Montérégie, QC
Making electrical knowledge accessible to everyone is what I do. In the company of my guides, you’ll explore an electron’s journey from a hydropower generating station to your home. Educational and fascinating!
When you come visit me, you’ll learn that electricity wasn’t invented, it exists in nature and even in the human body. You’ll also learn about:
And you’ll get to observe an electric eel that can produce a discharge that can light up 48 ten-watt compact fluorescent light bulbs. You’ll also get to measure your reflexes and see how fast (or slow) you are!
Believe me, you’re sure to remember your visit for a long time! Whether you’re 10 or 70, I’m sure you’ll have an enriching and unforgettable experience!
Want to know more?
Have a look at these pictures for a hint of what your guided tour has in store for you!
No activities are held at our electricity interpretation centre at this time. But stay tuned!
Check our event scheduleAre your children aged between 6 and 12? Are they the curious type? Our Neurones atomiques team holds several science workshops during the year. They explore various topics and are always lots of fun. Your little science buffs will long remember the time they spent with us. What’s more, these activities are free!
Note: All workshops are given in French.
Are your children aged between 6 and 12? Are they the curious type? Our Neurones atomiques team holds several science workshops during the year. They explore various topics and are always lots of fun. Your little science buffs will long remember the time they spent with us. What’s more, these activities are free!
Note: All workshops are given in French.
I’m located less than a kilometre from IREQ, Hydro‑Québec’s research institute. Thanks to IREQ, a hub of research and innovation since 1970, the company has positioned itself as a world leader in the energy sector. This is also where the Center of Excellence in Transportation Electrification and Energy Storage is located.
I’m the only interpretation center dedicated to electric and magnetic fields in North America. For over 30 years, I’ve been opening my doors to visitors who want to discover the fabulous world of electricity.
This device can generate up to 400,000 volts of static electricity and make your hair stand on end!
Running, dreaming, feeling, laughing, tasting . . . All of these depend on a fantastic electrical system: our central nervous system. Just one more thing you’ll discover at the Électrium!
People have plenty of reasons to come visit me. But what really makes me happy is when they come back to see our favorite mascots, the electric eels that live here, not to mention the giggles at the sight of all that hair sticking up in the air when we fire up the Van de Graaff generator! Ah, static electricity!
1967: Montréal’s Expo 67
In the wake of the technological advances of the 1960s, Hydro‑Québec realized that it would need a research laboratory worthy of its name in order to continue innovating. Further to the recommendations of Lionel Boulet, a pioneer in electrical engineering research in Québec, the government corporation founded its electrical research institute in 1967. IREQ opened its doors to renowned researchers from around the world in 1970. With Mr. Boulet at the helm, Hydro‑Québec’s research institute, obtained international recognition. More than fifty years later, IREQ continues to innovate.
Lionel Boulet, IREQ's founder, in 1972.
Source: Hydro‑Québec Archives
1976: The Parti Québécois is elected for the first time
In the mid-1980s, when electric and magnetic fields (EMF) generated by high‑voltage electricity systems had become an international issue, Hydro‑Québec adopted an action plan to inform the public about EMFs. The project to create an interpretation center (me!) where science would be popularized quickly took shape and was built near Hydro‑Québec’s research institute, in Sainte‑Julie.
Power transmission lines.
Source: Hydro‑Québec Archives
I opened my doors to the public in 1991 and, from the very first year, I welcomed thousands of visitors (18,902 in 1991 and 24,643 in 1992) interested in learning about Hydro‑Québec, electric and magnetic fields and other electricity-related concepts. Part of my mission is also to introduce young people to science through experimentation and interaction.
1990: The construction of the electric and magnetic field interpretation centre is complete.
Source: Hydro‑Québec Archives
While the visitors and students who come through my doors are mostly from Québec, others come from as far away as China, Korea and New Zealand. Since my opening in 1991, I have welcomed more than 650,000 visitors. Hope to see you soon!
October 2018: The Électrium welcomes visitor number 600,000!
Don’t take our word for it: this is what the people who visited the Électrium with our guides had to say.
What a great activity! I came when I was 12, and now it’s my children’s turn to discover the Center. I’m glad to see the eel again!
Science lessons, jokes and lots of laughs. What a pleasant day!
I’ve been here three times, but it always seems that I learn new things.
Reservations are recommended
Between 90 and 120 minutes
Tours start at set times. We recommend that you arrive five minutes in advance.
Please note that the Électrium will be closed for work from September 3 to 17, inclusive.
September to May
Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June to August
Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Looking for original tours featuring science, history and technical know‑how? Hydro‑Québec’s got just the ticket!
Check it out!
Électrium – Hydro‑Québec’s Electricity Interpretation Center
2001, rue Michael-Faraday
Sainte‑Julie (QC) J3X 1S1
Tel. : 1 800 267‑4558 or 450 652‑8977Tel. : 1 800 267‑4558 or 450 652‑8977
(between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
Get in touch by email.
Important note: Traffic disruption
If you’re driving north on Autoroute 30, take exit 89, turn left on Montée Sainte‑Julie and take the highway overpass. Then, stay to the right and take the off‑ramp to Rue Michael‑Faraday. The Électrium is 2 km down the street, to your right. You’ll pass Hydro‑Québec’s research institute (IREQ).
If you’re driving south on Autoroute 30, take exit 95, turn left on Montée du Lac and then right on Chemin du Lac. Then turn left on Boulevard Lionel‑Boulet. Stay to the right and take the off‑ramp to Rue Michael‑Faraday. The Électrium is 2 km down the street, to your right. You’ll pass Hydro‑Québec’s research institute (IREQ).
The tour is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
KÉROUL CERTIFICATIONThe tour is suitable for adults and school‑age children.
Picnic tables
Free parking
Electric vehicle charging station
Souvenir shop
Restrooms
Free admission
Reserve, to visit the Électrium
For any other information, call us at 1 800 267‑45581 800 267‑4558.
Get in touch by email.
