Each time we return to Quebec, we get uncovered to one thing thrilling, historic, scrumptious, and, generally, out of our consolation zone! We flew over the Mauricie Area by way of helicopter in Trois-Rivieres and Shawinigan. Out within the Lanaudiere Area, we stayed on this unbelievable dome with all of the facilities out within the woods. Within the Laurentians, we went canine sledding and mountain climbing in Mont Tremblant.
Our latest journey to go to Laval, Quebec, was no exception!
Out of the various issues to do in Laval, our first introduction to town was by way of iFly. (Indoor sky diving — extra on that later). From there, we had the chance to be taught concerning the space’s historical past, expertise its pure magnificence, and dine at a number of unbelievable eating places.
When you’re planning a visit to the world, this information is for you. We share lodge suggestions, our favorite eating places, and the most effective issues to see in Laval, relying in your pursuits. There really is one thing for everybody.
Historical past of Laval
- The territory now referred to as town of Laval was first inhabited by Mohawks.
- Laval is called after François de Laval, Quebec’s first Roman Catholic bishop.
- The town of Laval was established by amalgamating 14 municipalities right into a single metropolis on August 6, 1965.
- It’s the third largest metropolis in Quebec and the 14th largest metropolis in Canada.
Tips on how to Get to Laval, Quebec
There are a number of alternative ways you may make the journey to Laval, relying in your funds, schedule, and your most well-liked type of journey, starting from a multi-hour highway journey to a fast flight. Listed below are just a few of the obtainable choices and the small print you should make the correct selection to your subsequent weekend getaway:
By Automobile
If you’re something like us, you get pleasure from a very good highway journey. When you’re travelling from Toronto by way of ON-401 E, the journey to Laval will take roughly 5 ½ hours. Alternatively, you may take the Trans-Canada Freeway. It would add an hour to your route, however the views are unbelievable. If you’d like an epic getaway, and your schedule permits for just a few further days, we suggest persevering with from Laval after your go to to Quebec Metropolis (roughly 2 ½ to three hours). That is one other lovely vacation spot in Quebec that we imagine everybody ought to go to at the very least as soon as!
By Bus
There isn’t a direct bus that travels from Toronto to Laval. Nevertheless, in the event you’re keen to alter buses in Montreal, this can be a budget-friendly option to make the journey (particularly with the price of fuel). Tickets from Toronto to Montreal on the Megabus begin at roughly $49.99 a method, and the journey is estimated to take 6 ½ hours. From there, you may catch a bus with the Société de transport de Montréal, which is able to take you throughout the river to Laval. This takes roughly 25 minutes, with tickets costing simply $4.50.
By Prepare
When you desire the expertise of travelling by practice, economic system class tickets with VIA Rail begin at $54 one-way from Toronto to Montreal. Reserving a direct journey with no connections will take roughly 5 ½ to six hours. As outlined above, this can even require taking a bus from Montreal to Laval.
By Airplane
Lastly, if you’re in a rush to make the journey, Porter Airways presents a direct flight from Toronto to Montreal beginning at roughly $310 earlier than taxes and charges. It will shorten your journey considerably, with the flight lasting only one hour and quarter-hour. Nevertheless, just like the bus and practice choices above, you continue to must take the bus from Montreal to Laval.
Lodges in Laval, Quebec
Now that you’ve got selected how one can journey to and from Laval, the following necessary element to think about to your journey is the place to remain. When trying to find lodging in Laval, there are a lot of locations to select from, together with motels and leases by way of websites like Airbnb and VRBO. That will help you slim the listing and discover a place we’re assured you’ll get pleasure from, listed here are our lodge suggestions:
Sheraton Laval Resort
2440 Autoroute des Laurentides
We stayed on the Sheraton Laval Resort throughout our latest journey to Laval. This elegant lodge simply accomplished main renovations in 2022 at a value of $20 million. The end result? From the marble loos to the delicate décor, you’ll really feel as if you might be staying within the lap of luxurious. The lodge even gained gold certifications final fall for “Inside Design” in 2 separate classes: “Lodging, restaurant & bar/Chain lodge” and “Particular Awards/Renovation (before-after).”
