Shell River (Assiniboine River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shell River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Manitoba |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Manitoba 609 m (1,998 ft) 51°41′20″N 101°17′45″W / 51.68889°N 101.29583°W |
| River mouth | Assiniboine River Asessippi Provincial Park, Manitoba 420 m (1,380 ft) 50°57′56″N 101°24′32″W / 50.96556°N 101.40889°W |
| Length | 130 km (81 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Red River drainage basin |
The Shell River is a beautiful river located in western Manitoba, Canada. It flows for about 130 kilometers (81 miles) from its starting point in Duck Mountain Provincial Park. The river begins where two smaller streams, the East Shell River and West Shell River, meet. From there, it travels south until it reaches Asessippi Provincial Park. Here, the Shell River joins the Assiniboine River in a large body of water called Lake of the Prairies.
Contents
Discovering the Shell River
The Shell River is a great place to explore nature and history. It flows through lovely parks and offers chances for outdoor fun.
How the Shell River Formed
Long, long ago, more than ten thousand years ago, the Shell River valley looked very different. It was carved out by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. These glaciers were part of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, which covered much of North America. As the climate warmed, the ice began to melt. The water from the melting ice created a very large "meltwater channel." This was like a giant river that carried away the melting ice.
A River's Changing Size
Today's Shell River is much smaller than the ancient meltwater channel. It winds and turns within the wide valley that the old, glacier-fed river created. This makes the Shell River a special kind of river called a "misfit stream." A misfit stream is a river that flows in a channel that seems too big for it, because the channel was made by a much larger river in the past.
Exploring the Shell River Valley
The Shell River is a popular spot for outdoor activities.
Trails and Canoeing
- In Duck Mountain Provincial Park, you can hike the Shell River Valley trail. This trail takes you through the beautiful forests near where the river begins.
- Near the river's end, in Asessippi Provincial Park, there's the Shell River Loop. This trail lets you explore the bottom of the valley.
- If you enjoy paddling, the lower parts of the Shell River are perfect for canoeing. It's a peaceful way to see the scenery.
Bridges and Communities
Several roads cross over the Shell River, connecting different areas. These include:
- PR 367
- PR 594
- PR 584
- PR 591
- PTH 5
- PR 583
- PTH 83
The small community of Shevlin is also located along the Shell River. It's found east of the town of Roblin, where a railway line crosses the river.
