Rivière du Grand Portage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière du Grand Portage |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean |
| Regional County Municipality | Le Domaine-du-Roy Regional County Municipality |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mountain lake Lac-Ashuapmushuan 623 m (2,044 ft) 48°42′15″N 73°31′25″W / 48.70417°N 73.52361°W |
| River mouth | Chigoubiche River Lac-Ashuapmushuan (unorganized territory) 350 m (1,150 ft) 48°59′08″N 73°22′35″W / 48.98556°N 73.37639°W |
| Length | 62.4 km (38.8 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Chigoubiche River, Ashuapmushuan River, Lac Saint-Jean, Saguenay River |
| Tributaries |
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The Rivière du Grand Portage (which means Grand Portage River in English) is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Chigoubiche River. This river is located in a special area called the unorganized territory of Lac-Ashuapmushuan. This area is part of the Le Domaine-du-Roy Regional County Municipality in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.
The main activity in the Grand Portage river valley is forestry, which means growing and cutting down trees. People also enjoy recreational tourism here, especially because of the nearby Ashuapmushuan Wildlife Reserve. A forest road (R0204) helps people travel along the river valley.
Contents
River's Journey
The Grand Portage River starts from a lake high up in the mountains. This lake is about 623 m (2,044 ft) above sea level. The river's source is in a mountainous area within the Lac-Ashuapmushuan territory.
From its source, the Grand Portage River flows for about 62.4 km (38.8 mi). As it travels, the river drops about 273 m (896 ft) in height. The entire river flows through a forest.
Upper Part of the River
The first part of the river, which is about 37.6 km (23.4 mi) long, flows mostly west and then northwest. Along this path, it goes through several lakes, including a large one called Lac Meilleur. The river also collects water from other smaller lakes and streams. It then turns north, flowing through a deep valley and crossing Lac Lancelot. Further along, it turns northeast and meets the Grand Portage South-West River.
Lower Part of the River
The second part of the river, about 24.8 km (15.4 mi) long, flows northeast. It makes big curves as it goes around mountains. It also collects water from the Grand Portage South-East River. In some areas, the valley has steep sides, and the river flows through marshy (swampy) areas. Near its end, the river crosses Route 167.
Where the River Ends
The Grand Portage River eventually flows into the Chigoubiche River. This meeting point is on the southwest bank of the Chigoubiche River, across from a railway.
From this point, the water travels a long way:
- It flows down the Chigoubiche River for about 46.2 km (28.7 mi).
- Then, it joins the Ashuapmushuan River for about 59.8 km (37.2 mi).
- After that, it crosses Lac Saint-Jean from west to east, which is about 41.1 km (25.5 mi) long.
- Finally, the water enters the Saguenay River through la Petite Décharge and travels about 172.3 km (107.1 mi) east to Tadoussac. At Tadoussac, the Saguenay River meets the estuary of Saint Lawrence, which is where the river water mixes with the ocean.
River's Name
The name "rivière du Grand Portage" 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.
