Simoncouche Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Simoncouche Lake |
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 Simoncouche Lake
Location in Quebec
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| Location | Saguenay / Lac-Ministuk, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec |
| Coordinates | 48°13′52″N 71°15′03″W / 48.23111°N 71.25083°W |
| Type | Naturel |
| Primary inflows | Simoncouche River |
| Primary outflows | Simoncouche River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 3.2 km (2.0 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.5 km (0.31 mi) |
| Surface area | 57 km2 (22 sq mi) |
| Shore length1 | catchment |
| Surface elevation | 339 m (1,112 ft) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Simoncouche Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake in Quebec, Canada. It's part of the Saguenay River's water system. The Simoncouche River flows right through it! This lake is located in two areas: Lac-Ministuk and the city of Saguenay. Both are in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec.
Simoncouche Lake is found within the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve. It's also part of the Simoncouche teaching and research forest (FERS). This forest is used by the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi for studies. The FERS covers about 27 square kilometers. There's a special rest area near the Québec-Chicoutimi road. Here, you can enjoy the wild beauty of the area.
The main road, Route 170, helps people get to this small valley. Other smaller roads are used for logging and fun outdoor activities. Logging is the biggest business here. Tourism, like hiking and fishing, is also important.
The lake usually freezes over from early December to late March. You can safely walk or play on the ice from mid-December to mid-March.
Contents
About Simoncouche Lake
Simoncouche Lake is about 3.2 km (2.0 mi) long. It is also about 0.5 km (0.31 mi) wide. The lake sits at an elevation of 339 m (1,112 ft) above sea level. It's a long lake, formed by the Simoncouche River widening as it flows north. The lake has three main parts, separated by two narrow spots. It is nestled in the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve, within the large Laurentian Mountains.
Where the Water Comes From
The lake gets most of its water from the Simoncouche River. This river flows into the lake from the south. Water also comes from a stream on the east side. This stream connects to Lac du Dépôt and Lac Hautbois.
Where the Water Goes
The water from Simoncouche Lake flows out through the Simoncouche River. This river continues north for about 7.9 km (4.9 mi). It then joins Kenogami Lake. The water then crosses Kenogami Lake for 3.2 km (2.0 mi). After that, it flows into the Chicoutimi River for 26.2 km (16.3 mi). Finally, it reaches the mighty Saguenay River. The Saguenay River carries the water east for 114.6 km (71.2 mi) to Tadoussac. There, it flows into the Saint Lawrence estuary.
Nearby Rivers and Lakes
Many other rivers and lakes are close to Simoncouche Lake.
- To the north: Kenogami Lake, Chicoutimi River, rivière-aux-Sables, Saguenay River.
- To the east: Lac William brook, Henriette brook, Chiens brook, Bras Henriette, Bras de Jacob Ouest, rivière du Moulin.
- To the south: Lac des Îlets, Cyriac River, Valiquette lake, Cyriac lake, Bras Sec.
- To the west: Cyriac River, Normand River, Hector brook, Chicoutimi River.
Why the Name?
The name "Lac Simoncouche" first appeared in a book about Quebec's rivers and lakes in 1914. Back then, the river was called "Moncouche." Both "Simoncouche" and "Moncouche" were popular names for the lake and the river.
The word "Moncouche" comes from "Muakush." This is an Indigenous word that means "sea eagle." No one knows for sure where the "si" part of "Simoncouche" came from or what it means.
The official name "Lac Simoncouche" was made formal on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which names places in Quebec.
