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Vachon River (Arnaud River tributary) facts for kids

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Vachon River
Vachon River Nunavik.jpg
Country Canada
Physical characteristics
Main source Lac Laflamme (a.k.a. Manarsulik Lake), Nunavik, Quebec
487.5 m (1,599 ft)
River mouth Arnaud/Payne River
5 m (16 ft)
Length 266 km (165 mi)  (measured from north-west end of Lac Laflamme)

The Vachon River (also called Rivière Vachon in French) is a river in the cold, open lands of Nunavik, Quebec. It flows through the Arctic tundra, a special kind of treeless landscape. The Inuit people, who live in this region, have their own names for the river, like Ikkatujaaq (which means "seemingly shallow"), Qarnatulik, or Avaluko. This river was named after a person named Alexander Vachon.

The Vachon River: A Journey Through Nunavik

The Vachon River is an important waterway in the northern part of Quebec, Canada. It flows for about 266 kilometers (165 miles) through a unique and wild landscape. The river's journey takes it from high up in the land down to a larger river.

Where Does the River Start and End?

The Vachon River begins its long trip at a lake called Lac Laflamme. This lake is located at 61°21′49″N 73°45′36″W / 61.36361°N 73.76000°W / 61.36361; -73.76000, just north of the famous Pingualuit crater. The river then travels a long way before it joins the Arnaud/Payne River. This meeting point is located at 60°4′43″N 71°8′59″W / 60.07861°N 71.14972°W / 60.07861; -71.14972.

Who Was Alexander Vachon?

The Vachon River was named in honor of Alexander Vachon (1885–1953). He was an important leader in education and religion. He served as the rector (a top leader) of Laval University from 1939 to 1953. He was also an archbishop for the diocese of Ottawa, Ontario. Naming the river after him was a way to remember his contributions.

Exploring the Vachon River by Canoe

Even though the Vachon River can be challenging, some adventurous canoeists have paddled it. The river has long sections of rapids and ledges, which can be difficult to navigate. The weather in the Arctic can also be very cold and windy. Despite these challenges, groups have explored the river:

  • In 1978, four canoeists from Quebec, Canada, paddled upstream on the Vachon River. They used it as a way to reach the Povungnituk River.
  • In 1985, a group of four canoeists from Lyon, France, explored the river. They were Pascal Dorémus, Jacques Lavoué, Olivier Barbier, and Philippe Zanni. They came from Puvirnituq and had paddled upstream on the Povungnituk River.
  • In 2009, Eric Leclair, a solo canoeist from Quebec, paddled the river by himself.
  • In 2010, another group of four canoeists completed the journey. This group included Lynette Chubb and Lester Kovac from Ontario, and Curt Gellerman and Wesley Rusk from the United States.

Amazing Arctic Char: Life in the River

The Vachon River is home to many Arctic char. This type of fish is very important to the Inuit people who live in the area, especially in Kangirsuk. They catch Arctic char for food, which is a key part of their traditional way of life.

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