Madawaska River (Ontario)

Infobox River
river_name = Madawaska River


image_size = 220px
caption = Upper Madawaska River at Whitney, Ontario
origin = Source Lake
mouth = Ottawa River at coord|45|26|34|N|76|20|55|W|region:CA-ON_type:landmark|display=inline,title
basin_countries =
length = convert|230|km|mi|0|abbr=on
elevation =
mouth_elevation = convert|70|m|ft|0|abbr=on
discharge = 85 m³/s
watershed = convert|8470|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on

The Madawaska River is a river in Ontario, Canada. The river is convert|230|km|mi|0|abbr=on long and drains an area of convert|8470|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on.

It originates at Source Lake in the highlands of Algonquin Park at an elevation of convert|450|m|ft|0|abbr=on and flows east, dropping convert|380|m|ft|0|abbr=on before emptying into the Ottawa River at Arnprior.

The river's name comes from an Algonquin band of the region known as "Matouweskarini", meaning "people of the shallows". In the late 1800s, 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

* Opeongo River
* York River

Provincial Parks

Two sections of the river are designated and protected as provincial waterway parks:
*Upper Madawaska River Provincial Park, between Whitney and Madawaska; convert|10.85|km2|sqmi|2|abbr=on.
*Lower Madawaska River Provincial Park, between Latchford Bridge and Griffith; convert|12|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on.

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.

ee also

*List of Ontario rivers
*Combermere, Ontario

ources

* [http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/learningresources/facts/rivers.html#atlantic Atlas of Canada - Rivers] retrieved 2007-11-02

External links

* [http://www.opg.com/safety/water/madawaska.asp Ontario Power Generation - History and water management]
* [http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/uppe.html Ontario Parks - Upper Madawaska River]
* [http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/lowe.html Ontario Parks - Lower Madawaska River]