Madawaska River (Ontario)
The Madawaska River is a river in the Saint Lawrence River drainage basin in Ontario, Canada.[1][2] The river is 230 km (143 mi) long and drains an area of 8,470 km2 (3,270 sq mi).[3] Its name comes from an Algonquian band of the region known as "Matouweskarini", meaning "people of the shallows".
Course
For a map showing the river course, see this reference.[2]
The Madawaska River originates at Source Lake in geographic Canisbay Township in the Unorganized South Part of Nipissing District, in the highlands of southern Algonquin Park. It flows east, dropping 380 m (1,247 ft) before emptying into the Ottawa River at Arnprior.
History
In the late 19th century, the river was used to transport lumber from the forested areas surrounding the river. Beginning in the 1960s, the river was used to generate hydroelectric power. Undammed sections of the river are also used for canoeing, kayaking and recreational fishing.
Tributaries
Lakes and reservoirs
The lower portion of the Madawaska River supports several large lakes, including:
- Centennial Lake
- Black Donald Lake
- Calabogie Lake
- Madawaska Reservoir(Arnprior Head Pond)
Fauna
Most common species of game fish found in this river include: Walleye (Yellow Pickerel), Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, and Large Mouth Bass.
Provincial Parks
Two sections of the river are designated and protected as provincial waterway parks:
- Upper Madawaska River Provincial Park, between Whitney and Madawaska; 10.85 km2 (4.19 sq mi).[4]
- Lower Madawaska River Provincial Park, between Latchford Bridge and Griffith; 12 km2 (5 sq mi).[5]
Both parks are administered by Ontario Parks but are non-operating, meaning there are no visitor facilities or services available. Both are ideal for whitewater canoeing.
See also
- Bonnechere River - nearby river with similar characteristics
- List of Ontario rivers
References
- ^ "Madawaska River". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
- ^ a b "Madawaska River". Atlas of Canada. Natural Resources Canada. 2010-02-04. Retrieved 2012-03-12. Shows the course of the river highlighted on a map.
- ^ "Rivers Flowing into the Atlantic Ocean". Atlas of Canada. Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
- ^ "Upper Madawaska River". Ontario Parks. 2002-11-12. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
- ^ "Lower Madawaska River". Ontario Parks. 2004-01-05. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
Other map sources:
- McMurtrie, Jeffrey (2008). "Algonquin Provincial Park and the Haliburton Highlands". Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
- Map 9 (PDF) (Map). 1 : 700,000. Official road map of Ontario. Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. 2010-01-01. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
- Map 10 (PDF) (Map). 1 : 700,000. Official road map of Ontario. Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. 2010-01-01. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
- Restructured municipalities - Ontario map #5 (Map). Restructuring Maps of Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 2006. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
External links
