Two young girls interacting with the “Planet Energy” exhibit at the Cité de l'énergie.

Guided tour of the hydroelectric section at the Cité de l'énergie.

An electrifying day at Cité de l’énergie

Published on August 3, 2026 • Attractions to discover

Some outings provide a feast for the eyes as well as food for thought. Cité de l’énergie, in Shawinigan, will satisfy both your love of beautiful vistas and your curiosity. This museum complex on the Saint-Maurice River combines science, industrial history and a larger-than-life show, enough to fill your entire day without seeing the time go by. Whether you visit as a family or with other inquisitive adults, here are three ways to dive into the world of energy, during the day and into the evening.

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Cité de l’énergie

Ilia: when the night sky lights up

When night falls, the rotating Québecor Amphitheatre — the only one of its kind in the world — presents ilia, an immersive night show that’s on for the last time this summer, Wednesdays to Saturdays, from July 15 to August 22, 2026.

It follows young artificial intelligence researcher Aube and her AI assistant ilia through a fable inspired by a legend about Mauricie’s beginning. Expect 360-degree video projections, special effects and real-life performers, with the Saint-Maurice River as the backdrop.

The amphitheatre is covered, so no need to worry about the show being cancelled due to rain. Book your tickets for ilia today!

The Science Centre: between present and future

During the day, at the Science Centre, you can stroll through the immersive Planet Energy exhibition and learn about the world’s major energy challenges. Then take the panoramic elevator to the top of the Hydro-Québec observation tower. Formerly a power transmission tower, the 115-metre-tall structure offers breathtaking views of Shawinigan and the river.

At sunset, a couple admires the view from the top of the Hydro-Québec observation tower at the Cité de l'énergie.

The Science Centre also features a multimedia show about energy, as well as the Prime Minister Jean Chrétien Museum, which highlights Canada’s role on the world stage. Plan around two hours to visit the Centre at your own pace. Step stools and a family area are available to facilitate visits with young children.

Hydroelectricity: behind the scenes

To understand how energy is produced, the Hydroelectric Sector Tour, offered free of charge by Hydro-Québec, is a must. Visit the former Northern Aluminum Company (NAC) generating station, which has been turned into an exhibition space, followed by the Shawinigan-2 generating station, still in operation after more than a century.

While a shuttle bus will take you from site to site, some parts of the tour are on foot and outdoors, so be sure to bring suitable footwear. Note that the Hydroelectric Sector Tour must be booked at the ticket office, and that visitors must be 18 or older (ID required) to enter the generating station still in operation.

Between the thrill of attending an evening show, looking down from a 115-metre observation tower and getting an inside look at a century-old generating station, Cité de l’énergie is proof that learning can be an adventure. This accessible and well-thought-out place to visit in Mauricie rarely fails to make an impression!

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