The lower part of this small valley is served by Chemin Royale (route 368) which runs along the southeast shore of Île d'Orléans.

The water level of the river varies with the seasons and the precipitation; the spring flood occurs in March or April.

This harbour whose sandstone of about 0.26 kilometres (0.16 mi) at low tide, is attached to Chenal des Grands Voiliers whose width is 7.0 metres (23.0 ft) at this location.

In addition, the geographic map of the Île d'Orléans designed in 1689 by Robert de Villeneuve identifies this watercourse "Dauphine river".

The toponym "Rivière Dauphine" was formalized on December 5, 1968 at the Bank of Place Names of the Commission de toponymie du Québec.