La Grande-1 Generating Station

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Robert-Bourassa Generating Facility and La Grande-1 Generating Station

How long is the guided tour?

Robert-Bourassa generating facility
The tour of the Robert-Bourassa generating facility takes approximately 4 hours.
It includes a presentation in the amphitheater, a tour of the outside facilities and a tour of the generating station.

La Grande-1 generating station
The tour of La Grande-1 generating station takes approximately 3 hours.
It includes a presentation in the amphitheater, a tour of the outside facilities and a tour of the generating station.

When are visits?

During the summer, tours to the Robert-Bourassa generating facility are held daily at 1 p.m.
Tours of La Grande-1 generating station take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9 a.m. The tours are generally given in French, for an English tour please call us in advance.

Please note: Because spaces are limited, reservations are mandatory and must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

During the off-season, from September to May, only tours of the Robert-Bourassa generating facility are given. Departures are based on guide availability. For further information, do not hesitate to contact us.

Is it absolutely necessary to make a reservation, even for only one or two people?

Because spaces are limited, reservations are mandatory, regardless of the number of people, and must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

Please note: To confirm your reservation, it is best to make your reservation by phone. The guides will then give you all the necessary instructions before your visit.

Do the tours take place indoors?

Most of the tours are indoors, and by bus, with a portion of outside, mainly at the lookouts.

In case of rain, make sure to dress appropriately and bring an umbrella.

Are the tours accessible to people with reduced mobility?

The tours are partially accessible to people with reduced mobility. Wheelchairs are available, but they can only be used in the generating stations.

Visitors must therefore be able to get on and off the bus several times, in addition to walking a few steps when visiting the facilities and lookouts.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

No. The tour is suitable for school-age children. For safety reasons, children five and under are advised not to participate in the tour. (See next question.)

Why is the tour not recommended for children 5 and under?

The tour is not recommended for the following reasons:

• Visitors must wear personal protective equipment. However, the size of this equipment is not suitable for children 5 and under.
• The tour involves a significant amount of walking, as well as numerous stairs. (Strollers and baby carriers are not allowed.)
• The generating station is an industrial property with high heat, noise and dust levels.
• Tours last 3–4 hours.

Is there a significant amount of walking during the tour?

Yes. Part of the tour takes place in the amphitheater, but certain portions take place by bus and walking is required in the generating station. Stops are also planned at the lookouts. 

The walking distance is about 0.5 kilometres inside the generating stations, and there are 4 flights of stairs.

What clothing is recommended for the tour?

Flat, closed-toe shoes are required.

In case of rain, make sure to dress appropriately and bring an umbrella.

Please note: The temperature inside the generating station can vary significantly from the outdoor temperature. We recommend you bring a jacket or sweater.

Why do I need to show identification to access the facilities?

This is a requirement of Hydro-Québec’s corporate security management team to protect personnel, visitors and equipment. 

Visitors aged 18 and over must present identification (driver’s licence, health insurance card or passport) before they can tour the facilities.

Where do the tours start?

Robert-Bourassa generating facility
The starting point for the tour of the Robert-Bourassa generating facility is:

66 Avenue des Groseilliers
Radisson (Québec) J0Y 2X0

La Grande-1 generating station
The starting point for La Grande-1 tour is at the generating station residences. Directions are provided at time of booking.

Does Hydro-Québec provide transportation from Radisson to the La Grande-1 generating station?

No. However, once at the site, part of the tour takes place by bus (provided by Hydro-Québec).

What other places are there to visit in the vicinity of La Grande-1 generating station?

The Cree community of Chisasibi, located about 30 minutes from the station, can be reached by car.

Alternatively, you can visit Longue-Pointe, a peninsula that extends into James Bay, less than 45 minutes from the generating station.

Are you allowed to take photos in the generating stations?

No. For safety reasons, it is prohibited to bring a camera or any other electronic device (cell phone, camera, tablet, MP3 player, portable music player or computer) into the generating stations.

However, you are permitted to take photos in the interpretation center, at the lookouts and when visiting the facilities outside.

Are you allowed to bring a handbag or backpack into the generating stations?

No. Visitors must leave their personal belongings (purse, backpack, cell phone, bags, etc.) in a locked locker provided free of charge. 

Are water bottles allowed in the generating station?

Yes, but visitors must carry them at all times. We recommend staying well hydrated, especially in the summer, as it can be hot in the generating stations. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle.

Can people with pacemakers visit the generating station?

No. The electromagnetic fields in power plants may disrupt pacemaker operation. As a precaution, visitors with pacemakers may not participate in this part of the tour. They are invited to see a video presentation of the generating station.

Are strollers or baby carriers allowed in the generating station?

No. It is too dangerous.

Is there a restaurant or cafeteria on site?

No. There are no restaurants, cafeterias or vending machines at the generating station or the interpretation center. However, guides may recommend restaurants in Radisson.

Are there public restrooms on site?

Yes. There are restrooms for men and women in the interpretation centers.

Where can I stay in Radisson?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Camping Radisson (819 638-8687)
• Motel Carrefour La Grande (819 638-6005)
• Motel Baie-James (819 638-9123)
• Auberge Radisson (819 638-7201 or 1 888 638-7201)

Guests are advised to contact the hotel and make a reservation before traveling to the area.

Is there cell phone reception all the way to James Bay?

There is no cellular network on Route de la Baie James. However, a few companies (Telus, Bell and Videotron) provide service in Radisson.

Are there gas stations on Route de la Baie James?

The only gas station is located at the service area at kilometre 381. You’ll need to fill up in Matagami to make sure you don’t run out of gas.

What services are offered at the service area?

In addition to a 24-hour service station, the service area offers accommodation, showers and roadside service in case of breakdowns. There is also a convenience store and restaurant on site. 

Are there rest areas along Route de la Baie-James?

There are several rest areas along Route de la Baie-James and a few other roads in the James Bay region. At the rest areas, you will find dry toilets, picnic tables and free camping sites for tents and RVs.

For more information: Document listing interpretation signs and traffic stops along Route de la Baie-James (In French only).