Exciting Things to Do in Laval, Quebec: From Soil to Sky, and Everything in Between
There are Laval attractions perfect for every type of traveller planning to visit Quebec’s third-largest city. From thrilling activities for adventure seekers, opportunities to explore nature trails and delectable fine dining opportunities, this is a city with a lot to offer.
A tropical abundance of annual plants abounds at Serres Sylvain Cleroux.
Laval is a city that offers exciting opportunities for all interests. From its lush natural surroundings and peaceful walking trails to its adrenaline junkie activities, on top of offering a culinary food scene bringing so much to the table, it’s a destination that is well worth arriving in.
Whether you are planning a trip to Laval on its own, or combining it with a trip to other destinations in Quebec and Ontario, like Montreal, the Laurentians, Mont Tremblant, or even Ottawa, then there is no shortage of options in this region.
Chris and I recently had the opportunity to visit Laval in late winter. So much of what we did during our visit would be ideal for visiting in the spring, or really any time of year, too. We weren’t quite sure what to expect upon arriving to Laval, but we quickly realized that this city is changing and growing, and bringing a wealth of new experiences and tastes along with it.
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A Brief History of Laval, Quebec
The historic town square in old Sainte-Dorothée
I’d be remiss to talk about Laval without first acknowledging its history. For centuries, the city that’s now known as Laval was primarily inhabited by the Haudenosaunee people, who were part of the Mohawk nation. While they were in conflict with the Wyandot people (of the Huron nation), it was primarily Haudenosaunee land.
This all changed with the arrival of the Europeans. The English allied with the Mohawks, while the French allied with other Indigenous tribes in the area. By the late 1600s, the French forcibly weakened the Mohawks’ ability to control their land.
Then, when the Roman Catholic order arrived from Paris, Francois de Montmorency de Laval, the bishop of Quebec, was granted control of the island of Laval. There is of course far more to this history than I can delve into here, but this is how Laval got its name today.
From the 1900s onwards, the large island of Laval was known as a holiday destination for Montrealers on their evenings and weekends. In the summer, people would rush to Laval to canoe and swim in its waters. But over the past 120 years there has been significant change.
It first became a suburb of Montreal, but in more recent years it has gained its own sense of identity as a city. It’s a fruitful agricultural area, and it’s overflowing with diverse communities, cuisine and experiences.
Where to Stay: Base Yourself at the Sheraton Laval
The Sheraton Laval Hotel is an excellent place to stay. Chris and I have always loved our experiences staying at any Sheraton brand hotel, since we find they pay such close attention to detail. We even stayed at the Sheraton in Toronto for our wedding several years ago, and our appreciation for the Sheraton brand is no different in Laval.
They’re in the midst of undergoing significant updates and renovations, and as a result the rooms and suites at the Sheraton Laval are truly impressive. We stayed in one of their newly updated Residential Suites, which has been designed with extra flair and bold colours, which we appreciated. Each suite has a king sized bed, a sizeable and stylish living room and dining area with a sofa bed, a kitchen, a powder room and a full bathroom, complete with a jetted tub.
Our room felt like a home away from home, and it would be the ideal place for a family, or a couple or single looking for extra space and comfort during their stay.
The hotel itself also has many amenities, like an impressive conference centre, fitness centre, spa and indoor pool. These all make the Sheraton Laval the perfect place for a business trip, special event or group gathering. I was also particularly impressed with their grab-and-go cafe, Comptoir Gourmand La Spesa, which offers well-selected take-out meals, coffee and snacks.
I find on travel days that I often forget to eat properly (Chris is great about reminding me when he can!), and many times this means I arrive at a hotel only to realize I’m hungry, and would love a quick bite to eat. This was exactly the case when we arrived at the Sheraton, and I was grateful for their selection at La Spesa. I grabbed myself a croissant sandwich, which was the perfect grab-and-go meal to tide me over.
They also have two eat-in restaurants on site, La Piazza and Bar La Cupola. Both are open for all meal times. La Piazza is a favourite spot for breakfast and lunch, and Bar Le Cupola is an excellent place to grab a crafted cocktail and dinner.
If you’re a qualifying Marriott Bonvoy member, you can also access the Sheraton Club Lounge on the main level of the hotel. They offer complimentary breakfast and coffee, along with ample space to gather as a family, meet with colleagues between meetings or get work done during your visit.
