Each time we return to Quebec, we get uncovered to one thing thrilling, historic, scrumptious, and, typically, 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 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 study in regards to 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 realm, this information is for you. We share lodge suggestions, our favorite eating places, and one of the best issues to see in Laval, relying in your pursuits. There really is one thing for everybody.
Historical past of Laval
- The territory now often called town of Laval was first inhabited by Mohawks.
- Laval is known as 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.
Learn how to Get to Laval, Quebec
There are a number of other ways you can also make the journey to Laval, relying in your finances, schedule, and your most well-liked type of journey, starting from a multi-hour street journey to a fast flight. Listed below are just a few of the out there choices and the main points you’ll want to make the correct alternative to your subsequent weekend getaway:
By Automobile
If you’re something like us, you get pleasure from street 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 possibly can take the Trans-Canada Freeway. It is going to add an hour to your route, however the views are unbelievable. In order for you 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 stunning vacation spot in Quebec that we consider 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. Nonetheless, in case you’re keen to vary buses in Montreal, it is a budget-friendly approach to make the journey (particularly with the price of gasoline). 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 possibly can catch a bus with the Société de transport de Montréal, which can take you throughout the river to Laval. This takes roughly 25 minutes, with tickets costing simply $4.50.
By Prepare
When you want the expertise of travelling by practice, 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 may 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 affords a direct flight from Toronto to Montreal beginning at roughly $310 earlier than taxes and charges. This may shorten your journey considerably, with the flight lasting only one hour and quarter-hour. Nonetheless, just like the bus and practice choices above, you continue to have to take the bus from Montreal to Laval.
Accommodations in Laval, Quebec
Now that you’ve got selected how you can journey to and from Laval, the subsequent 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 way of websites like Airbnb and VRBO. That can assist you slender the listing and discover a place we’re assured you’ll get pleasure from, listed below are our lodge suggestions:
Sheraton Laval Lodge
2440 Autoroute des Laurentides
We stayed on the Sheraton Laval Lodge throughout our latest journey to Laval. This elegant lodge simply accomplished main renovations in 2022 at a price of $20 million. The outcome? From the marble bogs to the subtle décor, you’ll really feel as if you might be staying within the lap of luxurious. The lodge even received 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 affords many nice facilities to benefit from your expertise. The on-site restaurant, La Piazza, affords an upscale menu of genuine Mediterranean dishes. If you wish to chill out and revel in a drink, you possibly can go to Bar La Cupola. You may also 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 sights and actions in Laval, Le St-Martin Lodge & Suites is conveniently positioned as a “dwelling 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 World’s Eco-Ranking Program, making it an ideal alternative for travellers who prioritize environmental duty.
Within the coronary heart of the lodge, you will see The Piano Bar, a chic but comfy place to get pleasure from certainly one of their particular home cocktails. If you’re visiting through the hotter summer time months, you possibly can benefit from the outside terrace with fantastically landscaped gardens and an outside Jacuzzi.
Grand Instances Lodge
1700 Rue Jeanne-Mance
One other lodge that’s well-situated for exploring town, the Grand Instances Lodge is within the Centropolis, Laval district. This contemporary lodge affords floor-to-ceiling home windows in each room, providing 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, resembling two queen beds, a king mattress, or a king mattress with a murphy queen mattress.
Situated 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 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
Strive 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’s too terrifying.
Once 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 secure and supervised atmosphere. There are a number of packages to select from. The “Initiation” package deal affords 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 underneath the age of 18 must be accompanied by an grownup on the day of their flight. Nonetheless, you could be stunned to study 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 seeking to seize takeout whereas exploring the various actions to do in Laval otherwise you’re thinking about a laid-back and comfy spot for a scrumptious brunch, La Bête à Ache is the perfect cease. This location combines a restaurant, bakery, patisserie, and caterer. Prepared-to-go meals, breads, and artisanal merchandise can be found. The menu contains 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 regionally sourced, seasonal merchandise and contemporary, natural substances. This contains produce from native farmers and fish from sustainable fishing. He has been featured on numerous 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 might not really take you into area, however it is going to offer you an immersive journey for area lovers of all ages. This simply tops our listing of enjoyable issues to do in Laval in case you journey as a household. You and your youngsters might be invited to take part in interactive digital missions, travelling by way of area whereas studying in regards to 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 let you expertise first-hand what it might be prefer to be in area, together with studying how you 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 certainly one of solely 5 lunar rock samples in Canada.
