Free, fascinating discoveries all across Québec!

Marvel at the world’s largest multiple-arch-and-buttress dam! The Daniel-Johnson dam (Manic-5) in the Côte-Nord region stands in the magnificent Manicouagan valley. Its unique design is a true testament to Québec engineering. Whether at the foot of the dam, on its crest or inside, you’ll be thrilled by what you see and learn. The tour is also an opportunity to explore the generating station and interpretation centre and step back in time to the 1960s, when the Manic-5 construction site was in full swing. Take the time to discover the magnificent Manikuakanishtik^u lookout.

A visit to the Robert-Bourassa generating facility offers the chance to explore the world’s largest underground generating station, located 140 m below ground, and the most powerful in Québec. Take the Route de la Baie-James, admire the northern vistas and see where all that energy comes from—on the banks of the Grande Rivière. Discover the sheer immensity of Hydro-Québec’s structures and marvel at the spillway known as the giant’s staircase and the dam as tall as a 53-storey building. It’s truly impressive!

From Radisson, take a trip to discover LG-1, the last generating station to harness the flow of the Grande Rivière before it empties into Baie James (James Bay). Built from 640,000 m3 of concrete—enough to build a sidewalk from Montréal to Miami—this run-of-river power plant and its dam are sure to impress! You’ll be amazed to see how well Quebec engineers were able to blend these structures into the natural environment. Afterward, why not extend your visit to include a trip to the Cree community of Chisasibi? There’s so much to see!

Visit the Beauharnois generating station, one of the world’s largest hydropower facilities. You’re sure to be impressed by its 36 generating units: stretched out over nearly a kilometre, they make this station one of Hydro-Québec’s most powerful run-of-river plants. Discover this monument to human know-how—a treasured example of Québec’s cultural heritage—and its magnificent Art Deco architecture. See you there! It’s free!

How about some family fun while making some discoveries along the way? At the Électrium, in Sainte-Julie, you’ll experience something out of the ordinary. You’ll see an electric eel and enjoy a hair-raising experience with our Van de Graaff generator! The fun, interactive installations and dynamic tour guides will teach you about electricity, from the atom to lightning, and how it is generated in Québec. It’s free!

Located on the border of Québec and Ontario, Carillon is the most powerful generating station on the Rivière des Outaouais (Ottawa River). It was also the first generating station built by French-speaking engineers, back in the 1960s. Built near Long Sault, the site of the historic battle led by Dollard des Ormeaux, the facility is sure to impress you with its sheer size. The guides can’t wait to see you! It’s free.

Rivière-des-Prairies generating station has stood proudly between the shores of Montréal and Laval since the 1930s. Learn about the history of this run-of-river facility and the electrification of Montréal. Then, follow your guide to the turbine pit and spillway. You’re sure to be impressed by the water’s raw power and the beautiful landscape!

In Cantley, not far from Gatineau, lies a gem of Outaouais history: Chelsea generating station, in operation since 1927. During your tour, you’ll learn the secrets of the river, which was first used for log driving and then to generate hydropower. After visiting the dam and spillway, you can step inside the century-old generating station and see one of the generating units in action. It’s impressive! And free!

When you visit Première-Chute generating station, you’ll learn about the electrification of Abitibi-Témiscamingue and discover the know-how of hydropower pioneers. You’ll also enjoy a fun outing with family or friends that is both free and educational. Discover the unique design of this generating station. The tour guides can’t wait to see you!

Tour the Îles-de-la-Madeleine generating facility, the largest diesel-powered thermal generating station in Québec. The Îles-de-la-Madeleine have always relied on fuel oil to meet the energy needs of its population of 13,000. During your guided tour, you’ll learn how fuel oil is harnessed to generate enough power to light homes and businesses. You’ll also learn about the new renewable energy projects are being developed!

Come visit Romaine-1 generating station in Havre-Saint-Pierre, located on the Côte-Nord! Following a bus ride with the tour guides, you’ll be able to walk around on the dam, admire the reservoir and enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley. In the generating station, you’ll go under the penstock and feel the driving force of the water used to generate electricity. You’ll also learn about everything that’s done to protect salmon and the environment. An enriching visit awaits—and it’s free!

Jean-Lesage generating station and its gravity dam—one of the world’s largest—are located a mere 20 minutes from Baie-Comeau on the Côte-Nord. During your tour of the generating station, you’ll see a 400-tonne rotor above your head. Be sure to visit the Georges Dor Visitor Centre to see an exhibition about 735-kV transmission lines, the made-in-Québec technology that revolutionized electricity transmission around the world. It’s free!