Saint-Athanase River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint-Athanase River |
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|---|---|
| Native name | Rivière Saint-Athanase |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean |
| Regional County Municipality | Le Fjord-du-Saguenay Regional County Municipality |
| Municipalities | Petit-Saguenay |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Petit lac Alphée Petit-Saguenay 183 m (600 ft) 48°11′19″N 70°00′54″W / 48.18852°N 70.01503°W |
| River mouth | Saguenay River Petit-Saguenay 3 m (9.8 ft) 48°13′47″N 69°58′39″W / 48.22972°N 69.9775°W |
| Length | 9.7 km (6.0 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Saint-Athanase River is a small river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Saguenay River from its south side. The river is located near the town of Petit-Saguenay.
The area around the river is important for logging, which is called forestry. It's also a popular spot for fun outdoor activities and tourism.
Two main roads, Saint-Louis Road and Saint-Etienne Road, help people get around the river valley.
In winter, the Saint-Athanase River usually freezes over from early December to late March. It's generally safe to walk or play on the ice from mid-December to mid-March.
Where the River Flows
The Saint-Athanase River is surrounded by other rivers and water areas. Here are some of the main ones:
- To the north: The Saguenay River.
- To the east: The Saint-Étienne River, the Petites Îles River, and the St. Lawrence River.
- To the south: The Petit Saguenay River.
- To the west: The Petit Saguenay River and the Cabanage River.
River's Beginning
The Saint-Athanase River starts at a small lake called Petit Lac Alphée. This lake is about 0.3 km (0.19 mi) long and sits at an altitude of 183 m (600 ft).
The source of the river is located:
- About 5.4 km (3.4 mi) south of where it meets the Saguenay River.
- About 2.6 km (1.6 mi) northeast of the Petit Saguenay River.
- About 4.9 km (3.0 mi) east of the center of Petit-Saguenay village.
River's Journey
From Petit Lac Alphée, the Saint-Athanase River flows for about 8.6 km (5.3 mi). Here's how its journey goes:
- It flows north for 0.6 km (0.37 mi), crossing Alphée Lake.
- Then, it turns east for 0.5 km (0.31 mi), making a curve to the north.
- It continues east for 1.0 km (0.62 mi), starting with a small hook to the south.
- Next, it goes north for 1.4 km (0.87 mi), forming a big "S" shape.
- It keeps heading north for 2.4 km (1.5 mi), curving towards the northeast.
- Then, it flows northwest for 0.8 km (0.50 mi).
- Finally, it travels north for 1.9 km (1.2 mi) through a steep valley, curving west around a large mountain before reaching its end.
River's End
The Saint-Athanase River empties into a bay called "Anse au Cheval" on the south shore of the Saguenay River.
This meeting point is located:
- About 3.4 km (2.1 mi) northwest of the village center of Saint-Étienne.
- About 9.1 km (5.7 mi) northeast of where the Petit Saguenay River meets the Saguenay River.
- About 23.2 km (14.4 mi) west of Tadoussac.
River's Name
The name "Saint-Athanase River" (or "rivière Saint-Athanase" in French) comes from Saint Athanasius. He was an important figure in the Roman Catholic Church.
The name "Saint-Athanase River" became official on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Quebec, which is like a naming committee for places in Quebec.
