It is one of the largest tributaries on the eastern lake, draining an area of approximately 2,000 square kilometres (770 sq mi).

The river and its tributaries were used to transport logs to local sawmills during the second half of the 19th century.

However, logging operations, fishing and the installation of an electric barrier to prevent sea lampreys from travelling upstream (removed in 1960) have reduced sturgeon activity in the river.

The French called the area at the river's mouth Anse de la pêche or "Fish Inlet".

Some of its features includes shoreline wetlands, falls, a lake section, and stretches through talus slopes and bedrock resembling rock gardens.