Rivière aux Vaches facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière aux Vaches |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Centre-du-Québec |
| Regional County Municipality | Drummond Regional County Municipality and Nicolet-Yamaska Regional County Municipality |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Various agricultural streams Drummondville 86 m (282 ft) 45°53′46″N 72°31′45″W / 45.89611°N 72.52917°W |
| River mouth | Saint-François River Saint-François-du-Lac 69 m (226 ft) 46°02′06″N 72°46′22″W / 46.035°N 72.77277°W |
| Length | 339 km (211 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Rivière aux Vaches (which means "Cow River" in French) is a river in Quebec, Canada. It's like a smaller stream that eventually joins a bigger river called the Saint-François River. This river flows through a part of Quebec known as Centre-du-Québec, on the South Shore of the Saint Lawrence River.
It passes through several towns and areas, including parts of Drummondville, Saint-Majorique-de-Grantham, Saint-Bonaventure, Saint-Pie-de-Guire, and Saint-François-du-Lac.
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About the Rivière aux Vaches
The Rivière aux Vaches is an important waterway in the Centre-du-Québec region. It plays a role in the local environment and the lives of people living nearby. The river is about 33.9 km (21.1 mi) long.
Where the River Starts and Flows
The Rivière aux Vaches begins in the "Grantham-Ouest" area, which is part of Drummondville. It starts from small streams that drain water from farms. These streams are located north of Highway 20.
From its start, the river mainly flows through farming areas. It travels northwest, passing through several towns:
- It goes through Saint-Majorique-de-Grantham.
- Then it winds its way through Saint-Bonaventure.
- The river continues through Saint-Pie-de-Guire.
- Finally, it reaches Saint-François-du-Lac.
The river's journey ends when it flows into the Saint-François River. This happens near Saint-François-du-Lac, right across from a place called "La Grande Île."
Neighboring Rivers
The Rivière aux Vaches is surrounded by other rivers and water systems.
- To the north and east, you'll find the Saint-François River.
- To the south is the Saint-Germain River.
- To the west, there's the David River and the larger Yamaska River.
Why the Name "Cow River"?
The name "Rivière aux Vaches" literally means "Cow River." This name makes a lot of sense because the river flows mostly through farmland. Cows often come to the river to drink, especially during the warmer months from May to November.
The river also served as a natural boundary for grazing cattle. Cows aren't very good swimmers, so the river helped keep them in their pastures. Because of the gentle landscape around it, the name "Cow River" fits perfectly!
The name "Rivière aux Vaches" became official on December 5, 1968, thanks to the Commission de toponymie du Québec.
