Kipawa River
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.
| Kipawa River Rivière Kipawa | |
|---|---|
Kipawa River during low water level, as seen from the Laniel Dam | |
| Etymology | Anishnabe word "Kebaouek" meaning "at the narrows beyond which more water opens out" |
| Location | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Upper/Lac Dumoine Lower/Lake Kipawa |
| • coordinates | 46°57′43″N 78°01′27″W |
| • elevation | 318 m (1,043 ft) |
| Mouth | Ottawa River |
• location | Lake Timiskaming |
• coordinates | 47°03′00″N 79°23′14″W |
• elevation | 180 m (590 ft) |
| Length | 180 km (110 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Ottawa River→ St. Lawrence River→ Gulf of St. Lawrence |
| River system | Ottawa River drainage basin |
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".