Rivière du Nord (Laurentides) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière du Nord |
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Rivière du Nord at Piedmont, Quebec
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Country | Canada |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Lac Brûlé, Quebec |
River mouth | Ottawa River |
Basin features | |
Progression | Ottawa River→ Saint Lawrence River→ Gulf of Saint Lawrence |
River system | Ottawa River drainage basin |
The Rivière du Nord is a river in the Laurentides region of Quebec, Canada. It flows for about 137 kilometers (85 miles) before joining the Ottawa River. This river is an important part of the local landscape and history.
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Exploring the Rivière du Nord
The Rivière du Nord starts at Lac Brûlé, a lake near Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. From there, it flows towards the southeast. A major highway, Quebec Autoroute 15, runs alongside the river valley. This highway helps people reach many vacation homes and cottages in the area.
River's Journey and Towns
As the river continues its journey, it reaches the town of Saint-Jérôme. Here, the river changes direction and flows southwest. It keeps going until it meets the Ottawa River. Many towns are built along the banks of the Rivière du Nord. These include Val-David, Val-Morin, Saint-Adèle, Prévost, and Lachute.
History and Development
The area around the Rivière du Nord grew a lot thanks to a Catholic priest named François-Xavier-Antoine Labelle. He helped build a railway along the river. This railway was very important for connecting communities.
The P'tit Train du Nord
In the 1990s, the old railway line was changed into a special trail. This trail is now called the P'tit Train du Nord. It's a popular place for walking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. It lets people enjoy the beautiful river valley.
Oldest Bridge on the River
One of the oldest bridges over the Rivière du Nord was built by William Shaw. He built it near a village that was named Shawbridge after him. Today, this area is part of the town of Prévost.