Rivière des Roches (Sainte-Anne River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière des Roches |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Capitale-Nationale |
| Regional County Municipality | La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality |
| Municipality | Lac-Jacques-Cartier, Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Little mountain lake Lac-Jacques-Cartier 474 m 47°11′13″N 70°52′12″W / 47.18682°N 70.87004°W |
| River mouth | Sainte-Anne River (Beaupré) Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges 161 m 47°07′15″N 70°50′07″W / 47.12083°N 70.8352°W |
| Length | 112 km (70 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Rivière des Roches (which means River of Rocks in English) is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Sainte-Anne River, which then joins the mighty Saint Lawrence River.
This river runs through the wild area of Lac-Jacques-Cartier and the town of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges. These places are part of the Capitale-Nationale region.
The area around the river is used for different activities. The main one is forestry, which means cutting down trees. People also enjoy recreational tourism here, like visiting for fun. Some farming happens too.
The Rivière des Roches usually freezes over from early December to late March. It's safest to walk on the ice from mid-December to mid-March. The river's water level changes with the seasons and how much rain falls. A big increase in water, called the spring flood, usually happens in March or April.
Where Does the River Flow?
The Rivière des Roches starts high up in the mountains. It begins where three small mountain streams meet, on the west side of Mont Bleu. This starting point is in the wild territory of Lac-Jacques-Cartier.
From its source, the river flows for about 11.2 km (7.0 mi). It drops a total of 313 m (1,027 ft) from its start to its end.
The River's Journey
The river's path is like a winding adventure:
- It flows 3.3 km (2.1 mi) southeast, passing a lake called Lac des Trois Castors.
- Then, it turns east for 1.1 km (0.68 mi), collecting water from another lake.
- Next, it goes south for 1.9 km (1.2 mi), making a big "W" shape and meeting the Saint-Nicolas stream.
- It continues south for 1.7 km (1.1 mi), picking up water from Lac de la Colline and the Prairies stream.
- For 1.3 km (0.81 mi), it flows southeast, running alongside a road and going under the Avenue Royale bridge.
- Finally, it travels south for 1.9 km (1.2 mi) through a deep valley, making a loop before reaching its mouth.
The Rivière des Roches ends by joining the Sainte-Anne River (Beaupré) in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges. This meeting point is about 0.6 km (0.37 mi) downstream from a place called Les Sept Chutes. From here, the Sainte-Anne River flows for another 11.0 km (6.8 mi) to the Saint Lawrence River.
Why is it Called "River of Rocks"?
The name "Rivière des Roches" (River of Rocks) was first written down by a geographer named Joseph Bouchette in 1815. He listed it as one of the important rivers in the area.
The river got its name because of its bottom. There are many rocks in the riverbed, which make its flow uneven. This is why it's called the "River of Rocks."
There's even a small community called "Rivière-des-Roches" in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, located near where the river meets Avenue Royale. This hamlet even had its own post office from 1907 to 1954, also named "Rivière-des-Roches."
Today, the Rivière des Roches is a popular spot for people on vacation. There are other rivers in Quebec with the same name, but this one is special to the Beaupré region. The name "Rivière des Roches" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968.
