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 mountaineering in Mont Tremblant.
Our current journey to go to Laval, Quebec, was no exception!
Out of the numerous issues to do in Laval, our first introduction to the town was by way of iFly. (Indoor sky diving — extra on that later). From there, we had the chance to be taught in regards to the space’s historical past, expertise its pure magnificence, and dine at a number of unbelievable eating places.
Should you’re planning a visit to the realm, this information is for you. We share resort suggestions, our favorite eating places, and the perfect issues to see in Laval, relying in your pursuits. There actually is one thing for everybody.
Historical past of Laval
- The territory now often known as the town of Laval was first inhabited by Mohawks.
- Laval is called after François de Laval, Quebec’s first Roman Catholic bishop.
- 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.
Easy methods to Get to Laval, Quebec
There are a number of alternative ways you can also make the journey to Laval, relying in your funds, schedule, and your most popular type of journey, starting from a multi-hour street journey to a fast flight. Listed below are a couple of of the obtainable choices and the small print it’s essential make the fitting selection to your subsequent weekend getaway:
By Automotive
In case you are something like us, you take pleasure in an excellent street journey. Should you’re travelling from Toronto by way of ON-401 E, the journey to Laval will take roughly 5 ½ hours. Alternatively, you’ll be able to take the Trans-Canada Freeway. It’s going to add an hour to your route, however the views are unbelievable. If you’d like an epic getaway, and your schedule permits for a couple of additional days, we suggest persevering with from Laval after your go to to Quebec Metropolis (roughly 2 ½ to three hours). That is one other stunning vacation spot in Quebec that we consider everybody ought to go to not less than as soon as!
By Bus
There isn’t any direct bus that travels from Toronto to Laval. Nevertheless, for those who’re prepared to vary buses in Montreal, this can be a budget-friendly method 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’ll be able to 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 Practice
Should you favor the expertise of travelling by prepare, financial 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 will even require taking a bus from Montreal to Laval.
By Aircraft
Lastly, in case you are 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 costs. This may shorten your journey considerably, with the flight lasting just one hour and quarter-hour. Nevertheless, just like the bus and prepare choices above, you continue to must take the bus from Montreal to Laval.
Motels in Laval, Quebec
Now that you’ve selected how one can journey to and from Laval, the following vital element to think about to your journey is the place to remain. When trying to find lodging in Laval, there are numerous locations to select from, together with accommodations and leases by websites like Airbnb and VRBO. That will help you slim the listing and discover a place we’re assured you’ll take pleasure in, listed here are our resort suggestions:
Sheraton Laval Lodge
2440 Autoroute des Laurentides
We stayed on the Sheraton Laval Lodge throughout our current journey to Laval. This elegant resort simply accomplished main renovations in 2022 at a value of $20 million. The end result? From the marble loos to the subtle décor, you’ll really feel as if you’re staying within the lap of luxurious. The resort even gained gold certifications final fall for “Inside Design” in 2 separate classes: “Lodging, restaurant & bar/Chain resort” and “Particular Awards/Renovation (before-after).”
Along with the gorgeous rooms, the resort 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’ll be able to go to Bar La Cupola. You too can pamper your self with a therapeutic massage at Amerispa.
Le St-Martin Lodge & Suites
1400 Rue Maurice-Gauvin
Situated a brief stroll from most of the standard points of interest and actions in Laval, Le St-Martin Lodge & Suites is conveniently situated as a “house base” to your subsequent trip. This Victorian-style resort has a complicated and welcoming vibe with French-inspired paintings and darkish wooden highlights. Inbuilt 2003, this resort is a member of Inexperienced Key World’s Eco-Score Program, making it an awesome selection for travellers who prioritize environmental accountability.
Within the coronary heart of the resort, you will discover The Piano Bar, a chic but snug place to take pleasure in certainly one of their particular home cocktails. In case you are visiting throughout the hotter summer season months, you’ll be able to benefit from the out of doors terrace with fantastically landscaped gardens and an outside Jacuzzi.
Grand Instances Lodge
1700 Rue Jeanne-Mance
One other resort that’s well-situated for exploring the town, the Grand Instances Lodge is within the Centropolis, Laval district. This contemporary resort presents floor-to-ceiling home windows in each room, supplying you with a memorable view of the town throughout your keep. Relying on how many individuals you’re travelling with, there are a number of totally different room choices, equivalent to two queen beds, a king mattress, or a king mattress with a murphy queen mattress.
Situated within the resort is the Sofia Laval, a pizzeria with a menu that options traditional 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 discover 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 someday as precise skydiving for now could be too terrifying.
Once you go to iFly, you’ll really feel like you’re flying whereas defying the legislation 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 secure and supervised surroundings. There are a number of packages to select from. The “Initiation” bundle presents individualized directions, pre-flight coaching, and two flights for $69.99.
You have to be 4 years previous or older to take part, and flyers beneath the age of 18 need to be accompanied by an grownup on the day of their flight. Nevertheless, it’s possible you’ll be stunned to be taught that the situation is extremely accessible, having accommodated guests in wheelchairs, on crutches, and extra.
