Waterhen River (Saskatchewan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waterhen River |
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Waterhen River north of Green Lake
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 Location of the mouth in Saskatchewan
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Saskatchewan |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lac des Iles east of Cold Lake, Saskatchewan 54°27′12″N 109°16′26″W / 54.45333°N 109.27389°W |
| River mouth | Beaver River Division 18, Saskatchewan 54°38′19″N 107°46′41″W / 54.63861°N 107.77806°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Churchill River drainage basin |
The Waterhen River is a river in Saskatchewan, Canada. It flows towards the east in the northwest part of the province. This river is part of the larger Beaver River system. It runs parallel to the Beaver River for a while before joining it. The Waterhen River is located at the southern edge of the boreal forest, which is a huge forest area.
Contents
River's Journey
The Waterhen River starts its journey from the eastern side of a lake called Lac des Iles. This lake is found east of Cold Lake, which sits on the border between Alberta and Saskatchewan. From Lac des Iles, the Waterhen River flows east until it reaches Waterhen Lake.
Through Meadow Lake Park
A big part of the Waterhen River, from Lac des Iles to Waterhen Lake, flows through Meadow Lake Provincial Park. This park is a beautiful area with lots of nature to explore. After leaving Waterhen Lake, the river continues to flow east and a bit north. Finally, it joins the northern part of the Beaver River. The Waterhen River is part of the Churchill River drainage basin, meaning its waters eventually flow into Hudson Bay.
Nearby Places
South of the Waterhen River, you'll find Saskatchewan Highway 55. This highway is part of a longer route known as the Northern Woods and Water Route. Several towns are located south of the river. These include Cold Lake, Alberta, Beaver Crossing, Alberta, Pierceland, Saskatchewan, Goodsoil, Saskatchewan, and Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.
History of the Area
People have lived around the Waterhen River for a long time. In the 1700s, the Cree people started moving into this area. They used the rivers for travel and trade.
Early Trading Posts
The Waterhen River was an important canoe route. There was even a portage, which is a place where canoes and goods are carried over land, connecting the Waterhen to the Beaver River. The first trading post in this region was called Cold Lake House. It was built in 1781 by traders from Montreal. This post was located near what is now Beaver Crossing, Alberta, south of Cold Lake. Around 1790, another trading company called the North West Company also had a trading post on Waterhen Lake. These posts were important for trading furs and other goods with the Indigenous peoples.
