Seine River (Ontario) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seine River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Seine River in Ontario
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Northwestern Ontario |
| Districts |
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lac des Mille Lacs Thunder Bay District 457 m (1,499 ft) 48°58′46″N 90°43′49″W / 48.97944°N 90.73028°W |
| River mouth | Rainy Lake Rainy River District 338 m (1,109 ft) 48°39′56″N 92°49′19″W / 48.66556°N 92.82194°W |
| Length | 240 km (150 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Hudson Bay drainage basin |
| Tributaries |
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The Seine River is a river located in northwestern Ontario, Canada. It flows for about 240 kilometers (150 miles). The river starts at Lac des Mille Lacs and ends in Rainy Lake.
For a long time, the Seine River was an important path for the fur trade. Later, in the late 1800s, gold was found near the river. This led to several mining operations starting up in the area. In 1943, a part of the river was moved to reach a large iron ore deposit under Steep Rock Lake. That mine is now closed. Today, people use the river for fun activities like canoeing and kayaking.
Contents
Exploring the Seine River's Path
Where Does the Seine River Start?
The Seine River begins in Thunder Bay District. It flows out of the northwest part of Lac des Mille Lacs. There's a dam here called the Lac des Mille Lacs Dam.
After the dam, the river flows through Mosher Lake. It then joins with the Firesteel River. The river briefly enters Kenora District before turning southwest.
Journey Through Rapids and Lakes
As the river continues, it flows into Rainy River District. It goes over areas with fast-moving water called Long Rapids and Camp Six Rapids. The Mercutio River also joins the Seine River here.
The river then tumbles over Islands Falls and reaches Bradshaw Lake. It flows into Marmion Lake and a reservoir. Several smaller rivers also flow into the Seine River in this area.
Gold Rush Along the Upper Seine
The Upper Seine River was once a very important place for finding gold. Some of the main gold mines included:
- The Harold Lake Mine, active from 1894 to 1896.
- The Hammond Reef Mine, which operated from 1894 to 1922.
- The Sawbill Mine, open from 1897 to 1899.
How Was the River Moved?
A big project called the Seine River Diversion happened in 1943. This was done to get to a large amount of iron ore. The ore was located under Steep Rock Lake. To reach it, a section of the Seine River was moved.
The Lower Part of the River
After Steeprock Lake, the river gets more water from the Atikokan River. It also receives water from the Seine River Diversion. The river then flows west over Boyce Rapids.
It joins with the Eye River and passes through narrow sections called Chubb Narrows and Banning Narrows. The river then reaches Calm Lake.
Dams and Power on the Lower Seine
Calm Lake has a dam at its western end. This dam also has a power station that makes electricity. It was built in 1926 and is still used today.
The river leaves Calm Lake and flows southwest into Fin Bay on Laseine Lake. This lake also has a dam and a power station called the Sturgeon Falls Dam. It was also built in 1926 and makes electricity.
The River's End and More Gold History
The Seine River continues west and goes under Ontario Highway 11. It passes by a small community called Seine River Village.
Finally, the river reaches its mouth at Seine Bay on Rainy Lake. Gold was also found in this area in 1893. This led to mines like the Golden Crescent Mine, Foley Mine, Gold Star Mine, and Olive Mine. However, most of these mines closed between 1903 and 1904 when the gold rush ended.
Rivers and Creeks Joining the Seine
Many smaller rivers and creeks flow into the Seine River along its path. These are called tributaries. Here are some of them:
- Albertson Creek
- McLeod Creek
- Suckers Creek
- Swamp Creek
- Price Creek (flows into Laseine Lake)
- Mills Creek (flows into Laseine Lake)
- Little Joe Creek (flows into Calm Lake)
- Niven Creek (flows into Calm Lake)
- McCaulay Creek
- Arnold Creek
- Jackfish Creek
- Eye River
- Caribus Creek
- Atikokan River
- Hardtack Creek
- Sawbill Creek (flows into Marmion Lake)
- Lumby Creek (flows into Marmion Lake)
- Light Creek (flows into Marmion Lake)
- Caribou River (flows into Marmion Lake)
- Mercutio River
- Firesteel River