Along with the gorgeous rooms, the lodge presents many nice facilities to benefit from your expertise. The on-site restaurant, La Piazza, presents an upscale menu of genuine Mediterranean dishes. If you wish to chill out and luxuriate in a drink, you may go to Bar La Cupola. You may as well pamper your self with a therapeutic massage at Amerispa.
Le St-Martin Resort & Suites
1400 Rue Maurice-Gauvin
Positioned a brief stroll from most of the well-liked points of interest and actions in Laval, Le St-Martin Resort & Suites is conveniently positioned as a “house base” to your subsequent trip. This Victorian-style lodge has a complicated and welcoming vibe with French-inspired paintings and darkish wooden highlights. In-built 2003, this lodge is a member of Inexperienced Key International’s Eco-Score Program, making it a fantastic selection for travellers who prioritize environmental accountability.
Within the coronary heart of the lodge, you will see that The Piano Bar, a sublime but snug place to get pleasure from one in every of their particular home cocktails. If you’re visiting in the course of the hotter summer season months, you may benefit from the out of doors terrace with superbly landscaped gardens and an outside Jacuzzi.
Grand Occasions Resort
1700 Rue Jeanne-Mance
One other lodge that’s well-situated for exploring town, the Grand Occasions Resort is within the Centropolis, Laval district. This contemporary lodge presents floor-to-ceiling home windows in each room, supplying you with a memorable view of town throughout your keep. Relying on how many individuals you might be travelling with, there are a number of totally different room choices, akin to two queen beds, a king mattress, or a king mattress with a murphy queen mattress.
Positioned within the lodge is the Sofia Laval, a pizzeria with a menu that options basic Italian delicacies, together with pizza (in fact), pasta, and upscale entre gadgets. Gluten-free pizza choices can be found for these with dietary restrictions. Additionally on-site, you will see that a small, cozy bar, an indoor pool, and a buffet-style continental breakfast unfold.
18 Issues to Do in Laval, Quebec on Your Subsequent Weekend Getaway
Attempt Indoor Skydiving at iFly
2700 Ave du Cosmodome
This has been a bucket listing merchandise of ours for a very long time. We’ve pushed by Oakville’s location a number of occasions saying to ourselves, we’ve received to do that at some point as precise skydiving for now’s too terrifying.
While you go to iFly, you’ll really feel like you might be flying whereas defying the regulation of gravity of their 12 ft (3.7m) diameter wind tunnel. The tunnel recreates the freefall portion of a skydive, offering an unbelievable adrenaline rush inside a protected and supervised atmosphere. There are a number of packages to select from. The “Initiation” package deal presents individualized directions, pre-flight coaching, and two flights for $69.99.
You have to be 4 years outdated or older to take part, and flyers below the age of 18 must be accompanied by an grownup on the day of their flight. Nevertheless, chances are you’ll be shocked to be taught that the placement is very accessible, having accommodated guests in wheelchairs, on crutches, and extra.
Take pleasure in a Scrumptious Brunch at La Bête à Ache
1969 A. des Laurentides
Whether or not you’re trying to seize takeout whereas exploring the various actions to do in Laval otherwise you’re taken with a laid-back and comfortable spot for a scrumptious brunch, La Bête à Ache is the best cease. This location combines a restaurant, bakery, patisserie, and caterer. Prepared-to-go meals, breads, and artisanal merchandise can be found. The menu incorporates a scrumptious number of trendy European dishes, in addition to an assortment of breads and artisanal merchandise.
Chef Marc-Andre Royal likes to work with domestically sourced, seasonal merchandise and contemporary, natural components. This consists of produce from native farmers and fish from sustainable fishing. He has been featured on varied tv reveals, together with Un Chef à L’oreille, Curieux Bégin and La Cantine.
Discover Area on the Cosmodome Laval
2150 Laurentian Autoroute
Okay, so a go to to the Cosmodome could not truly take you into area, however it can offer you an immersive journey for area lovers of all ages. This simply tops our listing of enjoyable issues to do in Laval in the event you journey as a household. You and your kids will probably be invited to take part in interactive digital missions, travelling by way of area whereas studying concerning the universe and area exploration.
