A world of energy to discover!

Did you know that it is possible to visit 16 hydropower stations, dams, centers and free interpretation trails in 11 regions of Quebec? Between Cote-Nord, Baie-James, Ottawaise, Montreguey, Temiscamingo, Estre (Lac-Magentique Microgrid), Morrissey (Shawinigan-2 Generating Station), Laurentides, Ile de la Madeleine, Laval and Montreal, place your bets!

This summer we are excited to discover all aspects of electricity and hydropower, while learning in a fun way about our heritage and the history of the largest construction sites. Of the 16 must-visit facilities, we suggest three are among the most iconic for their know-how bordering on genius. And fourth, unique!

Rapid Farmers Center

Location: Gatineau (Outways)

With 1,400,000 bricks and 2,750 tons of rebar and structural steel, it is one of the jewels of Ottawa’s industrial history. What’s so surprising about that? Imagine big concrete waterslides: The dam actually has 27 shafts and 28 channels that flow into the former bed of the Gatineau River. It’s just as impressive as seeing a rotor weighing more than 160 tons spinning above our heads in the center of the turbine assembly – the alternator.

Robert Bourassa Development Company (LA Grande-2)

Location: RADISSON (BAIE-JAMES)

This is where half of Quebec’s electricity comes from! It is the largest power generation facility in North America and the most powerful underground power plant in the world with a capacity of 5,616 megawatts. Did you know that the dam is as tall as a 53-storey building? Wait till you see his giant staircase, each of its 10 steps can contain two football fields. Fascinating !

Bharno power station

Location: Beauhrnois (Monteje)

With 36 turbine generator sets, it is one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world: at 926 meters in length it is the equivalent of ten football fields. Did you know that each turbine generator unit has a rotor weighing 300 tons, the weight of 50 elephants? Its Art Deco style is impressive, as is the flow of eight million liters of water per second, the content of three Olympic-size swimming pools.

Electricity, Electricity Interpretation Center

Location: Saint-Joli (Monterregie)

It is the only interpretive center that explores many aspects of electricity and the phenomenon of electric and magnetic fields in North America. Young and old will love discovering the Gym, an electric eel whose discharge can light up 48 10-watt compact fluorescent lights. You can also measure the speed of your reflexes or put your hair on end thanks to the Van de Graaff generator capable of producing 400,000 volts of static electricity.

Mark your calendars!

Whether you’re enjoying a day of exploring with the family (6 and up), a weekend getaway or a summer vacation, it’s best to book your visit at least 24 hours in advance to make sure they can impress. For useful information and to book, visit:

www.hydroquebec.com/visit

Fast farm power plant

2740 St. Louis Street

Gatineau

Robert Bourasa Development Company

66, rue des Groseilliers

Radisson

Bharno power station

80, Paul. from Milosville

Beauharnois

electricity

2001 Michael Faraday Street

Saint Julie