Waswanipi River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waswanipi |
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Watershed of Nottaway River
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality) |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Chibougamau River and Opawica River Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality), Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 276 m (906 ft) 49°41′07″N 75°57′49″W / 49.68528°N 75.96361°W |
| River mouth | Matagami Lake Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality), Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 256 m (840 ft) 49°53′28″N 77°15′21″W / 49.89111°N 77.25583°W |
| Length | 139.4 km (86.6 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 31,900 km2 (12,300 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Waswanipi River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into Matagami Lake. This river is located in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James area. This region is part of Nord-du-Québec.
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Where the Waswanipi River Flows
The Waswanipi River starts in the village of Waswanipi. It begins where two other rivers meet: the Chibougamau River and the Opawica River. This starting point is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of Chapais. There is a bridge over the river in Waswanipi village.
The river flows for about 139.4 kilometers (86.6 miles). It travels mostly west, passing through several lakes. It goes through the northern part of Lake Waswanipi. Then it flows into Goéland Lake (Waswanipi River). Finally, it crosses Olga Lake (Waswanipi River) before reaching its end.
The Waswanipi River ends when it flows into the northeast part of Matagami Lake. This is about 30.5 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of the town of Matagami.
Rivers and Lakes Nearby
The Waswanipi River is surrounded by many other rivers and lakes.
- To the north, you can find the Nomans River and Maicasagi River.
- To the east are the Chibougamau River and Opawica River.
- To the south, there is Lake Waswanipi and the O'Sullivan River.
- To the west, you will find Matagami Lake and the Bell River.
Main Rivers Joining the Waswanipi
Many smaller rivers flow into the Waswanipi River, bringing more water to it. These are called tributaries.
- Chensagi River (joins via Maicasagi Lake)
- Maicasagi River (joins via Maicasagi Lake)
- Chibougamau River
- Opaoca River (joins via Olga Lake (Waswanipi River))
- Little Waswanipi River
- Iserhoff River (joins via Lake Waswanipi)
- O'Sullivan River (joins via Lake Waswanipi)
- Bachelor River
- Opawica River
The Name of the River
The word "toponymy" is the study of place names. The name "Waswanipi" has been used for a long time, since the 1700s. It refers to a lake, two rivers, and a group of Native American people.
Sometimes, the river was also called "Olga River." An old map from 1898 shows it as "R. Waswanipi." In the early 1900s, a geologist named Henry O'Sullivan explored northern Quebec and traveled along this river.
The official name Waswanipi River was made formal on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Quebec. This is the group in Quebec that names places.
