Sainte-Marie River (Anticosti Island) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sainte-Marie River |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Côte-Nord |
| RCM | Minganie |
| Island | Anticosti Island |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lake Sainte-Marie L'Île-d'Anticosti 61 m (200 ft) 49°49′27″N 63°51′45″W / 49.82408°N 63.86262°W |
| River mouth | Gulf of Saint Lawrence L'Île-d'Anticosti 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) 49°40′24″N 63°55′12″W / 49.67333°N 63.92°W |
| Length | 21.7 km (13.5 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
|
The Sainte-Marie River (in French: Rivière Sainte-Marie) is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. You can find it in the municipality of L'Île-d'Anticosti. This area is part of the Minganie Regional County Municipality in the Côte-Nord region.
The Sainte-Marie River is the westernmost river in the SÉPAQ Anticosti area. A sports camp called "Rivière-Sainte-Marie" was built near its mouth in the 20th century. The main forest road on Anticosti Island runs through the upper part of this river valley. Other smaller roads connect to it, helping with forestry work. Forestry is the main activity here. Tourism and outdoor fun are also very popular.
Where Does the Sainte-Marie River Flow?
The Sainte-Marie River starts from Lake Sainte-Marie. This lake is about 0.7 kilometers long and almost round. It sits at an altitude of 61 meters in the middle-western part of Anticosti Island. The lake has marshy areas on its north and south sides.
The start of Lake Sainte-Marie is:
- 36.4 kilometers northeast of Port-Menier village.
- 6.0 kilometers southeast of the north shore of Anticosti Island.
- 16.6 kilometers north of the south shore of Anticosti Island.
From its source, the Sainte-Marie River flows south. It runs between the Bec-Scie River to its west and the Rivière aux Cailloux to its east. The river travels 21.7 kilometers south. It drops about 60 meters in height along its path.
The River's Journey
The river's journey can be divided into two main parts:
- For the first 11.0 kilometers, it flows south. It goes under the main island road bridge. Along this part, it collects water from several streams and lakes. These include a stream from the northeast, water from Lac de la Tour, and water from Lake Nelson. It also flows through Lake Elsie, which is 1.3 kilometers long and 21 meters high.
- For the next 10.7 kilometers, it continues south into the SÉPAQ Anticosti area. Here, it gathers water from four streams from the west and two from the east. It also gets water from Paul Pond. Near the end, it makes a small curve to the west for about 0.8 kilometers.
The Sainte-Marie River finally empties into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. This is on the south shore of Anticosti Island. It is 5.3 kilometers east of the Baleine stream's mouth. It is also 1.2 kilometers west of Cap Sainte-Marie. The river's mouth is 35.1 kilometers east of Port-Menier village.
How Did the River Get Its Name?
The names "Cap Sainte-Marie," "Sainte-Marie River," and "Camp sportif Rivière-Sainte-Marie" are all connected. The name "Sainte-Marie River" is one of the oldest names on Anticosti Island. It first appeared on a map of Canada (or New France) in 1703. This map was made by Guillaume Delisle. Later, in 1904, the name "Rivière Ste Marie" was on a map by Joseph Schmitt. It showed the river west of "Falaises Ste Marie."
The Quebec Place Names Commission believes that the explorer Louis Jolliet first gave the river its name. Louis Jolliet owned Anticosti Island starting in 1680. He likely named it after his oldest daughter, Marie-Charlotte. Louis Jolliet spent his summers on the western part of Anticosti Island. He even built a house there.
The name "rivière Sainte-Marie" became official on December 5, 1968.
