Rivière aux Saumons (Anticosti Island) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière aux Saumons |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean |
| MRC | Le Domaine-du-Roy Regional County Municipality |
| Municipality | Saint-Félicien |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unidentified lake L'Île-d'Anticosti 187 m (614 ft) 49°27′55″N 62°50′15″W / 49.46528°N 62.83750°W |
| River mouth | Gulf of Saint Lawrence L'Île-d'Anticosti 1 m (3.3 ft) 49°25′13″N 62°14′4″W / 49.42028°N 62.23444°W |
| Length | 487 km (303 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Rivière aux Saumons (which means Salmons River in English) is a stream in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the big Gulf of Saint Lawrence. This river is located on Anticosti Island, which is part of the Minganie Regional County Municipality in the Côte-Nord region.
The area around the river is mostly forest. People use a forest road to get to the middle and lower parts of the river. There's even a small airport nearby for tourists. The main activities here are forestry (cutting down trees) and fun outdoor activities like salmon fishing. People also enjoy visiting the "sinkhole sector," which has interesting natural holes in the ground.
Where the River Starts and Flows
The Rivière aux Saumons begins its journey from Rainsford Lake. This lake is about 0.9 km (0.56 mi) long and sits high up at 187 m (614 ft) above sea level, right in the middle of Anticosti Island.
- It's about 22.6 km (14.0 mi) south of the island's north shore.
- It's about 30.8 km (19.1 mi) north of the island's south shore.
- It's quite a distance from the village of Port-Menier, about 116.5 km (72.4 mi) to the east.
From Rainsford Lake, the Rivière aux Saumons flows for about 48.7 km (30.3 mi). As it travels, the river drops about 186 m (610 ft) in height. The entire river flows through a forest area that is managed by SÉPAQ (a Quebec government agency for parks and wildlife).
The River's Journey
The river's path is interesting and winding:
- It starts by flowing south through marshy areas and two small lakes.
- Then, it turns east for about 19.3 km (12.0 mi), picking up water from other streams along the way. It flows past a place called "Champ-des-Gouffres" and makes several turns.
- Next, it heads northeast for about 20.0 km (12.4 mi), making two big curves. It collects more water from other streams and small lakes.
- Finally, it flows northeast for about 8.0 km (5.0 mi) through a deep valley, making one last loop before reaching its end.
The Rivière aux Saumons empties into Anse Harvey, a bay on the north side of Anticosti Island. This bay is about 4.8 km (3.0 mi) wide at its entrance and stretches inland for about 1.4 km (0.87 mi).
What's in a Name?
The name "Rivière aux Saumons" means "Salmons River" in French. It was officially given this name on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like a special committee that names places in Quebec.
