South River (Ontario) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South River |
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|---|---|
| Native name | Nanamitagong |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Almaguin Highlands |
| District | Parry Sound |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Wetlands north of Togo Lake Paxton Township, Algonquin Provincial Park, Nipissing District, Central Ontario, Ontario, Canada 465 m (1,526 ft) 45°48′01″N 79°02′29″W / 45.80028°N 79.04139°W |
| River mouth | South Bay, Lake Nipissing Nipissing, Almaguin Highlands, Parry Sound District, Central Ontario, Ontario, Canada 196 m (643 ft) 46°07′34″N 79°34′22″W / 46.12611°N 79.57278°W |
| Length | 135 km (84 mi) |
The South River is a river located in Ontario, Canada. It flows through the Almaguin Highlands area of Parry Sound District. The river starts in the western part of Algonquin Provincial Park. It then flows into Lake Nipissing. The river gets its name from South Bay, which is an arm of Lake Nipissing where the river ends.
Contents
Where the River Flows
The South River begins in a wet area north of Togo Lake. This spot is about 465 meters (1,526 feet) above sea level. The river then flows mostly northwest. It winds its way through the Almaguin Highlands. Finally, it empties into Lake Nipissing, which is about 195 meters (640 feet) above sea level. This means the river drops about 270 meters (886 feet) from its start to its end.
Smaller Rivers Joining In
The South River has many smaller streams and rivers that flow into it. These are called tributaries. Some of the main tributaries include:
- Paul River
- Beatty River
- Genesee River
- McGillvray River
- Black River (Gurd)
- Trout River
- Bray River
- Black River (Machar)
- Smyth River
- Craig River
Towns and Villages Along the River
Around 4,750 people live along the South River. Many towns and villages grew up because of the river. These include:
- Nipissing
- Powassan
- Trout Creek
- South River (which shares the river's name)
These communities were built near rapids and waterfalls. In the 1800s, people used the power of the rushing water to run sawmills. Logging was a very important industry back then. Many pioneers and settlers came to the area to work with the large amount of timber found along the river.
The South River flows through several townships. These are like local areas or districts. From upstream (where it starts) to downstream (where it ends), the river passes through:
- Paxton (an unorganized part of Nipissing District)
- Joly
- Laurier
- Machar
- Gurd
- Powassan (South Himsworth)
- Nipissing
Power from the River
There are several dams on the South River. These dams use the river's rapids and waterfalls to create electricity. This is called hydroelectric power. It works much like the old sawmills used the water's force. Some of these dams are owned by private companies, and others are owned by the government.
Fun on the South River
The South River has always been a popular place for canoeing. A famous artist named Tom Thomson paddled on this river in the early 1900s. He found inspiration for his art here. In the Village of South River, there is a place called Tom Thomson Park. This is where Thomson would take his canoe out of the river to catch a train. The train would take him to his art studio in Southern Ontario.
Every summer, the Municipality of Powassan holds a canoe race. This race takes place on the part of the river that flows through their area. You can also find many wilderness outfitters and tourist camps along the river. These places offer services for visitors. There are also private cottages and homes along the river's shores.