Chris and I were truly so happy with our stay here, and would highly recommend booking a stay at the Sheraton Laval Hotel on your next visit to the city. You can also use the map below to take a look at the other accommodations available in Laval during your trip.
Exciting Things to Do in Laval
Let’s get into it—what exactly does visiting Laval mean in terms of things to do? I hate to admit it, but before coming to Laval I really didn’t know very much about it, other than it was its own island and right next door to Montreal. But after seeing all that there is to do in Laval, I know that I’ll definitely be coming back again, and soon.
In no particular order, here are my top choices for the best things to do while you’re in Laval.
Dive into Nature at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Wildlife Preserve
Walking through the nature paths at Parc de la Rivière des Mille Îles
You know that feeling you get when you come to a place, and you instantly breathe out a sigh of relief? This was my immediate feeling when I arrived at Parc de la Rivière des Mille Îles.
The park is located in the north western part of Laval and runs along the river, tucked behind quiet, residential streets. The park offers an amazing opportunity for a quiet escape to nature along the river. Visitors can walk its trails along the riverside, and kayak or stand up paddle board through the many islands in the river.
On top of being a being soothing place to connect with the natural beauty of Laval, the Exploration Centre, located at 345 Bd Sainte-Rose, is a great place to learn more about the history of the area and what the park is doing about conservation efforts and sustainability today.
We were met by Catherine Angehrn on our arrival to the park. She’s worked for Parc de la Rivière des Mille Îles for several years now, and loves its commitment to growth and sustainability, along with its many initiatives to invite the community and visitors from further away to experience nature here. Catherine gave us an overview about the park’s history and surrounding area, and its grounds.
Catherine brought us to down to the Ecology Lab of the centre, where we met Bioecology Technician Maegan Bushell in their Quebec Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. This is the only turtle rehabilitation centre in Quebec, and it’s necessary, since turtle populations are on the decline worldwide. Their efforts at the centre are to “reduce the mortality of adult turtles, and increase the survival of young turtles.”
It’s a very special place to visit and better understand the local turtle species and how to help them.
After falling in love with each and every happy turtle in the Rehabilitation Centre, we were brought through the park’s small but mighty Museum by knowledgeable Educational and Cultural Coordinator, Alexia Desmarais. Their on-site museum is extensive, and covers the history of the area right up to the modern day.
Catherine, Maegan, Alexia and all of the other staff we met were so kind, generous, and clearly have a lot of love for the Parc de la Rivière des Mille Îles, and for our planet. It always gets Chris and I excited when the places we visit have such care not only for the present, but the future when it comes to stewardship and taking care of our environment.
If you’d like more information about the park and its initiatives, you can find it here. They even have some amazing programs, like day camps for kids, and outdoor yoga! This makes a visit here perfect for the whole family.
Take a Workshop at Quebec’s Largest Producer of Annual Flowers
Chris and I with our tropical plant workshop succulent planters at Serres Sylvain Cleroux.
I love an excuse to make a day out of an activity, and that is definitely something you can do at Serres Sylvain Cleroux. Once you see just how many plants they have “on the grow” here, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that this is the largest producer of annual flowers in Quebec.
This place is a literal tropical paradise for plant lovers (I definitely overdressed for our visit here in my giant sweater), which was such a welcome reprieve during our winter visit. It would be the same for spring and fall visits, too.
On top of being an incredible place to find flower arrangements or potted plants for almost any occasion and in any variety, they also offer plant workshops. We decided to take one of their Tropical Plant Workshops during our visit. This was a great way to see and experience all of the plants available at Serres Sylvain Cleroux, and take a little piece of Laval’s plant-growing prowess home with us.
We were brought around to tour the greenhouses by owner Louise Arcand. Seeing all of the varieties of plants they so meticulously care for, and the size of staff that’s needed to make this business a bustling reality is impressive. After checking out all of the plants, we dug our hands into the dirt and designed our own tropical planters filled with succulents.
Experiential activities like this that leaves you with something to remember it by is always such a memorable experience. This would make such a fun activity for a group, a corporate event or for a day date. They have other types of events, activities and promotions going on, so it’s best to stay on top of things by checking out their website.
Spread Your Wings at Canada’s First indoor Skydiving Tunnel
Chris in a guided free fall with Frédéric Livernois at iFLY Montreal.
