Join Ontario Power Generation and our community partners this Summer for some fun, FREE educational programs.
Whether you are interested in science and technology, art or environmental research, the Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre has something for you.
Some events require pre-registration. Individual registration links are available in the schedule of events below, or you can check out our registration calendar.
Schedule of events
All programs are family-friendly and FREE.
Event | Description |
|---|---|
The Power of Pollinators WorkshopSaturday, June 13, 202610 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Session #1 at 10 a.m.: REGISTER NOWSession #2 at 12 p.m.: REGISTER NOW | FREE hands-on, family-friendly workshop with the River Institute and Ontario Power Generation! Through discussions and outdoor field exploration with River Institute scientists and educators, you'll learn what pollinators are, why they are so important to the local ecosystem, and how you can support healthy pollinator populations at home. |
World Cup 2026 FIFA Watch Party | This summer, OPG is super powering your soccer passion! As an Official Toronto World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, we’re hosting a community watch party in Cornwall where friends, families and neighbours can meet to watch the action. Enjoy activities for all ages, from games and soccer challenges to music and giveaways. Food will also be available for purchase on site. Attendance is free, but space is limited and registration is required - sign up today! |
Aquatic Invertebrates Ecology WorkshopSaturday, June 27, 202610 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Session #1 at 10 a.m.: REGISTER NOWSession #2 at 12 p.m.: REGISTER NOW | Get ready to roll up your sleeves and explore the wild, wonderful world of invertebrates beneath the surface of the St. Lawrence River. Join us for a hands-on aquatic adventure where you’ll become river scientists for the day! Scoop up samples then head to our field lab to get a closer look through real microscopes with River Institute scientists! Recommended for all ages. |
Ride ‘n’ Roll with ScienceThursday, July 9, 20261 to 2 p.m.
REGISTER NOW | Welcome to the amusement park – where we’ll be bumping, spinning, zipping, and rolling! Discover the actions and reactions of bumper cars. Explore the forces at work when you spin. Create a zipline while investigating gravity. Design a roller coaster to meet a challenge. It’s all about the physics of riding ‘n’ rolling. Family Friendly event. |
Bat Ecology & Research WorkshopThursday, July 16, 20266 to 9 p.m.
REGISTER NOW | Explore the fascinating world of bats! As a leader in bat research in eastern Ontario, learn from local bat expert Dr. Brian Hickey and his team who have been studying local bats species through fieldwork and data collection. learn all about local bat species, their biology, and the River Institute’s ongoing research through a fun mix of presentations and hands-on activities. Recommended for all ages. |
Ewww…that Science is Gross!Monday, July 20, 202610 to 11 a.m.
REGISTER NOW | Discover the science behind things that make you go…ewww! Make “snot” and sneeze it while exploring viscosity, identify various animals from their scat and learn about digestion while producing a burp in a bag. Join us on a gross but fun-filled science adventure. Family Friendly event. |
Fish Ecology WorkshopSaturday, August 15, 202610 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Session #1 10 a.m.: REGISTER NOWSession #2 12 p.m.: REGISTER NOW | The River Institute will lead you on an exciting journey into the dynamic and diverse world of fish. Join the River Institute scientists and educators for an exciting, hands-on workshop that explore the world of fish ecology, field exploration techniques and discover the amazing variety of fish that live in our local waters. Recommended for all ages. |
Noticing NatureThursday, Aug. 6, 20261 to 2 p.m.
REGISTER NOW | Chicka-dee-dee-dee. Who was that? Play a game to discover nature sounds around us. Buzz your newly created bee around flowers to pollinate them. Investigate seeds and make a seed caterpillar that will grow over time. Notice all that nature has to offer, big and small! Family Friendly event. |
Science Meets ArtTuesday, August 20, 202610 to 11 a.m.
REGISTER NOW | Discover what happens when science meets art! Explore perception as you use. Family Friendly event. |
Wampum Belts and Loom Beading WorkshopWednesday, August 22, 20261 to 4 p.m.
REGISTER NOW | The Native North American Travelling College (NNATC) Travel Troup will be presenting a special workshop providing education about the history, significance and different types of Wampum Belts. Participants will have the opportunity to make their very own loom beaded creation to take home. This cultural event will help you learn more about Mohawk culture and art. Recommended for ages 12 and up. |