One other enjoyable attraction on the Cosmodome Laval is the coaching simulators. Designed to duplicate the expertise real-life astronauts would expertise, the simulators mean you can expertise first-hand what it will be wish to be in area, together with studying how one can stroll on the moon, navigating the lack of gravity, or withstanding the distinctive results of spatial disorientation.
In addition they provide an assortment of exhibitions like a standard museum. You’ll be able to see a set of fascinating space-related gadgets, together with a spacesuit from the Apollo mission period, rocket replicas, and one in every of solely 5 lunar rock samples in Canada.
Tickets value simply $5 for fundamental admission to the exhibition. If you’re taken with a digital mission, tickets begin at $18 for an grownup (1 digital mission + exhibition) and $14.50 for college kids/seniors. Kids 6 and below can go to free of charge.
Seize a Drink and a Chew to Eat at Le Balthazar Resto-Pub
195 Promenade du Centropolis
When you’re searching for the right place to get pleasure from dinner and a drink, look no additional. At Le Balthazar Resto-Pub, you will see that a choice of over 100 totally different beers, together with a give attention to Quebec microbrewery merchandise. If beer isn’t what you need, they’ve a artistic drink menu that includes signature cocktails and a refreshing beer sangria.
Along with the various drink choices, additionally, you will discover a tasty menu of conventional pub-style meals, together with nachos, poutine choices, burgers, tacos, and extra. Any burger could be made with a plant-based patty for these in search of a vegetarian possibility. Don’t overlook to complete your meal with a scrumptious dessert, like their cheesecake brownie or Pretzelicious pretzel.
We extremely suggest planning to go to on the weekends. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Le Balthazar hosts dwell performances by visitor artists and bands for his or her acoustic evenings.
Spend the Afternoon at Centropolis Laval
1799 Av. Pierre-Peladeau
If you’re searching for a one-stop store for a day of leisure, Centropolis presents the right expertise. Right here, you will see that a large assortment of various shops of their out of doors complicated, a big connoisseur market, eating places and eateries, a cinema, a gaming pup, indoor climbing partitions, a mini-golf course, and iFly indoor skydiving (talked about above).
After all, it will be exhausting to suit all of it into an hour or two with so many issues to see and do in a single location. We suggest blocking a day to take all of it in.
This can be a excellent spot to begin for these taken with seeing the totally different eating places in Laval, Quebec. You’ll discover many various kinds and flavours, starting from American BBQ and fried hen to conventional Mediterranean and connoisseur vegan delicacies. There’s positive to be one thing for everybody.
Take within the Magic at Vivid Moments, a Hearth-Themed Mild and Sound Expertise
A singular show that includes 60+ LED gentle installations at Centropolis, Vivid Moments is a stupendous alternative to have fun the winter expertise round an animated digital campfire. The sunshine modifications and strikes to the rhythm of the accompanying soundtrack, creating a shocking presentation that replicates the motion of fireplace. It’s designed to function a logo of pleasure, heat, and human connection.
This collaboration between CR34TE and La Centrale des artists will run at Centropolis’ Place Centrale from February 9th to March 24th. The present will come alive each quarter-hour, beginning at 7 PM and working till 9:30 PM every night.
Begin Your Day with Breakfast at La Piazza
As we already talked about, La Piazza is an upscale Mediterranean restaurant positioned on-site on the Sheraton Laval Resort. What chances are you’ll not understand is that additionally it is the right place to kickstart your day with a scrumptious breakfast. They provide a tasty menu full of conventional breakfast favourites, together with country-style French toast, pancakes, an English muffin breakfast sandwich, and extra.
When you desire to sleep in somewhat longer on Sundays, you’re not alone. The restaurant presents a scrumptious buffet Sunday Brunch. There are restricted seats, so reserve your house on-line to make sure you may get in.
Get Open air and Immerse Your self in Nature at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
345 Boulevard Saint-Rose
Do you like spending time outdoor? If that’s the case, we suggest including Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles to your listing of must-see areas. This lovely park and wildlife reserve is the right alternative to benefit from the contemporary air and expertise the world’s pure magnificence.
