Bonnechere River

Bonnechere River in Renfrew at low tide

Renfrew Museum at the Bonnechere River in Renfrew

Position of the Bonnechere River

The Bonnechere River ( also Bonnechere River or French Rivière Bonnechere ) is a right tributary of the Ottawa River in the eastern Canadian province of Ontario.

The river has its origin in Algonquin Park. From there it flows in a southeasterly direction through the Renfrew County before it hits the east and north of Renfrew on the Ottawa River. The river has a length of 145 km and a catchment area of 2,400 km ².

During the 19th century, the river was used for transportation of logs of Weymouth pine from the surrounding forest areas. Several hydropower plants are located along the river.

The Bonnechere Caves are limestone caves on the river near the village of Eganville when Hamlet Fourth Chute.

The First Chute ("first waterfall " ) is located at the point where the Bonnechere River empties into the Ottawa River, near Castleford.

The Second Chute is located in Renfrew; at the waterfall there is a small dam, which is part of a hydropower plant.

The Third Chute is in Douglas; here also is a hydroelectric power plant.

The Fifth Chute finally located in Eganville.

Among the tributaries of the Bonnechere River:

• Aylen River
• Pine River
• Sherwood River

The Bonnechere River flows through the lakes Golden Lake and Round Lake. There are two provincial parks along the river: the Bonnechere River Provincial Park ( a 23 km section, bordering the Algonquin Park ) and the Bonnechere Provincial Park ( located on Round Lake ).

It is believed that the river name from the French term "bonne chère " is synonymous with "good food" is derived, which could indicate that the first explorers in this region vorfanden an abundance of wildlife.

The Bonnechere River flows largely within the 175 million years old rift zone of the Ottawa - Bonnechere trench.

Rafting Race

Each year there are a raft race on the river between the third and fourth waterfall. Originally, the event was organized by local Shriners. Meanwhile, the race has an unofficial status - with little organization. It takes place before the Victoria Day is always on the weekend. Participants build their rafts or rafts themselves. The river offers natural obstacles such as mild rapids. The race is not competitive and will take place for more than ten years.