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 unimaginable 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 town was by way of iFly. (Indoor sky diving — extra on that later). From there, we had the chance to study concerning the space’s historical past, expertise its pure magnificence, and dine at a number of unimaginable eating places.
For those who’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.
This text is now obtainable as a cell app. Go to GPSmyCity to obtain the app for GPS-assisted journey instructions to the points of interest featured on this article.
Historical past of Laval
- The territory now often known as 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.
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 finances, schedule, and your most popular type of journey, starting from a multi-hour street journey to a fast flight. Listed below are just a few of the obtainable choices and the main points you have to make the suitable alternative in your subsequent weekend getaway:
By Automobile
If you’re something like us, you take pleasure in a superb street journey. For those who’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 would add an hour to your route, however the views are unimaginable. If you’d like an epic getaway, and your schedule permits for just a few additional days, we advocate 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 any direct bus that travels from Toronto to Laval. Nevertheless, should you’re keen to alter buses in Montreal, this can be a budget-friendly solution to make the journey (particularly with the price of fuel). Tickets from Toronto to Montreal on the Megabus begin at roughly $49.99 a technique, 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
For those who want the expertise of travelling by prepare, 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 will even require taking a bus from Montreal to Laval.
By Aircraft
Lastly, if you’re 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 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.
Accommodations in Laval, Quebec
Now that you’ve got selected the way to journey to and from Laval, the subsequent vital element to think about in your journey is the place to remain. When looking for lodging in Laval, there are various locations to select from, together with inns and leases by means of websites like Airbnb and VRBO. That will help you slender the listing and discover a place we’re assured you’ll take pleasure in, listed here are our resort suggestions:
Sheraton Laval Resort
2440 Autoroute des Laurentides
We stayed on the Sheraton Laval Resort throughout our current journey to Laval. This elegant resort simply accomplished main renovations in 2022 at a value of $20 million. The outcome? From the marble loos to the delicate décor, you’ll really feel as if you might be staying within the lap of luxurious. The resort even received 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 attractive rooms, the resort 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 calm down and luxuriate in a drink, you’ll be able to go to Bar La Cupola. You can too pamper your self with a therapeutic massage at Amerispa.
Le St-Martin Resort & Suites
1400 Rue Maurice-Gauvin
Situated a brief stroll from lots of the well-liked points of interest and actions in Laval, Le St-Martin Resort & Suites is conveniently situated as a “residence base” in your subsequent trip. This Victorian-style resort has a classy and welcoming vibe with French-inspired art work and darkish wooden highlights. In-built 2003, this resort is a member of Inexperienced Key International’s Eco-Score Program, making it an awesome alternative for travellers who prioritize environmental accountability.
Within the coronary heart of the resort, one can find The Piano Bar, a sublime but comfy place to take pleasure in one in all their particular home cocktails. If you’re visiting through the hotter summer season months, you’ll be able to benefit from the out of doors terrace with superbly landscaped gardens and an outside Jacuzzi.
Grand Instances Resort
1700 Rue Jeanne-Mance
One other resort that’s well-situated for exploring town, the Grand Instances Resort is within the Centropolis, Laval district. This contemporary resort affords 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 completely different room choices, reminiscent of 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 basic Italian delicacies, together with pizza (in fact), pasta, and upscale entre objects. Gluten-free pizza choices can be found for these with dietary restrictions. Additionally on-site, one can find 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 in the future as precise skydiving for now could be too terrifying.
If 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 unimaginable adrenaline rush inside a protected 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 should 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, you could be stunned to study that the placement 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 seeking to seize takeout whereas exploring the numerous actions to do in Laval otherwise you’re involved in a laid-back and comfy 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 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 components. This contains produce from native farmers and fish from sustainable fishing. He has been featured on varied tv exhibits, 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 really take you into house, however it is going to offer you an immersive journey for house lovers of all ages. This simply tops our listing of enjoyable issues to do in Laval should you journey as a household. You and your kids might be invited to take part in interactive digital missions, travelling by means of house whereas studying concerning 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 let you expertise first-hand what it could be prefer to be in house, together with studying the way to stroll on the moon, navigating the lack of gravity, or withstanding the distinctive results of spatial disorientation.
Additionally they supply an assortment of exhibitions like a standard museum. You may see a group of fascinating space-related objects, together with a spacesuit from the Apollo mission period, rocket replicas, and one in all solely 5 lunar rock samples in Canada.
Tickets price simply $5 for fundamental admission to the exhibition. If you’re involved in a digital mission, tickets begin at $18 for an grownup (1 digital mission + exhibition) and $14.50 for college students/seniors. Kids 6 and beneath can go to at no cost.
Seize a Drink and a Chew to Eat at Le Balthazar Resto-Pub
195 Promenade du Centropolis
For those who’re on the lookout for the proper place to take pleasure in dinner and a drink, look no additional. At Le Balthazar Resto-Pub, one can find a collection of over 100 completely different beers, together with a deal with 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 in search of a vegetarian choice. Don’t neglect to complete your meal with a scrumptious dessert, like their cheesecake brownie or Pretzelicious pretzel.
We extremely advocate 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
If you’re on the lookout for a one-stop store for a day of leisure, Centropolis affords the proper expertise. Right here, one can find a large assortment of various shops of their out of doors advanced, 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 could be onerous to suit all of it into an hour or two with so many issues to see and do in a single location. We advocate blockading a day to take all of it in.