Whereas we have been there, we loved a guided tour of the museum. Throughout that tour, our incredible guides Catherine, Alexia (Biologist), and Megan talked concerning the space and what makes it so particular. Some attention-grabbing information they shared with us embrace:
- There are 280 Species of birds within the space, and it’s the one turtle rehabilitation place in Quebec.
- Do you know that the Woodpecker can wrap its super-long tongue round its mind to guard it when it’s wood-pecking?
- Fishing is part of the custom and tradition of the world. It’s showcased within the museum.
The park presents a variety of actions for all seasons, together with climbing, kayaking, skating, fishing, and ice-fishing. Nevertheless, the first focus of the park is its conservation efforts, the museum, and training on the errors of man on the atmosphere. Collaborating in park occasions or packages helps fund and help its mission to guard the wealthy pure atmosphere and native species in danger.
Go Skating or Ice Fishing at Berge aux Quatre-Vent
925 rue Riviera
One other good spot to spend a while outdoor is Berge aux Quatre-Vent. This park is positioned proper within the coronary heart of Laval-West, but it surely proves you don’t have to go away the city space of Laval to get pleasure from some contemporary air. In winter, this park options an outside skating rink that’s free to make use of on evenings and weekends.
That is additionally a preferred ice-fishing location. Ice fishing huts could be arrange between December fifteenth and March fifteenth with the acquisition of a fishing cabin license. We had the chance to be taught concerning the fundamentals of city ice fishing with Raymond VS Bass, a well-known Quebec YouTuber.
In case your journey takes you to the world in the course of the hotter summer season months, skating is clearly off the desk. However the park continues to be value a go to. Instead of the out of doors rink and ice fishing huts, you’ll discover a stupendous kilometre-and-a-half-long seashore on the banks of the Mille Îles River, full with a picnic space, volleyball internet, and extra.
Take pleasure in a Trendy Culinary Expertise at Sekoya
3421 Boul Le Carrefour
One of many latest eating places in Laval, Sekoya, opened in late 2022. However don’t let its younger age idiot you – this restaurant has a lot to supply, from a scrumptious menu of “up to date Quebec Delicacies” to a enjoyable trendy aesthetic. The eating space the place you’ll be seated is open to the kitchen, permitting guests to see behind the scenes as chef Kevin Bates Breault works his magic. The restaurant additionally has a boutique the place you should buy merchandise from native artisans.
Chef Kevin Bates Breault has a comfortable spot for the Laval space. He graduated from École Hôtelière de Laval and was mentored by Chef Richard Bastien, the chef of Mitoyen (extra on that location under). The result’s a proficient chef who mastered his methods, which could be seen in his expertly ready meals.
Develop into an Airplane Pilot at Aerosim Expertise
1177 Desserte Nord Autoroute 440 #201
Okay, so that you aren’t truly going to be flying a aircraft after a fast go to to Aerosim Expertise, however the Boeing 737 simulator is as shut as you’re going to get with out taking flying classes. While you first arrive, your teacher gives you a 20-minute briefing.
After making certain you understand the fundamentals, your teacher will get you arrange contained in the cockpit in your Captain’s seat. You may be given the choice to select from greater than 24,000 locations. Moreover, you may modify the climate circumstances, time of day, and different components. It’s an unbelievable digital actuality expertise for anybody who has ever had a dream of flying.
Tour the Serres Sylvain Cleroux Backyard Heart
1570 Rue Principale, Sainte-Dorothée
You might be shocked to be taught that Laval is taken into account the horticultural capital of Quebec. Nevertheless, visiting the Sylvain Cleroux Backyard Heart will rapidly present you why! This spectacular greenhouse covers over 1,000,000 sq. toes and incorporates over 500 sorts of vegetation, relying on the season. The biggest producer of annual flowers in Quebec, additionally they provide a large assortment of different vegetation, together with topical vegetation, autumn chrysanthemums, poinsettias, and hydrangeas. Open all 12 months, guests can get pleasure from a stupendous splash of color whatever the temperatures outdoors.
Throughout our go to, we took a guided tour of the greenhouse with proprietor and supervisor Louise Arcand. Along with the tour, we participated in a tropical plant workshop the place we every made our personal potted vegetation. It was a enjoyable expertise!
