Toussaint River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Toussaint River |
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Bridge over the river near Obedjiwan.
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| Other name(s) | Rivière Toussaint |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Nord-du-Québec and Mauricie |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Coutras Lake Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality), Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 480 m (1,570 ft) 49°04′52″N 74°50′39″W / 49.08111°N 74.84417°W |
| River mouth | Gouin Reservoir (via Kamitcikamak Lake) La Tuque, Mauricie, Quebec 402 m (1,319 ft) 48°42′04″N 74°57′07″W / 48.70111°N 74.95194°W |
| Length | 56.0 km (34.8 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Toussaint River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the northern part of the Gouin Reservoir. The river runs through two main areas: Nord-du-Québec (specifically the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James area) and Mauricie (near the town of La Tuque).
Logging is the main activity in the river's valley. Tourism and outdoor activities are also important.
Route 212 is a road that serves the village of Obedjiwan. This village is located on a piece of land that sticks out into the Gouin Reservoir. The road follows the north shore of the reservoir. Other forest roads help people get to the upper parts of the Toussaint River valley.
The Toussaint River is usually frozen from mid-November until the end of April. It is generally safe to travel on the ice from early December to late March.
Contents
Where Does the Toussaint River Flow?
The Toussaint River starts at Coutras Lake. This lake is about 480 meters (1,575 feet) above sea level. The river then flows for about 56 kilometers (35 miles) before reaching the Gouin Reservoir.
How Long is the Toussaint River?
The Toussaint River flows for 56 kilometers (35 miles). It starts in the Chambalon area and ends in Kamitcikamak Lake, which is part of the Gouin Reservoir.
What Lakes and Streams Feed the River?
Many lakes and streams are connected to the Toussaint River. Here are some of the nearby water bodies:
- North side: Surprise Lake (Roy River), Caopatina Lake, Des Vents Lake (Opawica River), Opawica River.
- East side: Kakospictikweak River, Kanatakompeak Bay, Gouin Reservoir, McSweeney Lake, Magnan Lake, Wapous River.
- South side: Kamitcikamak Lake, Gouin Reservoir, Du Mâle Lake (Gouin Reservoir), Nemio River, Bureau Lake.
- West side: De la Rencontre Creek, Du Mâle Lake (Gouin Reservoir), Plamondon Creek (Gouin Reservoir), Pascagama River, Saint-Cyr Lake (Saint-Cyr River South), Macho River.
The River's Journey: Upper Course
The first part of the Toussaint River's journey is about 28.6 kilometers (17.8 miles) long.
- It flows northeast, passing through a small lake.
- It then turns southeast, crossing Lingen Lake.
- Further southeast, it crosses Balete Lake.
- The river continues southeast, widening into a lake.
- It then flows southwest, collecting water from Augusta Creek.
- Finally, this section ends as it flows southwest into the Marceau area.
The River's Journey: Lower Course
The second part of the Toussaint River's journey is about 27.4 kilometers (17 miles) long.
- It flows through Perrier Lake, covering its full length.
- It then turns south, receiving water from Lake Kamatcimiskowok. It makes a hook shape and crosses two more lakes.
- The river continues south through Lake Gaudet.
- The river then flows south, crossing forest road R2046.
- It finally meets Kamitcikamak Lake, which is an extension of the Gouin Reservoir.
Where Does the Toussaint River End?
The Toussaint River flows into Kamitcikamak Lake. This lake is a bay on the north shore of the Gouin Reservoir. From there, the water flows southeast for about 96.1 kilometers (59.7 miles) through the Gouin Reservoir. It passes by the village of Obedjiwan and goes through Kikendatch Bay. The water then reaches the Gouin Dam.
After the Gouin Dam, the water flows into the Saint-Maurice River. The Saint-Maurice River then flows into the Saint Lawrence River at Trois-Rivières.
What is the History of the River's Name?
In the past, the Toussaint River was known by other names. It was called "Baptiste River" and also "rivière de la Rencontre," which means "river of Encounter" in English.
The name "Toussaint River" was officially given on December 5, 1968. This happened when the Commission de toponymie du Québec (Quebec's place name commission) was created.
