| Madawaska River | |
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Upper Madawaska River at Whitney
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| Name origin: From name of Algonquian band "Matouweskarini" meaning "people of the shallows" | |
| Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Nipissing District, Renfrew County |
| Tributaries | |
| - left | Opeongo River |
| - right | York River |
| Source | Source Lake |
| - location | Algonquin Provincial Park, Nipissing District |
| - elevation | 450 m (1,476 ft) |
| - coordinates | |
| Mouth | Ottawa River |
| - location | Arnprior, Renfrew County |
| - elevation | 70 m (230 ft) |
| - coordinates | |
| Length | 230 km (143 mi) |
| Basin | 8,470 km2 (3,270 sq mi) |
| Discharge | |
| - average | 85 m3/s (3,002 cu ft/s) |
The Madawaska River is a river in Ontario, Canada. The river is 230 km (143 mi) long and drains an area of 8,470 km2 (3,270 sq mi). It originates at Source Lake in the highlands of Algonquin Park at an elevation of 450 m (1,476 ft) and flows east, dropping 380 m (1,247 ft) before emptying into the Ottawa River at Arnprior.
The river's name comes from an Algonquian band of the region known as "Matouweskarini", meaning "people of the shallows". 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.
Contents |
The lower portion of the Madawaska River supports several large lakes, including:
Most common species of game fish found in this river include: Walleye (Yellow Pickerel), Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, and Large Mouth Bass.
Two sections of the river are designated and protected as provincial waterway parks:
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.