Visit the Électrium, the Electricity Interpretation Center

Montérégie, QC

Reservations and practical information

The Électrium, Hydro‑Québec's electricity interpretation center

A free, interactive and fun outing!

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:

  • Static electricity
  • Voltage and electrical circuits
  • Electric and magnetic fields
  • Renewable energies
  • Electricity generation in Québec

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?


A sneak peek!

Have a look at these pictures for a hint of what your guided tour has in store for you!

Fun science workshops

No activities are held at our electricity interpretation centre at this time. But stay tuned!

Check our event schedule

Special activities for kids

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.

Special activities for kids

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.

Did you know?

Aerial view of IREQ and the Laboratoire haute tension (high-voltage laboratory).

A prestigious neighbor

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.

The mesmerizing plasma lamp!

One of a kind!

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.

A young visitor experiments with the effects of static electricity using the Van de Graaff generator.

A hair-raising experience!

This device can generate up to 400,000 volts of static electricity and make your hair stand on end!

Visitors test the speed of their reflexes.

A “connected” human body

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!

My history

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

1970: Opening of IREQ, Hydro‑Québec’s research institute

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

It’s well worth the trip!

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

A group of fourth-year high school students visit the Électrium.

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.

A schoolchild pays close attention during a tour of the Électrium.

Reservations and practical information

At a glance

Free admission

Reservations are recommended

Length of tour

Between 90 and 120 minutes

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

Tour schedule

From September to mid June

Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

From mid June to the end of August

Monday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We are closed on June 24 and July 1.

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

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.

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

Book your tour!

Free admission

Reserve, to visit the Électrium This link will open a new window.

For any other information, call us at 1 800 267‑45581 800 267‑4558.
Get in touch by email.

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