Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre

Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Ontario Power Generation's (OPG's) visitor centre showcases the history of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project as well as the communities and people affected, and great biodiversity stories like the American Eel.

Come explore our exciting, informative and interactive displays that make our visitor centre a key tourist destination in the Cornwall area.

Upcoming events at the centre

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Our exhibits

The visitor centre features many exhibits to explore, engage and educate visitors.

Learn about the history of the Mohawks of Akwesasne, the first inhabitants of the St. Lawrence River Valley.

From the formation of the river to the first European explorers, learn how the St. Lawrence River contributed to settlement in Canada and the establishment of the trade route for early pioneers.

The St. Lawrence Power Project and Seaway were developed simultaneously. Find out how the Seaway was constructed in the 1950s.

The St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project wasn’t completed without sacrifice. Many communities were relocated to higher ground to allow for the project to move forward. Learn about the former and current communities affected by the rivers inundation.

Learn about Harold Town, the famous Canadian painter responsible for creating the timeless St. Lawrence Power Project Mural abstract mural, a timeless piece that still hangs in the powerhouse today.

This stunning three-canvas painting depicts the traditional lifestyle of the Mohawks of Akwesasne prior to European contact. The mural emphasizes the importance the mighty St. Lawrence River played to the Mohawk’s everyday life. This painting was completed in 2016 by the late Mohawk Artist John B. Thomas.

For over 60 years, OPG and the New York Power Authority have worked together to produce power and manage water on the St. Lawrence River. Find out how this example of international cooperation developed and how it continues today.

Explore the mechanics of electricity production like nuclear and thermal power that we use to meet much of Ontario's power needs.

Do you have what it takes to be a hydroelectric operator? Find out by taking simulated controls of the R.H. Saunders Generating Station and provide clean power to Ontarians.

A map identifying the location of the Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre

Hours and location

Closed for the 2023 public tourism season.

The centre will reopen in May 2024. If you would like to inquire about booking auditorium space, an educational tour, or schedule a large group tour, please contact us.

Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre
2500B Second Street West
Cornwall, ON K6H 5R6

To speak with an OPG representative between October and May, please call 613-932-3072.

More info & room bookings

A few more things you should know about us.

Did you know?

To book the Main Auditorium or Community Room, contact us through the form below.

Meeting space is available between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

A site orientation and review of safety procedures is required.

Admission to the centre and all programming is free!

A beautiful recreational path, great for walking and cycling, goes right by the building and along the river.

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Accessibility

Our visitor centres are equipped with many accessibility features as outlined on the table below. If you have questions about the availability of any features, please contact us.

Should any of these features become temporarily unavailable due to our service maintenance activities, we will post notice of these service disruptions here on this web page.

Visitor accessibility snapshot

Feature
Description
Status

Parking
  • There two (2) type B accessible parking spots within 15 meters of the main entrance. The current accessible parking spaces measure approx. 3442 mm and 340 respectively. There are no type A accessible parking spots.

Available

Exterior paths of travel
  • Exterior paths have no change in level or slope.
  • Ground surfaces provide high tonal or textural contrast.
  • Aside from an existing staircase, the lower-level meeting space is only accessible by an exterior public pathway with a gradual slope. Please note this is not a primary meeting space.

Available

Curb ramps/depressed curbs 
  • Crossing boundaries with vehicular routes have depressed curbs.

Available

Entrances/exits 
  • The main accessible entrance/exit door is located at the north side of the building, close to the accessible parking area. The main entranceway door is 1175 mm wide.

Available

Stairs and stairwells 
  • The building is two stories with one meeting space in the basement.
  • The primary tourism and meeting room space for the public is on the main floor.

N/A

Interior accessible routes 
  • Interior routes to and from the main accessible entrance/exits have a width between 1000 and 1500 mm.
  • Floor surfaces are concrete throughout the facility.
  • Water coolers are located along this access route.

Available

Elevating devices 
  • The building does not have an elevating device to the lower meeting room. This lower meeting room is only accessible via an exterior path with a gradual slope.

N/A

Washrooms
  • There is one (1) universal accessible washroom available by request.
  • The public washrooms are currently labelled for men and women.

Available

Controls and operating mechanisms 
  • There are wheelchair accessible door control push buttons.
  • Light switches, outlets, are at recommended mounting heights.

Available

Assistive listening devices and acoustics
  • Not available.

N/A

Public address systems 
  • The building has a compliant public address system.

Available

Fire and life safety systems
  • Fire detection systems are in place, including automated smoke activated alarms and fire extinguishers.
  • Alarm signals are both audible and visual.

Available

Lighting
  • Lighting integrates both artificial and natural lighting sources with full spectrum to aid in identifying edges and colour contrasts.

Available

Signage and wayfinding 
  • All signage is designed and strategically placed with ideal mounting heights.

Available

Assembly areas 
  • There is one (1) designated area that can be used as a conference room or auditorium which has accessible or adaptable seating.

Available

Meeting and multi-purpose rooms 
  • There is one (1) auditorium that is used as meeting space. It consists of multiple non-fixed seating with multiple table configurations available to accommodate the specific needs of guests.

Available

Cafeteria and dining facilities 
  • The building does not have a cafeteria or dining facility. 

N/A

Outdoor public use eating areas 
  • There are small outdoor rest areas consisting of benches on the grounds of the visitor centre.

Available

Kitchens and kitchenettes 
  • The building does not have a kitchen or kitchenette. 

N/A

Elevated platforms or stages 
  • There is a single stage in the main auditorium area. This stage is only accessible via stairs.

N/A

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