Rankin River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rankin River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Rankin River in southern Ontario
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Southwestern Ontario |
| County | Bruce |
| Town | South Bruce Peninsula |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Berford Lake 208 m (682 ft) 44°48′33″N 81°11′32″W / 44.80917°N 81.19222°W |
| River mouth | Sauble River 181 m (594 ft) 44°40′39″N 81°15′02″W / 44.67750°N 81.25056°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Lake Huron drainage basin |
| Tributaries |
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The Rankin River is a river found in South Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, Canada. It flows from the east side of the Bruce Peninsula to join the Sauble River. This meeting point is close to Sauble Falls Provincial Park. The river is part of the larger Lake Huron drainage basin. It was named after Charles Rankin, who was the first person to survey the Bruce Peninsula area.
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Where Does the Rankin River Flow?
The Rankin River starts at Berford Lake. This lake is about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) southeast of a small community called Mar. From Berford Lake, the river flows west. It goes over the Berford Dam and then under Ontario Highway 6.
Next, the river reaches Isaac Lake. Here, another stream called Albemarle Brook joins it from the right side. Albemarle Brook comes from Sky Lake. The Rankin River then turns south and flows into Boat Lake. At Jordan Bay, a stream called Clavering Creek joins the river from the left side.
After Boat Lake, the river flows south over the Rankin Dam. Finally, it heads southwest to meet the Sauble River. This meeting point is just upstream from the community of Sauble Falls. Most of the Rankin River's water collection area, called its drainage basin, is within South Bruce Peninsula. However, a small part of Clavering Creek's drainage basin is in Georgian Bluffs in Grey County.
A Look Back: History of the River
Long ago, in the 1700s, the Rankin River was an important pathway. It was part of a portage, which is a route where boats or goods are carried over land between two bodies of water. Fur traders used this portage to cross the Bruce Peninsula from Georgian Bay.
Later, in the second half of the 1800s, many passenger pigeons used to nest along the river. Sadly, these birds are now extinct. Today, the Rankin River is a popular spot for fun outdoor activities. People enjoy canoeing and kayaking on its waters.
Wildlife and Nature Along the River
The Rankin River is home to many different kinds of fish. You can find fish like bass, Bowfin, northern pike, pickerel, and perch here. During their special spawning seasons, trout and salmon also visit the river.
The entire area that drains into the Rankin River has a lot of forest cover, which is great for the environment. However, the areas right along the riverbanks, called riparian zones, have less forest cover. Scientists have checked the water quality and found it to be excellent. They also study tiny creatures living at the bottom of the river, called benthic species. The variety of these creatures is fair, which means there's a decent mix of life.
Streams Joining the Rankin River
- Clavering Creek (joins from the left side)
- Albemarle Brook (joins from the right side)