If you live in a different part of Canada, it’s possible you’ve seen an iFLY Indoor Skydiving location nearby. But did you know that Laval’s iFLY location was the first indoor flight tunnel to be built in Canada?
While its location is technically called iFLY Montreal, it’s important to note that it’s located in Laval. It offers visitors the adventure of skydiving, without having to jump out of a plane to do it. I’ll be perfectly honest when I say that I wasn’t sure how I’d enjoy this experience, but I quickly fell in love and learned why there are so many other skydiving enthusiasts who love iFLY, too.
Before flying, we were led throughout our brief training and instruction with our expert instructor and trainer, Frédéric Livernois, before getting suited up for our flight. We then went into the tunnel one at a time for three opportunities to fly, each time trying a new trick or doing a little more than the time before.
Our package also included a bonus virtual reality flight, where we were wore VR goggles and felt like we were zipping over rivers, mountains and ocean in real time. It’s really hard to put it into words, but the experience at iFly is exhilarating, and honestly so much fun!
After experiencing the flight for ourselves, Chris and I had the opportunity to chat further with Frédéric and fellow trainer David Etienne Lacroix. We learned that the iFLY world extends far beyond people coming for an interesting day trip. There are competitions and training sessions held globally, with many avid athletes who are well-trained skydivers competing.
We also learned that there are several different types of initiatives and training sessions at iFLY. They train members of the military, and they even train people with physical disabilities, since the process can help with strengthening and developing muscle mass for those with limited mobility.
iFLY is conveniently located right next to Centropolis, making it the perfect place to head to afterwards to process your thrilling experience over a little shopping, a drink, or dinner at one of their many restaurants.
Hit the Shops at Centropolis
Centropolis’s winter light and sound show.
Centropolis is a bustling outdoor shopping mall in central Laval. With so many stores and restaurants to choose from, it makes for an excellent place to go for the afternoon with a friend or for a date day with your partner.
We went to Centropolis for dinner with friends, but the opportunities really are endless at Centropolis. There are plenty of clothing, accessory and specialty shops to visit, and there are entertainment options, too.
Depending on the time of year, there’s always something going on at Centropolis. During our visit, they had a winter light and sound show in their central square, and in the summer time the restaurants take to the streets with patio seating lining Promenade du Centropolis.
Visit a Local Winery for a Tasting
When you think of the province of Quebec, your first thought might not be its wineries. Naysayers haven’t considered Quebec’s wines to be worth tasting, but visiting Château Taillefer Lafon Vineyard for a wine tour and tasting will convince you otherwise.
The first grapes were planted in the vineyard here in 1999, and Château Taillefer Lafon produced their first wine in 2005. Over the years they have been growing and perfecting their craft, and produce tens of thousands of bottles of wine per year here now, in various varieties.
The winery opened in 2006. It offers visitors access to their beautiful indoor tasting room where you can sit by the fire in the colder months, and a picturesque terrace overlooking the vineyard for the warmer months. They also have gardens on site that you can visit in the warmer seasons of the year, and they host weddings and special events year-round.
We were expertly led through an informative wine tasting with Frederic, who shared stories with us about growing up in France and moving to Quebec as an adult. He’s seen Quebec’s wine industry grow over the years he’s been here in Canada, and truly feels that Château Taillefer Lafon’s wines are the best in the province. After tasting several of their varieties, I can see where he’s coming from.
Chris and I enjoyed both their Premium Cuvée White Wine and Premium Cuvée Red Wine during our visit. We were also happy to try a unique wine they offer at Château Taillefer Lafon, which is their ice cider. It’s the cider equivalent of ice wine, and it has a sweet and delicious taste.
Don’t Forget to Savour Laval’s Premier Dining Experiences
I was truly blown away by the delectable dining experiences we had during our time in Laval. From breakfast to dinner, there are incredible restaurants scattered across this mighty island, and I would be a fool to skip over Laval’s dining scene in this article.
Each place we visited on this trip offered something different, which I’ve tried to highlight here for you. Once again and in no particular order, these are the restaurants you absolutely have to consider visiting during your time in Laval.
Breakfast or Brunch: La Bête à Pain
La Bête à Pain Laval is one of three unique bakery locations owned and operated by famous Quebecois chef, Marc Andre Royal. There are other locations in Ahunstic and Griffintown, but each location offers guests a little something different.