Get pleasure from a Scrumptious Brunch at La Bête à Ache
1969 A. des Laurentides
Whether or not you’re trying to seize takeout whereas exploring the numerous actions to do in Laval otherwise you’re occupied 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 encompasses a scrumptious number of fashionable 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 recent, natural substances. This contains 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 House on the Cosmodome Laval
2150 Laurentian Autoroute
Okay, so a go to to the Cosmodome could not really take you into house, however it should offer you an immersive journey for house lovers of all ages. This simply tops our listing of enjoyable issues to do in Laval for those who journey as a household. You and your youngsters can be invited to take part in interactive digital missions, travelling by house whereas studying in regards to the universe and house exploration.
One other enjoyable attraction on the Cosmodome Laval is the coaching simulators. Designed to copy the expertise real-life astronauts would expertise, the simulators can help you expertise first-hand what it will be wish to be in house, 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 supply an assortment of exhibitions like a standard museum. You’ll be able to see a group of fascinating space-related gadgets, together with a spacesuit from the Apollo mission period, rocket replicas, and certainly one of solely 5 lunar rock samples in Canada.
Tickets value simply $5 for primary admission to the exhibition. In case you are occupied 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 beneath can go to at no cost.
Seize a Drink and a Chunk to Eat at Le Balthazar Resto-Pub
195 Promenade du Centropolis
Should you’re in search of the right place to take pleasure in dinner and a drink, look no additional. At Le Balthazar Resto-Pub, you will discover a number 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 inventive drink menu that includes signature cocktails and a refreshing beer sangria.
Along with the numerous 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 might be made with a plant-based patty for these searching for a vegetarian possibility. Don’t neglect 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 reside performances by visitor artists and bands for his or her acoustic evenings.
Spend the Afternoon at Centropolis Laval
1799 Av. Pierre-Peladeau
In case you are in search of a one-stop store for a day of leisure, Centropolis presents the right expertise. Right here, you will discover 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).
In fact, it will be laborious to suit all of it into an hour or two with so many issues to see and do in a single location. We suggest blockading a day to take all of it in.
It is a excellent spot to start out for these occupied with seeing the totally different eating places in Laval, Quebec. You will discover many various kinds and flavours, starting from American BBQ and fried rooster to conventional Mediterranean and connoisseur vegan delicacies. There may be positive to be one thing for everybody.
Take within the Magic at Vibrant Moments, a Hearth-Themed Mild and Sound Expertise
A singular show that includes 60+ LED gentle installations at Centropolis, Vibrant Moments is a ravishing alternative to have a good time the winter expertise round an animated digital campfire. The sunshine modifications and strikes to the rhythm of the accompanying soundtrack, creating a surprising 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 situated on-site on the Sheraton Laval Lodge. What it’s possible you’ll not notice is that it’s also 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.
Should you favor to sleep in just a little 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 will 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 outside? If that’s the case, we suggest including Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles to your listing of must-see places. This stunning park and wildlife reserve is the right alternative to benefit from the recent air and expertise the realm’s pure magnificence.
Whereas we have been there, we loved a guided tour of the museum. Throughout that tour, our unbelievable guides Catherine, Alexia (Biologist), and Megan talked in regards to the space and what makes it so particular. Some attention-grabbing details they shared with us embody:
- 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 realm. 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 schooling on the errors of man on the surroundings. Collaborating in park occasions or packages helps fund and help its mission to guard the wealthy pure surroundings and native species in danger.
Go Skating or Ice Fishing at Berge aux Quatre-Vent
925 rue Riviera
One other great place to spend a while outside is Berge aux Quatre-Vent. This park is situated proper within the coronary heart of Laval-West, but it surely proves you don’t have to depart the city space of Laval to take pleasure in some recent 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 well-liked ice-fishing location. Ice fishing huts might be arrange between December fifteenth and March fifteenth with the acquisition of a fishing cabin license. We had the chance to be taught in regards to the fundamentals of city ice fishing with Raymond VS Bass, a well-known Quebec YouTuber.
In case your journey takes you to the realm throughout the hotter summer season months, skating is clearly off the desk. However the park continues to be price a go to. Instead of the out of doors rink and ice fishing huts, you’ll discover a ravishing kilometre-and-a-half-long seashore on the banks of the Mille Îles River, full with a picnic space, volleyball internet, and extra.
Get pleasure from a Fashionable 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 “modern Quebec Delicacies” to a enjoyable fashionable aesthetic. The eating space the place you may 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 strategies, which might be seen in his expertly ready meals.
Grow to be an Airplane Pilot at Aerosim Expertise
1177 Desserte Nord Autoroute 440 #201
Okay, so that you aren’t really going to be flying a airplane 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. Once you first arrive, your teacher offers 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 can be given the choice to select from greater than 24,000 locations. Moreover, you’ll be able to regulate the climate circumstances, time of day, and different elements. 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 could be stunned to be taught that Laval is taken into account the horticultural capital of Quebec. Nevertheless, visiting the Sylvain Cleroux Backyard Heart will shortly present you why! This spectacular greenhouse covers over 1,000,000 sq. ft and comprises over 500 forms of crops, relying on the season. The most important producer of annual flowers in Quebec, in addition they supply a large assortment of different crops, together with topical crops, autumn chrysanthemums, poinsettias, and hydrangeas. Open all 12 months, guests can take pleasure in a ravishing 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 crops. It was a enjoyable expertise!
