Visit the Carillon hydropower generating station!

Laurentides, QC

Reservations and practical information

Aerial view of Carillon generating station and spillway on the Rivière Outaouais (Ottawa River)

A picturesque outing on the Québec‑Ontario border

You may think I'm pretentious, but I’ll say it anyway—I’m a landmark! I’m the first hydropower generating station in the province to have been built under the supervision of French‑Canadian engineers. You could even say that I marked a turning point in the history of electricity in Québec.

Located in the Laurentides region, I’m a beautiful run‑of‑river generating station, near Long‑Sault, site of the historic battle between Iroquois and New France settlers. I’m on the Rivière des Outaouais (Ottawa River), which forms a natural border between Québec and Ontario.

But that’s all I’ll say for now. If you come see me, my guides will reveal all (almost!) of my secrets. Here’s a tip: After your tour, be sure to hop over to see the Canal‑de‑Carillon National Historic Site. It’s right next door! You can observe the boats using the locks and have a picnic nearby.


Feast your eyes!

Have a look at these pictures to get a sneak peek of your guided tour.

Did you know?

Aerial view of Carillon generating station and the Rivière des Outaouais (Ottawa River).

Right on the border

Did you know that I’m in Québec, but my spillway is in Ontario? It’s true! The river serves as the border between the two provinces.

A team of engineers in a meeting in Carillon.

A symbolic project

I was built and managed by French‑speaking engineers, a first for that era. My construction site provided an opportunity for many French‑Canadian students and employees to acquire solid experience. They met this major challenge brilliantly. The proof is that I was commissioned on schedule in 1964.

Aerial view of the generating station, the spillway and the Rivière des Outaouais (Ottawa River).

In 17th place, but the most powerful

I’m the 17th and last generating station on the river to generate electricity. The fact remains that I’m the most powerful of all: I can supply 150,000 homes with electricity!

A group visiting a turbine shaft at the generating station.

Adaptable turbines

The river has a mean flow rate of 2,000 cubic metres per second and can reach up to 8,000 cubic metres per second during the spring freshet! No matter—My Kaplan turbines can adjust the angle of their vanes to the quantity of water.

Some images are from the Hydro‑Québec Archives.


My history

My construction marks a turning point in the history of Hydro‑Québec and, in a way, in the rise of Québec consulting engineering. In the wake of the Quiet Revolution, when a current of francization quickly spread to Hydro‑Québec and all its construction sites, I was the first hydropower generating station whose construction was entrusted to French‑speaking engineers.

1939‑1945: World War II

1944: First phase of electricity nationalization in Québec

1959: Construction begins

The hydraulic potential of the sector had been exploited since the beginning of the 20th century. In 1943, Québec and Ontario agreed to share hydraulic power from the Rivière des Outaouais, the border between the two provinces. As part of this agreement, Québec obtained the high‑potential Carillon rapids. Construction began in 1959.

July 1960: The first concrete was poured at Carillon generating station.

Source: Hydro‑Québec Archives

1960: Beginning of the Quiet Revolution in Québec

1963: Second phase of electricity nationalization in Québec

It’s well worth the trip!

Don’t take our word for it: this is what the people who visited the generating station with our guides had to say.

Visitors admire the river from the roof of the generating station.

Thank you for offering these tours. They teach a lot about how a hydropower generating station works. Captivating!

Marie‑Noëlle is a fantastic guide. She makes good use of the materials when she explains things. Congratulations!

The generating station is worth the visit. Everyone should tell other people to come, too.

Young woman ready for the tour!

Reservations and practical information

Visitors aged 18 and over must present official photo ID.

(Accepted ID: health insurance card, driver’s license or passport)

At a glance

Free admission

Reservations are required at all times and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Length of tour

About 90 minutes

Tours start at set times. We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes in advance.

Tour schedule

From mid‑June to the end of August

Wednesday to Sunday

Tours start at

9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.

School tours

Looking for original tours featuring science, history and technical know-how? Hydro-Québec’s got just the ticket!
Check it out!

Contact information

Carillon Generating Station
240, rue du Barrage
Saint‑André‑d’Argenteuil (Québec) J0V 1X0

Tel.: 1 800  365-5229Tel.: 1 800  365-5229 (between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
Get in touch by email.

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Know before you go
(yes, really, it’s important!)

For additional information

Book your tour!

Free admission

Reservations are required at all times and must be made at least
24 hours in advance.

To reserve a free guided tour in English, please call 1 800 365-5229 1 800 365-5229 .
Get in touch by email.

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