Rivière de la Licorne facts for kids

The Licorne River is a river located in Quebec, Canada. It flows into Ashuapmushuan Lake. This lake is part of a larger water system that eventually leads to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. The river is found in a special area called the unorganized territory of Lac-Ashuapmushuan. This area is within the Le Domaine-du-Roy Regional County Municipality, which is part of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.

The valley of the Licorne River is mostly covered by forests. Many smaller roads are used for forestry work, like cutting down trees and planting new ones. These roads connect to a main road called Route 212. Another important road, Route 167, passes near where the river meets Ashuapmushuan Lake.

Forestry is the main activity in this area. However, people also enjoy visiting for fun activities like hiking and exploring nature. This is especially true because the river flows through the Ashuapmushuan Wildlife Reserve, a protected area for animals and plants.

River's Journey

The Licorne River starts its journey from a lake called Lake Decharnay. This lake is about 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles) long and sits high up at 514 meters (1,686 feet) above sea level. In the middle of Lake Decharnay, there's an island about 0.7 kilometers (0.4 miles) long. The lake gets its water from three streams that flow in from the south.

Where the River Starts

The source of the Licorne River is in a mountainous area within the unorganized territory of Lac-Ashuapmushuan. It's located:

• About 10.3 kilometers (6.4 miles) northwest of the rivière du Grand Portage.
• About 14.0 kilometers (8.7 miles) southwest of Chigoubiche Lake.
• About 17.0 kilometers (10.6 miles) northeast of Lac Marquette.
• About 18.7 kilometers (11.6 miles) southwest of the Canadian National Railway.

How the River Flows

From Lake Decharnay, the Licorne River flows for about 33.0 kilometers (20.5 miles). As it flows, it drops 143 meters (469 feet) in height. The entire river flows through a forest.

Here's how its journey goes:

• For the first 8.4 kilometers (5.2 miles), it flows northwest. It collects water from Lake Puxe and the Côte Croche stream.
• Then, for about 8.6 kilometers (5.3 miles), it flows north. It gathers water from several lakes, including Lac de la Licorne and Lac des Mainates. It also forms a bend where water from Bécasseaux and Bédéchan lakes joins it.
• Next, it flows north for 2.9 kilometers (1.8 miles). It crosses a forest road and then turns east. Here, water from lakes Pie-XII, Auré, and Willows flows into it.
• Finally, for the last 13.9 kilometers (8.6 miles), it winds widely, mostly through marshy areas. It collects water from many small lakes, including Lake Rubis, Tracé, Lapège, Vanesses, and Lake Granès. This part of the river leads to the south shore of Gabriel-Fleury Lake, which is where the Licorne River ends.

Where the River Ends

The Licorne River flows into the south side of Gabriel-Fleury Lake. This meeting point is located:

• About 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) south of the Canadian National railway and Route 167.
• About 2.0 kilometers (1.2 miles) west of Chigoubiche Lake.
• About 12.9 kilometers (8.0 miles) east of the mouth of Ashuapmushuan Lake.

After the Licorne River joins Gabriel-Fleury Lake, the water continues its long journey. It flows through Gabriel-Fleury Lake, then Lac du Grand Duc. From there, it travels 7.3 kilometers (4.5 miles) to Ashuapmushuan Lake, crossing it for 12.8 kilometers (8.0 miles). The water then flows down the Ashuapmushuan River for its entire length of 193 kilometers (120 miles). Next, it crosses lac Saint-Jean eastward for 41.1 kilometers (25.5 miles). Finally, it follows the Saguenay River for 172.3 kilometers (107.1 miles) east to Tadoussac, where it empties into the estuary of Saint Lawrence and eventually the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

River's Name

The name "rivière de la Licorne" means "Unicorn River" in French. This name was officially recognized on June 18, 1971.