Visit Première‑Chute hydropower generating station!

The guided tour lasts 90 minutes: 45 minutes in the interpretation center and 45 minutes in the generating station.

During the summer, there are four tours daily, at 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:45 p.m. The tours are generally given in French, for an English tour please call us in advance.

Spaces are limited, so we strongly recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance.

Most of the tour is indoors, with a portion outside.

In case of rain, the guide can reduce the time spent outside by explaining certain points inside. If rain is in the forecast, 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 recommended you bring a jacket or sweater to put on or remove, if necessary.

Because spaces are limited, reservations are mandatory, regardless of the number of people, and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

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

The tour is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Half of the tour is on foot, and there are a number of steps to climb up and down.

If a visitor is unable to take the stairs, they can request an adapted tour. This tour takes place on the ground floor and outside. The same information is provided on this tour.

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

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 under two.
• The generating station is an industrial property with high heat, noise and dust levels.

After the presentation in the interpretation center, visitors must walk approximately one kilometre to the generating station.

The generating station portion of the tour is all on foot, and includes two flights of stairs.

Flat, closed‑toe shoes are required.

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

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 facility.

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

However, you are permitted to take photos in the interpretation center and outside the security perimeter.

No. Visitors should leave their personal belongings in their car, which is in a secure area.

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 power plant.

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 visit. They are invited to watch an engaging presentation about the generating station instead.

No. It is too dangerous.

No. There are no restaurants, cafeterias or vending machines on site.

However, guides can recommend restaurants to people who would like to eat in the surrounding area.

Yes. There are washrooms for men and women, as well as a wheelchair‑accessible washroom in the interpretation center.

The tour starts in the generating station’s interpretation center. Getting there:

• From Route 101, turn at the sign for Hydro‑Québec guided tours.
• Head toward the blue building, where one of the guides will welcome you.