Simard Lake (Petit-Mécatina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Simard Lake |
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 Simard Lake
Location in Quebec
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| Location | Petit-Mécatina / Kegaska, Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent Regional County Municipality, Quebec, Canada |
| Coordinates | 50°17′24″N 61°20′29″W / 50.29000°N 61.34139°W |
| Primary outflows | River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 12.2 km (7.6 mi) |
| Max. width | 1.8 km (1.1 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 32 m (105 ft) |
Simard Lake is a freshwater lake located in the unorganized territory of Petit-Mécatina and the town of Kegaska. Both of these places are in the Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent Regional County Municipality, which is part of the Côte-Nord region in Quebec, Canada.
Even though there aren't any main roads for cars right next to the lake, Route 138 passes about 7.3 kilometres (4.5 mi) from its southern part. This highway runs along the northwest shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
About Simard Lake
Simard Lake is a long lake, stretching about 12.2 kilometres (7.6 mi) (about 7.5 miles). It has a very interesting and unusual shape, almost like a big "M" turned on its side! You'll find many bays, islands, and peninsulas (pieces of land sticking out into the water) along its shores.
The lake is located north of a large swampy area. This marshy land covers the space between the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and another lake called Kegaska Lake. The swamp also reaches east towards the Musquaro River.
Rivers and Lakes Nearby
Several other important rivers and lakes are close to Simard Lake. These are part of the same water system, meaning their waters are connected.
- To the North: Katshiputiskamatunant Lake, Grand Priant Lake, Musquaro River, and Mistahiniu Lake.
- To the East: Musquaro River and Kegaska Bay.
- To the South: Anse Muddy River, Kegaska River, and Belley River.
- To the West: Kegaska Lake and Kegaska River.
Where the Water Goes
The water from Simard Lake flows out from a bay on its southeast side. This exit point is about:
- 7.1 kilometres (4.4 mi) (about 4.4 miles) east of where Kegaska Lake's water flows out.
- 9.5 kilometres (5.9 mi) (about 5.9 miles) northwest of the village of Kegaska.
From the lake's exit, the water travels about 15.7 kilometres (9.8 mi) (about 9.7 miles) southeast. It flows through a river, which is the outlet of Simard Lake, and eventually reaches a smaller bay within Kegaska Bay.
What's in a Name?
The name "Simard" comes from a French family name. The official name "Lac Simard" was formally recognized on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec. This commission is responsible for naming places in Quebec.