Tickets value simply $5 for primary admission to the exhibition. If you’re thinking about a digital mission, tickets begin at $18 for an grownup (1 digital mission + exhibition) and $14.50 for college kids/seniors. Youngsters 6 and underneath can go to without cost.
Seize a Drink and a Chew to Eat at Le Balthazar Resto-Pub
195 Promenade du Centropolis
When you’re in search of the proper place to get pleasure from dinner and a drink, look no additional. At Le Balthazar Resto-Pub, you will see a collection 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 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 may be made with a plant-based patty for these looking for 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 in search of a one-stop store for a day of leisure, Centropolis affords the proper expertise. Right here, you will see a large assortment of various shops of their outside complicated, a big gourmand 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 might be arduous 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 thinking about seeing the totally different eating places in Laval, Quebec. You will discover many alternative types and flavours, starting from American BBQ and fried rooster to conventional Mediterranean and gourmand vegan delicacies. There may be positive to be one thing for everybody.
Take within the Magic at Shiny Moments, a Hearth-Themed Mild and Sound Expertise
A singular show that includes 60+ LED mild installations at Centropolis, Shiny Moments is an exquisite alternative to have fun the winter expertise round an animated digital campfire. The sunshine adjustments and strikes to the rhythm of the accompanying soundtrack, creating a surprising presentation that replicates the motion of fireside. 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 operating 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 Lodge. What you could not notice is that additionally it is the proper place to kickstart your day with a scrumptious breakfast. They provide a tasty menu filled with conventional breakfast favourites, together with country-style French toast, pancakes, an English muffin breakfast sandwich, and extra.
When you want to sleep in slightly longer on Sundays, you’re not alone. The restaurant affords a scrumptious buffet Sunday Brunch. There are restricted seats, so reserve your house on-line to make sure you will get in.
Get Outdoor 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 places. This stunning park and wildlife reserve is the proper alternative to benefit from the contemporary air and expertise the realm’s pure magnificence.
Whereas we had been there, we loved a guided tour of the museum. Throughout that tour, our incredible guides Catherine, Alexia (Biologist), and Megan talked in regards to the space and what makes it so particular. Some attention-grabbing information 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 affords a variety of actions for all seasons, together with mountaineering, kayaking, skating, fishing, and ice-fishing. Nonetheless, the first focus of the park is its conservation efforts, the museum, and training on the errors of man on the atmosphere. Taking part 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, however it proves you don’t have to depart 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 may be arrange between December fifteenth and March fifteenth with the acquisition of a fishing cabin license. We had the chance to study 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 through the hotter summer time months, skating is clearly off the desk. However the park continues to be value a go to. Instead of the outside rink and ice fishing huts, you’ll discover an exquisite kilometre-and-a-half-long seaside on the banks of the Mille Îles River, full with a picnic space, volleyball web, and extra.
Take pleasure in 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 “up to date Quebec Delicacies” to a enjoyable trendy 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 delicate 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 may be seen in his expertly ready meals.
Change into 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 guaranteeing you realize 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 possibly can modify the climate situations, 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 could be stunned to study that Laval is taken into account the horticultural capital of Quebec. Nonetheless, visiting the Sylvain Cleroux Backyard Heart will rapidly present you why! This spectacular greenhouse covers over 1,000,000 sq. ft and incorporates over 500 types of crops, relying on the season. The biggest producer of annual flowers in Quebec, in addition they provide a large assortment of different crops, together with topical crops, autumn chrysanthemums, poinsettias, and hydrangeas. Open all 12 months, guests can get pleasure from an exquisite splash of color whatever the temperatures exterior.
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!
