Rivière à la Loutre (Saguenay River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière à la Loutre |
|
|---|---|
| Native name | Old name: "Anderson River" |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean |
| Regional County Municipality | Le Fjord-du-Saguenay Regional County Municipality |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of two mountain streams Saint-Fulgence 231 m (758 ft) 48°32′25″N 70°55′09″W / 48.54028°N 70.91917°W |
| River mouth | Saguenay River Saint-Fulgence 4 m (13 ft) 48°27′16″N 70°55′10″W / 48.45444°N 70.91944°W |
| Length | 14.0 km (8.7 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Saguenay River, Saint Lawrence River |
| Tributaries |
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The Rivière à la Loutre is a river in Quebec, Canada. Its name means Otter River in English. It flows through the area of Saint-Fulgence. This river is a branch, or "tributary," of the larger Saguenay River.
The main road, Route 172, crosses the river near where it joins the Saguenay. Another road, Rang Saint-Louis, runs along the west side of the river. The area around the river is important for forestry, which means growing and harvesting trees. It's also a popular spot for tourism and outdoor activities.
During winter, the river usually freezes over. This happens from late November until early April. It's generally safe to walk or play on the ice from mid-December to late March.
The River's Path
The Rivière à la Loutre starts high up in the mountains. Its source is where two small mountain streams meet. This starting point is about 231 meters (758 feet) above sea level.
From its source, the river flows for about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles). Here's how its journey goes:
- For the first 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), it flows south.
- Then, it turns southwest for about 3.3 kilometers (2.1 miles), making a curve to the east.
- Next, it flows south for 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles) through a deep valley.
- Finally, it travels southeast for 1.4 kilometers (0.9 miles) to its end.
Where the River Ends
The Rivière à la Loutre empties into the northern side of the Saguenay River. This meeting point is in the town of Saint-Fulgence.
This spot is:
- About 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) east of where the Valin River joins the Saguenay.
- About 4.0 kilometers (2.5 miles) west of the center of Saint-Fulgence village.
- About 9.4 kilometers (5.8 miles) northeast of downtown Saguenay City.
- About 99.4 kilometers (61.8 miles) west of where the Saguenay River itself meets the Saint Lawrence River.
Once the Rivière à la Loutre joins the Saguenay River, its water continues to flow east. It travels all the way to Tadoussac, where the Saguenay River flows into the huge Saint Lawrence River.
What's in a Name?
The name "Rivière à la Loutre" officially became its name on December 5, 1968. This was decided by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is a group that names places in Quebec. The name means "Otter River" because otters likely lived there.