It is a great spot to begin for these involved in seeing the completely different eating places in Laval, Quebec. You’ll discover many various types 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 Fireplace-Themed Gentle and Sound Expertise
A novel show that includes 60+ LED gentle installations at Centropolis, Vivid Moments is a ravishing 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 surprising presentation that replicates the motion of fireplace. It’s designed to function an emblem 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 situated on-site on the Sheraton Laval Resort. What you could not notice is that it’s also the proper 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.
For those who want to sleep in a little bit longer on Sundays, you’re not alone. The restaurant affords a scrumptious buffet Sunday Brunch. There are restricted seats, so reserve your home 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’re keen on spending time open air? In that case, we advocate including Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles to your listing of must-see areas. This stunning park and wildlife reserve is the proper alternative to benefit from the recent 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 implausible guides Catherine, Alexia (Biologist), and Megan talked concerning 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 affords a variety of actions for all seasons, together with mountain 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 applications helps fund and assist 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 great place to spend a while open air is Berge aux Quatre-Vent. This park is situated proper within the coronary heart of Laval-West, however it 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 preferred 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 study concerning 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 season months, skating is clearly off the desk. However the park continues to be value a go to. Rather than the out of doors rink and ice fishing huts, you’ll discover a ravishing kilometre-and-a-half-long seaside on the banks of the Mille Îles River, full with a picnic space, volleyball web, 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 “up to date Quebec Delicacies” to a enjoyable fashionable 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 gentle 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 beneath). The result’s a gifted chef who mastered his methods, which might be seen in his expertly ready meals.
Turn out 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. If you first arrive, your teacher will provide you with 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’ll be given the choice to select from greater than 24,000 locations. Moreover, you’ll be able to modify the climate situations, time of day, and different elements. It’s an unimaginable 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
It’s possible you’ll be stunned to study 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. ft and incorporates over 500 forms of vegetation, relying on the season. The most important producer of annual flowers in Quebec, additionally they supply a large assortment of different vegetation, together with topical vegetation, 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 vegetation. It was a enjoyable expertise!
Get pleasure from a Glass of Wine at Chateau Taillefer Lafon
1500 Mnt Champagne
This gorgeous winery just isn’t solely the proper place to calm down with a glass of wine (or two), however it’s additionally a ravishing 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 can too e book 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 approved to make use of the designation “Château,” a title often reserved for high-end European wine producers. Nevertheless, it received’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 looking for a comfy place to calm down with mates or household and luxuriate 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 workers. With 24 barrel traces, they provide a enjoyable vary of craft beer choices for each style and desire. For those who’re hungry, pair your drink with a bistro-style meal from their menu. Not sure of what to order? We advocate 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 good.
The restaurant is in an ancestral residence, paying homage 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 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 fastidiously ready and made to seem 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 affords 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 be certain that the museum is enjoyable for all ages.
Tickets price $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 package deal can be obtainable for 2 adults and two kids or one grownup and three kids for $52. There are particular ticket offers should you’re involved in visiting each the Musée de la Santé Armand-Frappier and the Cosmodome Laval.
The museum contains each everlasting and momentary reveals, reminiscent of “4, 3, 2, 1… Santé” (4, 3, 2, 1… Cheers!), exploring the completely different ranges of human well being – molecules and cells, people, populations, and the planet. Go to the laboratory to watch and study concerning the elements that impression our well being on the mobile stage.
Strive Bouldering at La Crux Laval
1850 Boul. St-Martin Ouest
Have you ever ever thought-about mountaineering? What about climbing with out using ropes and harnesses? In that case, you’re in luck. The apply, often known as bouldering, focuses on climbing nearer to the bottom with crash mats in place for cover. At La Crux, one can find 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 completed climbing (or whereas the children are nonetheless climbing), settle into the Bistro for a cup of espresso or a much-needed snack to refuel.
Normal 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. Gear leases can be found for objects like climbing footwear. In your first go to, a short guided tour will deal with exhibiting you the amenities, rules, and the way to 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 completely different careers with interactive reveals and experiences. They’ll attempt milking a cow on the farm, analyzing x-rays at a veterinary hospital, filming a film with inexperienced display expertise, 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 could encourage your baby to find their dream profession.
Tickets price $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 curious about 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 numerous issues to see in Laval, we encourage you to think about extending your journey to different unimaginable locations in Quebec. Listed below are three close by areas it is best to take into account:
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 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 optimistic 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 out of doors lovers. With over 650 km of mountain climbing, strolling, and mountain biking trails to discover, it’s an awesome 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, one can find Trois-Rivieres, the second oldest metropolis in North America after Quebec Metropolis. This historic gem performed an important function within the improvement of Canada, serving as a central hub for commerce. At present, you’ll be able to 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. Nevertheless, being a touristy space, English is spoken incessantly in lots of retailers, eating places, and companies. Whereas figuring out fundamental French can assist make your go to a little bit smoother, most English audio system can navigate town and not using a downside.
Is Laval Totally 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 dimension brings extra site visitors and extra challenges to find parking. Laval, alternatively, is a little bit quieter and extra just like the “suburbs” than a bustling metropolis.
We advocate 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 might 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 in your journey to Laval, you will want to think about the season you might be travelling and which actions you intend to take pleasure in.
For those who’re travelling in the summertime, pack for a seaside day on the Mille Îles River, together with, clearly, a showering swimsuit and seaside towel. A big sports activities umbrella and seaside chairs will let you arrange a snug, shaded place to calm down for the afternoon.
However, should you’re travelling through the winter months, you could pack with a deal with the way to preserve 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 lure physique warmth, like a fleece sweater.
