The Châteauguay River (or Chateaugay River in the United States) is a tributary of the South Shore of the St. Lawrence River, flowing in: This valley is mainly served by the following roads: The river surface is generally frozen from mid-December to the end of March. Safe circulation on the ice is generally done from the end of December to the beginning of March. The water level of the river varies with the seasons and the precipitation.

Geography

The geographic slopes bordering the Châteauguay River are, to the north the St. Lawrence River (including the St. Lawrence Seaway), to the east the Noire River and the Lacolle River, to the west the Saint-Louis River. It winds its way northward through several towns and villages in Quebec, Canada, such as Elgin, Hinchinbrooke, Huntingdon, Dewittville, Ormstown and Châteauguay, before emptying into the Saint Lawrence River near Montreal. The Châteauguay River originates at Upper Chateauguay Lake (length: 3.0 km; altitude: NNNN m), in Clinton County, New York, in New York State, in Adirondacks. The Châteauguay River flows over 106.8 km, with a drop of NNNN m, according to the following segments: Upper course of the river, in American territory (segment of 32.9 km) Intermediate course of the river, down the Canada-US border (segment of 53.7 km) Lower course, downstream from the rivière des Anglais (segment of 20.2 km) The river is home to many species of birds and fish and is a major stopping-point for migrating ducks and Canada geese. Although polluted for many years, the river has been cleaned up and is beginning to be an eco-tourism destination for canoeing and kayaking. The drainage basin and surrounding area is known as the Chateauguay Valley.

Battle of the Châteauguay

The Châteauguay River was the site of a significant battle during the War of 1812. In 1813, an American army was advancing north to try to capture Montreal. A Canadian force, composed of Canadian regular and militia units, and First Nations warriors, defeated the American forces at the battle of the Châteauguay on October 26, 1813. The battle kept Montreal from falling into American hands, which had major strategic value for keeping Upper Canada supplied and in communication with British forces in Lower Canada.