Take pleasure in a Glass of Wine at Chateau Taillefer Lafon
1500 Mnt Champagne
This beautiful winery shouldn’t be solely the right place to chill out with a glass of wine (or two), but it surely’s additionally a stupendous location for photos or particular occasions if that’s what has introduced you to the world. What’s extra romantic for an anniversary or celebration along with your associate than strolling these lovely grounds, taking photos in entrance of the chateau, and having fun with a glass of native wine? You may as well ebook a personal wine tour or reserve a desk on the terrace for one thing further particular.
The constructing itself is a sight to behold. Chateau Taillefer Lafon is the primary winery in Quebec licensed to make use of the designation “Château,” a title normally reserved for high-end European wine producers. Nevertheless, it gained’t take lengthy so that you can see why an exception was made with the beautiful structure and picturesque property.
Seize a Beer or Cocktail at Microbrasserie Les Insulaires
275 Boulevard de la Concorde Est
If you’re trying to find a comfortable place to chill out with mates or household and luxuriate in a drink, Microbrasserie Les Insulaires is simply the place. This cozy microbrewery presents a heat and welcoming feeling with its easy décor and pleasant employees. With 24 barrel strains, they provide a enjoyable vary of craft beer choices for each style and desire. When you’re hungry, pair your drink with a bistro-style meal from their menu. Uncertain of what to order? We suggest the Beer Fish and Chips – an area favorite.
Expertise a Memorable Meal at Le Mitoyen
652 Place Publique
Established in 1977, a meal at Le Mitoyen is greater than only a meal—it’s a full expertise. We went for dinner throughout our go to, and Giovanni made us really feel like we have been his high precedence the entire time. The meals was merely excellent, and the wine pairing was completely excellent.
The restaurant is in an ancestral house, paying homage to your cute grandmother’s lovely cottage by the lake. Its heat and welcoming aesthetic is an ideal match for the excellent personalities of everybody we met there.
Chef/Proprietor Richard Bastien is well-known and extremely regarded within the space. His delicacies is impressed by contemporary Quebec merchandise. For instance, he works with an area Laval gardener to supply his greens. The menu itself modifications with every season, highlighting well timed flavours. Every dish is rigorously ready and made to appear to be a murals, additional including to the second.
Browse the Displays and Actions at Musée de la Santé Armand-Frappier
2150 Laurentides Freeway
Musée de la Santé Armand-Frappier is a well-liked science museum devoted to human well being. It presents enjoyable and academic actions, reveals, and workshops, all targeted on its mission “to contribute to the well-being of people and communities.” Travelling with the household? Child-friendly actions make sure that the museum is enjoyable for all ages.
Tickets value $17 for adults, $13 for seniors (65+) or college students (18+ with pupil ID), and $13 for kids (7-17). Kids 6 and below can go to free of charge. A household package deal can also be obtainable for 2 adults and two kids or one grownup and three kids for $52. There are particular ticket offers in the event you’re taken with visiting each the Musée de la Santé Armand-Frappier and the Cosmodome Laval.
The museum consists of each everlasting and momentary reveals, akin to “4, 3, 2, 1… Santé” (4, 3, 2, 1… Cheers!), exploring the totally different ranges of human well being – molecules and cells, people, populations, and the planet. Go to the laboratory to look at and be taught concerning the components that affect our well being on the mobile stage.
Attempt Bouldering at La Crux Laval
1850 Boul. St-Martin Ouest
Have you ever ever thought of mountain climbing? What about climbing with out the usage of ropes and harnesses? If that’s the case, you’re in luck. The follow, referred to as bouldering, focuses on climbing nearer to the bottom with crash mats in place for defense. At La Crux, you will see that practically 1000 sq. metres (10,00 sq. toes) devoted to educating and having fun with bouldering, together with a maintain and coaching wall.
After you’re finished climbing (or whereas the youngsters are nonetheless climbing), settle into the Bistro for a cup of espresso or a much-needed snack to refuel.
Common admission (single day) is $23 for an grownup and $21 for a pupil. If you’re going to be within the space for an prolonged time, there are additionally package deal offers for a number of visits. Tools leases can be found for gadgets like climbing sneakers. In your first go to, a quick guided tour will give attention to displaying you the amenities, laws, and how one can get began on this planet of climbing.
