If it wasn't for the men and women dressed in white lab coats and protective boots keeping a close eye on the lights and gauges in the control room at the Chalk River nuclear laboratories, you'd think you were in a museum. The place is that old.

Of course, the escort of men in military-style uniforms — and carrying assult weapons — also reminds you of the present sensitivity of this half-century old facility.

Cast your mind back. It is easy to picture scientists hidden away on this 4,000-hectare site doing their modest bit on the secretive Manhattan project all those years ago.

It's more difficult to imagine what they would think of a bus load of journalists traipsing through the joint taking pictures and asking them what they are up to.