles Lake (Saint-Raymond) Saint-Raymond, MRC Portneuf Regional County Municipality, Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, Canada 209 m (686 ft) 46°56′02″N 71°44′48″W / 46.93389°N 71.74667°W |
| River mouth | Saint Lawrence river Portneuf 5 m (16 ft) 46°56′02″N 71°48′24″W / 46.93389°N 71.80666°W |
| Length | 55 km (34 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Portneuf River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the big Saint Lawrence River from its north side. This river goes through several towns. These include Saint-Raymond, Pont-Rouge, Saint-Basile, and Portneuf. It is located in the Portneuf Regional County Municipality. This area is part of the Capitale-Nationale region.
The Portneuf River valley is easy to reach by several roads. These include Route 138 and Route 365. Most of the area around the river is used for farming and forests. This is true except for small parts that pass through villages.
The river's surface usually freezes in early December. It stays frozen until late March. It is generally safe to walk on the ice from late December to early March. The amount of water in the river changes with the seasons. It also changes depending on how much rain falls.
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Where the Portneuf River Flows
The Portneuf River is on the north side of the Saint Lawrence River. It is about halfway between Trois-Rivières and Quebec City. To its west is the Sainte-Anne River. To its east is the Jacques-Cartier River.
The River's Beginning
The Portneuf River starts at Sept Îles Lake. This lake is about 4.2 kilometers long. It sits at an altitude of 209 meters. Many vacation homes are built around this lake.
From Sept Îles Lake, the Portneuf River flows for about 55 kilometers. It drops about 204 meters in height along its journey.
Upper Part of the River
The first 20.1 kilometers of the river are its upper course.
- For about 3.3 kilometers, it flows south. It crosses the Lac-Sept-Îles road. The river is surrounded by mountains here. It also passes through four small lakes.
- Then, for 4.0 kilometers, it flows southeast. It goes past Paquet Airport. It also crosses Route 367.
- Next, for 5.1 kilometers, it flows generally south. It goes through farmland. It then turns southeast, winding around a mountain. It passes through the small area of Bourg-Louis.
- Finally, for 7.7 kilometers, it flows southwest. It goes over Bourg-Louis Falls. It then winds through forests. It turns southeast and crosses Chemin de la Traverse. It also meets the water from Sergent Lake.
Middle Part of the River
The next 20.1 kilometers make up the intermediate course.
- For 3.7 kilometers, it flows southeast. It winds around until it meets the Blanche River. The Blanche River joins from the north.
- Then, for 5.1 kilometers, it continues southeast. It collects water from another stream. It goes through many rapids. It forms a loop before reaching Boulevard Nord-Dame (Route 365).
- For the last 11.3 kilometers of this section, it flows southwest. It winds back and forth. It collects the Morasse stream. It also meets the Saint-Jacques River from the northeast.
Lower Part of the River
The final 14.8 kilometers are the lower course.
- For 0.9 kilometers, it forms a large "S" shape. It then meets the Rivière des Sept Îles from the northwest.
- For 1.9 kilometers, it flows southwest. It forms a loop to the north. It goes around the village of Saint-Basile-Sud. It crosses Boulevard du Centenaire. It then meets the Chaude River from the northwest.
- The last 12.0 kilometers flow southwest. It makes a hook to the west, then another to the east. It passes under the Bishop bridge. It collects water from two more streams. It goes through Portneuf-Station and Portneuf. It crosses Highway 40, Route 138, and a railway. Finally, it reaches its mouth.
Historically, people built mills (for wood and flour) and shipyards along the river. There are also two old dams that are no longer used.
A long dock was built on the Saint Lawrence River near the Portneuf River's mouth. It was built between 1956 and 1958. This dock is about one kilometer long. It faces southeast towards Pointe-Platon. The dock is a popular spot for local parties and events.
Why is it Called Portneuf?
The name "Rivière Portneuf" is connected to the area it flows through. This area is called the Seigniory of Portneuf. The river crosses this land before it flows into the Saint Lawrence River. This land was first given out in 1636. The official document for it was confirmed in 1647.
The name "Rivière Portneuf" became official on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which names places in Quebec.
