Rivière à l'Ours (Témiscamingue) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière à l'Ours |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
| MRC | Témiscamingue Regional County Municipality |
| City | Les Lacs-du-Témiscamingue |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unidentified Lake Les Lacs-du-Témiscamingue 393 m (1,289 ft) 46°29′25″N 78°09′13″W / 46.49028°N 78.15361°W |
| River mouth | Ottawa River Les Lacs-du-Témiscamingue 142 m (466 ft) 46°14′31″N 77°57′45″W / 46.24194°N 77.96250°W |
| Length | 38 km (24 mi) |
The Rivière à l'Ours (which means "Bear River" in French) is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Ottawa River from its east side. The river runs through an area called Les Lacs-du-Témiscamingue. This area is part of the Témiscamingue Regional County Municipality in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.
For a long time, starting in the late 1800s, the main activity in this area was forestry. This means people worked with trees and wood.
Journey of the Bear River
The Rivière à l'Ours starts from a lake that doesn't have a name. This lake is about 1.1 kilometers (0.7 miles) long. It sits at an elevation of 393 meters (1,289 feet) above sea level.
From this starting lake, the river flows for about 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles). It then enters Lake Chasy, which is surrounded by swamps. The river crosses Lake Chasy for about 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) towards the south.
After Lake Chasy, the river continues for about 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) southwest. It then flows for another 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) southwest. Along this path, it collects water from other lakes like Lac de la Fauvette and Lac Esgriseilles.
Finally, the river reaches Lac Beaubel. It crosses this lake for about 1.7 kilometers (1.1 miles) towards the southeast.
River's Path to the Ottawa River
From Lac Beaubel, the Bear River flows for a long stretch of about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) to the southeast. This part of the river is located within a special area called the zec Dumoine. After this, it flows south for about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).
The last 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) of the river have several fast-moving sections called rapids. The river then empties into a bay on the east side of Holden Lake. The Ottawa River flows through Holden Lake.
The spot where the Bear River joins the Ottawa River is important. It's about 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) upstream from where the Little Bear River joins. It's also 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles) upstream from the Dumoine River's mouth.
Why "Bear River"?
Many places in French Canada are named after animals. The bear is a respected animal, known for its strength. People used to hunt bears for their meat. Their bones could be used to make tools or weapons. Bear skins were used for clothing, bags, blankets, or even shelters. Bears are also part of many old legends, especially from Indigenous peoples.
The name "Rivière à l'Ours" (Bear River) is connected to other nearby places. There's a "Little Bear River" (Petite rivière à l'Ours) and a "Little Bear Lake" (Petit lac à l'Ours) nearby.
The name "Rivière à l'Ours" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like a special group that names places in Quebec.