Get pleasure from a Glass of Wine at Chateau Taillefer Lafon
1500 Mnt Champagne
This gorgeous winery will not be solely the right place to chill out with a glass of wine (or two), but it surely’s additionally a ravishing location for footage or particular occasions if that’s what has introduced you to the realm. What’s extra romantic for an anniversary or celebration along with your associate than strolling these stunning grounds, taking footage in entrance of the chateau, and having fun with a glass of native wine? You too can guide a non-public wine tour or reserve a desk on the terrace for one thing additional 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 often 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
In case you are trying to find a comfy place to chill out with pals 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 workers. With 24 barrel traces, they provide a enjoyable vary of craft beer choices for each style and choice. Should 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 – a neighborhood 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 prime precedence the entire time. The meals was merely excellent, and the wine pairing was completely good.
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 recent Quebec merchandise. For instance, he works with a neighborhood 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 like a murals, additional including to the second.
Browse the Reveals 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 centered on its mission “to contribute to the well-being of people and communities.” Travelling with the household? Child-friendly actions be certain 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 beneath can go to at no cost. A household bundle can also be obtainable for 2 adults and two youngsters or one grownup and three youngsters for $52. There are particular ticket offers for those who’re occupied with visiting each the Musée de la Santé Armand-Frappier and the Cosmodome Laval.
The museum contains each everlasting and short-term reveals, equivalent 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 watch and be taught in regards to the elements that impression our well being on the mobile stage.
Attempt Bouldering at La Crux Laval
1850 Boul. St-Martin Ouest
Have you ever ever thought-about mountain climbing? What about climbing with out using ropes and harnesses? If that’s the case, you’re in luck. The observe, often known as bouldering, focuses on climbing nearer to the bottom with crash mats in place for defense. At La Crux, you will discover almost 1000 sq. metres (10,00 sq. ft) devoted to instructing and having fun with bouldering, together with a maintain and coaching wall.
After you’re finished climbing (or whereas the children are nonetheless climbing), settle into the Bistro for a cup of espresso or a much-needed snack to refuel.
Basic admission (single day) is $23 for an grownup and $21 for a pupil. If you’ll be within the space for an prolonged time, there are additionally bundle offers for a number of visits. Gear leases can be found for gadgets like climbing footwear. 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 youngsters’s museum focuses on introducing youngsters aged 18 months to eight years to greater than 22 totally different careers with interactive reveals and experiences. They will strive milking a cow on the farm, analyzing x-rays at a veterinary hospital, filming a film with inexperienced display screen expertise, working an excavator at a development website, working a money register on the grocery retailer, and extra. A go to to the Musée pour Enfants could encourage your little one 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 testing 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 numerous 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 places it is best to contemplate:
Montreal
Lower than half-hour from Laval, Montreal is only a brief hop, skip and soar away. Actually, a lot 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 gorgeous structure. Whether or not you’re planning a fast day journey throughout your Laval keep or extending your weekend getaway for a couple of days within the metropolis, we’re constructive you’ll love Montreal!
Lanaudiere
Referred to 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 an awesome place to get out and have a good time the province’s pure magnificence. That is additionally the situation of the well-known and standard Mont-Tremblant Nationwide Park, roughly 2 hours from Laval.
Trois-Rivieres
Roughly an hour and a half from Laval, you will discover Trois-Rivieres, the second oldest metropolis in North America after Quebec Metropolis. This historic gem performed a significant position within the improvement of Canada, serving as a central hub for commerce. Right this moment, you’ll be able to embrace the realm’s historical past by touring the 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 it’s possible 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 retailers, eating places, and companies. Whereas realizing primary French may also help make your go to just a little smoother, most English audio system can navigate the 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 character. Whereas Montreal is bigger, its elevated measurement brings extra visitors and extra challenges find parking. Laval, alternatively, is just a little 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 perfect match for you and your preferences. Fortunately, the 2 cities are shut sufficient that you could possibly simply make a day journey from one to the opposite, having fun with the perfect of each in your getaway.
What Ought to I Convey on My Journey to Laval, Quebec?
When deciding what to pack to your journey to Laval, you will want to think about the season you’re travelling and which actions you propose to take pleasure in.
Should you’re travelling in the summertime, pack for a seashore day on the Mille Îles River, together with, clearly, a washing swimsuit and seashore towel. A big sports activities umbrella and seashore chairs will can help you arrange a cushty, shaded place to chill out for the afternoon.
Then again, for those who’re travelling throughout the winter months, you have to pack with a give attention to how one can maintain your self heat throughout any out of doors adventures. This contains:
– A heat winter jacket
– Mittens or gloves
– Scarf, neck hotter, or chilly climate gaiter
– A toque
– Merino wool socks
– Heat winter boots
Don’t neglect 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.
