Visit Rivière‑des‑Prairies hydropower generating station!

Laval, QC

Reservations and practical information

Aerial view of Rivière‑des‑Prairies generating station, between Montréal and Laval

Hydro-Québec’s urban generating station

I’m located between the Laval and Montréal river banks. The current is very strong between the two cities! Built in the 1920s, my architecture is influenced by the Art Deco style and, not that I want to brag, but people usually find me rather pretty!

People are often (pleasantly) surprised by my interior: my floors, beams and equipment are painted blue, red or yellow. Just because I’m a hydropower generating station doesn’t mean I should always wear gray! Colors are so much livelier!

When you come see me, in addition to admiring my appearance, you’ll get to:

  • touch a turbine runner (which isn’t operating, of course).
  • walk on my 220‑metre spillway and feel the raw power of the water flowing through it.
  • learn how the Montréal region was electrified, and much more!

Believe me, you’ll love your outing, whether you come alone, as a couple or with your family! And it’s free! By the way, if you’re hooked on fishing, there’s a footbridge nearby where you can cast your line!


A sneak peek!

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

Did you know?

Close-up of a generator inside the generating station.

I got a makeover just for you!

First painted dark green, beige and black, my interior got a makeover when it opened to the public in 1977. To brighten it up, Hydro‑Québec decided to add color. My decor was inspired from modernism and the De Stijl movement, which embraced a return to primary colours.

Top view of the generating station's generator floor.

Hydropower heavyweights!

Imagine! Each of my generating units weighs 110 tonnes, as much as 22 elephants! Those are numbers worth trumpeting!

Aerial view of Rivière-des-Prairies generating station and Montréal.

City slicker

I’m the only generating station to be located in the heart of the largest energy consumption area in Québec, between Montréal and Laval.


My history

My construction practically coincides with the beginning of Montréal’s electrification, which means that I’m part of history! But I was once all the rage with my architecture that reflects the trends of my time, the Art Deco style, like the Beauharnois generating station built during the same years as I was.

1914–1918: World War I

1928: Construction launched by the Montreal Island Company

With industrialization in full swing, discussions about my construction began between the Montreal Island Company and the Québec government in 1923. Construction to finally began in 1928.

1928: Construction of cofferdams – first development work for the future generating station.

Source: Hydro‑Québec Archives

1929: Stock market crash

1939–1945: World War II

1960: Beginning of the Quiet Revolution in Québec

1963: Second phase of electricity nationalization in Québec

1976: The Parti Québécois is elected for the first time

2001: September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States

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.

Children outside Rivière-des-Prairies generating station.

Thank you for offering these tours. Everyone should take advantage of them!

Thank you, Simon, for a great guided tour!

Lots of interaction, very enriching!

A tour guide and a family outside the generating station.

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

Tour times

Four tours per day: 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

Rivière‑des‑Prairies Generating Station – Interpretation Center
3400, rue du Barrage
Laval (Québec) H7E 5A2

Tel. : 1 800 365-5229 (between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.)Tel. : 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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