Plan a Child-Free Afternoon on the Musée pour Enfants
3805 Boul. Curé-Labelle
This distinctive kids’s museum focuses on introducing kids aged 18 months to eight years to greater than 22 totally different careers with interactive reveals and experiences. They will attempt milking a cow on the farm, inspecting x-rays at a veterinary hospital, filming a film with inexperienced display expertise, working an excavator at a building web site, working a money register on the grocery retailer, and extra. A go to to the Musée pour Enfants could encourage your baby to find their dream profession.
Tickets value $12 for adults (16-64), $10 for seniors (65+), and $28 for kids. They are often bought on-line upfront or on the door. Are you interested by trying out the museum forward of your journey? Take a digital go to on the web site.
Locations to Go to Close to Laval
Along with the various issues to see in Laval, we encourage you to think about extending your journey to different unbelievable locations in Quebec. Listed below are three close by areas it’s best to contemplate:
Montreal
Lower than half-hour from Laval, Montreal is only a quick hop, skip and soar away. In reality, many of the methods outlined above to get to Laval included a cease in Montreal. This historic metropolis presents world-class museums, a thriving arts scene and beautiful structure. Whether or not you might be planning a fast day journey throughout your Laval keep or extending your weekend getaway for just a few days within the metropolis, we’re optimistic you’ll love Montreal!
Lanaudiere
Often known as “the Inexperienced Area” of Quebec, the Lanaudiere area (between the Laurentian Mountains and the Saint Lawrence River) is a must-see vacation spot for out of doors lovers. With over 650 km of climbing, strolling, and mountain biking trails to discover, it’s a fantastic place to get out and have fun the province’s pure magnificence. That is additionally the placement of the well-known and well-liked Mont-Tremblant Nationwide Park, roughly 2 hours from Laval.
Trois-Rivieres
Roughly an hour and a half from Laval, you will see that Trois-Rivieres, the second oldest metropolis in North America after Quebec Metropolis. This historic gem performed a significant function within the improvement of Canada, serving as a central hub for commerce. As we speak, you may embrace the world’s historical past by touring town’s many monuments, museums, and historic buildings. Throughout our go to, it genuinely felt like each nook of Trois-Rivieres had a narrative to inform.
FAQ
Is Laval Extra French or English?
As chances are you’ll already know, the first language spoken in Quebec is French. This additionally stands true for Laval. Nevertheless, being a touristy space, English is spoken often in lots of outlets, eating places, and companies. Whereas understanding fundamental French might help make your go to somewhat smoother, most English audio system can navigate town with out a drawback.
Is Laval Completely different from Montreal?
Laval is commonly mistakenly seen as only a portion of Montreal. Nevertheless, they’re two separate cities, every with its personal distinctive vibe and persona. Whereas Montreal is bigger, its elevated measurement brings extra visitors and extra challenges find parking. Laval, alternatively, is somewhat quieter and extra just like the “suburbs” than a bustling metropolis.
We suggest researching what points of interest are in every metropolis to search out the most effective match for you and your preferences. Fortunately, the 2 cities are shut sufficient that you may simply make a day journey from one to the opposite, having fun with the most effective of each in your getaway.
What Ought to I Deliver on My Journey to Laval, Quebec?
When deciding what to pack to your journey to Laval, you will have to think about the season you might be travelling and which actions you propose to get pleasure from.
When you’re travelling in the summertime, pack for a seashore day on the Mille Îles River, together with, clearly, a showering go well with and seashore towel. A big sports activities umbrella and seashore chairs will mean you can arrange a snug, shaded place to chill out for the afternoon.
However, in the event you’re travelling in the course of the winter months, it’s essential to pack with a give attention to how one can maintain your self heat throughout any out of doors adventures. This consists of:
– A heat winter jacket
– Mittens or gloves
– Scarf, neck hotter, or chilly climate gaiter
– A toque
– Merino wool socks
– Heat winter boots
Don’t overlook to deliver loads of heat clothes to decorate in layers, together with a moisture-wicking base layer and a mid-layer to entice physique warmth, like a fleece sweater.
