Kipawa River

Kipawa River
Rivière Kipawa
Kipawa River during low water level, as seen from the Laniel Dam
Map
EtymologyAnishnabe word "Kebaouek" meaning "at the narrows beyond which more water opens out"
Location
CountryCanada
ProvinceQuebec
RegionAbitibi-Témiscamingue
Physical characteristics
SourceUpper/Lac Dumoine Lower/Lake Kipawa
 • coordinates46°57′43″N 78°01′27″W / 46.96194°N 78.02417°W / 46.96194; -78.02417
 • elevation318 m (1,043 ft)
MouthOttawa River
 • location
Lake Timiskaming
 • coordinates
47°03′00″N 79°23′14″W / 47.05000°N 79.38722°W / 47.05000; -79.38722
 • elevation
180 m (590 ft)
Length180 km (110 mi)
Basin features
ProgressionOttawa RiverSt. Lawrence RiverGulf of St. Lawrence
River systemOttawa River drainage basin

The Kipawa River (in French: Rivière Kipawa) is a short river in western Quebec, Canada. It is mostly an undeveloped river but the larger lakes have dams, fishing camps, and cottages on their shores. The communities of Kipawa and Laniel are located on Lake Kipawa. Also much logging takes place within its watershed basin, which is consequently crisscrossed by many bush roads. Route 101 crosses the river at Laniel.

The Kipawa River drops 90 metres (295 ft) over the last 16 kilometres (10 mi) from Lake Kipawa to its mouth which results in many whitewater rapids, making it popular with kayakers and canoeists. Since 1986, the Kipawa River Rally has been held annually over this stretch of the river.

Its name is derived from the Anishnabe word "Kebaouek" meaning "at the narrows beyond which more water opens out".[1]

  1. ^ "Paddling Routes". Algonquin Canoe Company. Archived from the original on 2009-06-10. Retrieved 2009-06-23.