Cataraqui River

Cataraqui River
Cataraqui River at Kingston Mills
Location
CountryCanada
ProvinceOntario
Physical characteristics
SourceCranberry Lake
  locationThe Round Tail, near Brewers Mills, Kingston
  coordinates44°25′35″N 76°18′27″W / 44.42639°N 76.30750°W / 44.42639; -76.30750
  elevation96 m (315 ft)
MouthKingston Harbour (Lake Ontario)
  location
Kingston
  coordinates
44°14′03″N 76°28′27″W / 44.23417°N 76.47417°W / 44.23417; -76.47417
  elevation
75 m (246 ft)
Basin size910 km2 (350 sq mi)
Basin features
WaterbodiesRiver Styx, Colonel By Lake
Inland portsKingston Harbour, Kingston Inner Harbour

The Cataraqui River (/ˌkætəˈrɒkw/ KAT-ə-ROK-way) forms the lower portion of the Rideau Canal and drains into Lake Ontario at Kingston, Ontario. The name is taken from the original name for Kingston, Ontario; its exact meaning, however, is undetermined. Early maps showed several name variations including the Great Cataraqui River and Grand River Cataraquay. The river was once called Riviere de Frontenac, or Frontenac River. The alternate spelling "Cadaraqui" also appears in some historic texts.

A portion of the Cataraqui River that significantly widens north from Charon Point is also known as River Styx.

The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority administers water management concerns within the Cataraqui River watershed.