Experience Québec
Getaway
The electric road
Just over a century ago, Quebec became aware of the massive energy potential that lay within its borders. Since the sensational beginnings of Shawinigan Water and Power Company, hydroelectric generating stations opened the door to the industrialization of Quebec. Plug yourself into the history of electric power in Quebec!
The post-war period saw a boom in the hydroelectric industry in Quebec. On April 14, 1944, the government created the Hydro-Québec corporation. In the final phase of nationalized electric generation in the 1960s, the corporation became the symbol of the Quiet Revolution. Installed power went from 3,000 megawatts in 1960 to more than 30,000 in 2000.
Electrifying tours!
Make the most of a sojourn in a region of Quebec by touring some of the province’s power plants and related facilities. A stone’s throw from Mont-Sainte-Anne, in a spectacular natural environment, the Les Sept Chutes interpretation centre houses one of the province’s oldest hydroelectric generating complexes (built in 1916). Visitors can choose from three different itineraries through the facilities and learn about the rudiments of hydroelectric production.The birthplace of hydroelectricity
You can also visit Shawinigan’s Cité de l’Énergie, a unique theme park near the legendary Saint-Maurice River. There, you’ll discover the city’s marvellous industrial progress over the past century. A tour of the old power plants starts with the Northern Aluminum Company (N.A.C.) facility. You enter by way of the old penstock - an immense conduit through which water flowed to make the six turbines spin. There’s also an exhibition that describes the environmental advantages of hydrogen power: an educated glimpse into the future!
Water and history
Closer to Montreal, head for the Lower Laurentians and the Carillon power plant. It proves to be the most powerful hydroelectric plant on the Ottawa River. Go into the lock that runs through the dam and watch the facility at work. Simply amazing! End your excursion with a visit to the Électrium in Sainte-Julie, an interpretation centre on electrical and magnetic fields. See electricity in a whole new light by learning how it works in the human body, how lightning occurs, or how useful the Earth’s magnetic field is.| Follow the blue signs! |
 In Quebec, tourist signs are easy to spot: they’re blue. All of the companies mentioned herein have signage identifying them. Here are the panels that will help you find your way. |
| Hydro-québec also offers tours of its power plants |
Guillaume Rivard
Photos: 1. Site d'interprétation et de plein air Les Sept Chutes; 2. Hydro-Québec
2009-05-22
