The territory is named after la Belle Rivière ("the beautiful river") that has its source at Lac de la Belle Rivière ("Beautiful River Lake") that is also within the territory. The river was historically an important route for the natives and explorers of the Lac Saint-Jean region.[5]
^ abMinistère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l'Occupation du territoire - Répertoire des municipalités: Belle-RivièreArchived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine