:''This article is about the Madawaska River in Ontario. For other rivers named Madawaska, see
Madawaska River.''
The 'Madawaska River' is a
river in
Ontario,
Canada. The river is
230 km long and drains an area of
8,470 km².
It originates from Source Lake in the highlands of
Algonquin Park and flows east, 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. Later, the river was used to generate
hydroelectric power. Undammed sections of the river are also used for
canoeing,
kayaking and recreational fishing.
Tributaries include:
★
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; 10.85 km².
★ Lower Madawaska River Provincial Park - between
Latchford Bridge and
Griffith; 12 km².
Both parks are administered by
Ontario Parks but non-operating, meaning there are no visitor facilities or services available. Both are ideal for whitewater canoeing.
See also
★
List of Ontario rivers
★
Combermere, Ontario
External links
★
Ontarion Power Generation - History and water management
★
Ontario Parks - Upper Madawaska River
★
Ontario Parks - Lower Madawaska River