Take pleasure in a Glass of Wine at Chateau Taillefer Lafon
1500 Mnt Champagne
This gorgeous winery just isn’t solely the proper place to chill out with a glass of wine (or two), however it’s additionally an exquisite location for photos 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 companion than strolling these stunning grounds, taking photos in entrance of the chateau, and having fun with a glass of native wine? You may also e book a non-public 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. Nonetheless, it received’t take lengthy so that you can see why an exception was made with the attractive 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 comfy place to chill out with buddies or household and revel in a drink, Microbrasserie Les Insulaires is simply the place. This cozy microbrewery affords 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. Not sure 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 had 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 dwelling, harking back to your cute grandmother’s lovable 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 a neighborhood Laval gardener to supply his greens. The menu itself adjustments with every season, highlighting well timed flavours. Every dish is fastidiously ready and made to appear to be 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 affords 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 sure that the museum is enjoyable for all ages.
Tickets value $17 for adults, $13 for seniors (65+) or college students (18+ with scholar ID), and $13 for youngsters (7-17). Youngsters 6 and underneath can go to without cost. A household package deal can also be out there for 2 adults and two youngsters or one grownup and three youngsters for $52. There are particular ticket offers in case you’re thinking about visiting each the Musée de la Santé Armand-Frappier and the Cosmodome Laval.
The museum contains each everlasting and momentary reveals, resembling “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 study in regards to the components that affect our well being on the mobile stage.
Strive 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, often called bouldering, focuses on climbing nearer to the bottom with crash mats in place for cover. At La Crux, you will see practically 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 performed climbing (or whereas the youngsters 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 scholar. If you will 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 short guided tour will give attention to displaying you the services, rules, and how you can get began on the 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, inspecting x-rays at a veterinary hospital, filming a film with inexperienced display screen know-how, working an excavator at a building web site, operating a money register on the grocery retailer, and extra. A go to to the Musée pour Enfants might encourage your youngster to find their dream profession.
Tickets value $12 for adults (16-64), $10 for seniors (65+), and $28 for youngsters. They are often bought on-line prematurely or on the door. Are you curious about 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 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 places it is best to take into account:
Montreal
Lower than half-hour from Laval, Montreal is only a brief hop, skip and bounce away. In actual fact, many of the methods outlined above to get to Laval included a cease in Montreal. This historic metropolis affords world-class museums, a thriving arts scene and gorgeous 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 constructive you’ll love Montreal!
Lanaudiere
Generally 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 outside lovers. With over 650 km of mountaineering, strolling, and mountain biking trails to discover, it’s an ideal place to get out and have fun the province’s pure magnificence. That is additionally the placement 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 see Trois-Rivieres, the second oldest metropolis in North America after Quebec Metropolis. This historic gem performed a significant position within the growth of Canada, serving as a central hub for commerce. At the moment, you possibly can embrace the realm’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 you could already know, the first language spoken in Quebec is French. This additionally stands true for Laval. Nonetheless, being a touristy space, English is spoken often in lots of outlets, eating places, and companies. Whereas figuring out primary French will help make your go to slightly smoother, most English audio system can navigate town with no downside.
Is Laval Totally different from Montreal?
Laval is usually mistakenly seen as only a portion of Montreal. Nonetheless, they’re two separate cities, every with its personal distinctive vibe and character. Whereas Montreal is bigger, its elevated dimension brings extra site visitors and extra challenges to find parking. Laval, however, is slightly quieter and extra just like the “suburbs” than a bustling metropolis.
We suggest researching what sights are in every metropolis to seek out one of the best match for you and your preferences. Fortunately, the 2 cities are shut sufficient that you might simply make a day journey from one to the opposite, having fun with one of the best of each in your getaway.
What Ought to I Carry 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 might be travelling and which actions you intend to get pleasure from.
When you’re travelling in the summertime, pack for a seaside day on the Mille Îles River, together with, clearly, a washing go well with and seaside towel. A big sports activities umbrella and seaside chairs will let you arrange a cushty, shaded place to chill out for the afternoon.
Alternatively, in case you’re travelling through the winter months, you should pack with a give attention to how you can preserve your self heat throughout any outside 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 overlook to carry loads of heat clothes to decorate in layers, together with a moisture-wicking base layer and a mid-layer to lure physique warmth, like a fleece sweater.