This Laval bakery is the perfect spot to stop for breakfast or brunch. They have a pastry shop with countless European-style grab-and-go or eat in options. They also have a sit-down restaurant that is fully licensed, with breakfast, brunch and lunch items available, too.
We enjoyed sampling several different dishes and bakery treats during our visit for brunch. We decided to split a few mains and sides, and settled on the Benedictine Croissant (Croissant Bénédictine). This dish was essentially an eggs benedict on a perfectly baked homemade croissant, and it was absolutely phenomenal.
We also tried the Smoked Salmon Tostada (Tostada de Saumon Fumé) Mexican-fusion breakfast tacos with tomatillo, salsa, goat feta and avocado. There were no weak points in the sides either. Both the truffle Home Fries (Frite Maison), and the expertly cooked Quebec maple syrup Smoked Bacon (Bacon Fumé) gave our main courses a run for their money, too.
The pastries here are divine, too. We started with expertly crafted Canelé de Bordeaux, and we took a to-go box of assorted pastries for the road, too. To be honest I can’t even remember which ones we tried, as their pastries area always rotating, but I can assure you they were fantastic.
We happened to visit La Bête à Pain on Valentine’s Day, and the timing was perfect since they have an in-house flower shop connected to the cafe, which was bustling during our visit. It’s hard not to want to buy flowers or at least a cute vase, like I did, with all of the beautiful natural light pouring into this space.
Gastronomy and Fine Dining: Restaurant Le Mitoyen
Le Mitoyen is a charming, upscale restaurant, perfect for celebrating a special occasion. It’s owned by chef Richard Bastien, who has been in the restaurant industry for many years, and originally opened the restaurant in his home. Bastien no longer lives here, but the charm of being in a cozy cottage remains.
The restaurant opened in the 1970s, and it feels like home to anyone who enters its 140-year-old space. It’s situated in the historic centre of Sainte-Dorothée, Laval, and the cottage has seating in all rooms throughout it, each offering a different element of relaxation and indulgence.
For our winter getaway, we opted to sit in the front room cozied up next to the historic stone fireplace, but other rooms in Le Mitoyen offer beautiful light and ambience in their own special way. The upstairs dining area also lets in stunning light, and has you feeling as if you’re dining in the A-Frame of a cozy cottage.
Their menu rotates seasonally, but whatever it is they’re serving, you will be more than impressed. We opted to indulge in their tasting menu, which is a 9-course set menu. We opted for the wine pairing, too, and our server Giovanni expertly led us through our meals and wines all evening. Each course was unique, unpredictable and above-all, incredibly delicious.
From indulgent treats like pan-fried duck foie gras, sea scallops, shrimp ceviche, and the most delectable desserts and details you can imagine, the meal was nothing short of exceptional. If you’re looking for one of the very best meals of your life, then look no further than Le Mitoyen.
Upscale and Inventive: Sekoya Restaurant
Sekoya is a new and exciting restaurant in Laval, offering contemporary Quebec gastronomy experiences for lunch or dinner, and brunch on Sundays.
We visited Sekoya for lunch, which was a treat. They have an excellent wine list, but we decided to give one of their mocktails a try, which was a delicious ginger flavour combination, and utterly refreshing.
They offer guests a set menu at lunch, where you can try an appetizer, a main and a dessert. Their open-style kitchen allows you to watch the chefs in action as they expertly assemble your dishes, and there’s no stone left unturned when it comes to presentation and colour here. All dishes look like bright works of art.
Their menu rotates seasonally, and at the time of our visit in winter there was a large focus on seafood that was as local as possible, bright and flavourful root vegetables and inventive flavour combinations. We enjoyed the grilled octopus and the fish of the day, which happened to be trout, both cooked to perfection. The staff were even kind enough to bring a few of the other dishes we hadn’t tried our way, and they were all exceptional.
Casual Comfort Food: Le Balthazar Pub
This is an excellent pub to come to after a long day filled with exciting activities in Laval. They have ample seating, an exhaustive craft beer list filled with delicious options, and fantastic gourmet pub fare and comfort food.
With menu items like homemade pretzels and wings, they offer exactly the pub food you’re looking for. But their dishes offer a little something extra. For instance, take their Rack Poutine topped with beer braised ribs, red peppers, jalapeneos, fried onions, BBQ sauce and black pepper sauce. I’m not kidding when I say this is quite literally the most flavourful and delicious poutine I’ve ever tried.
They also have an impressive choice of unique burgers, tartar, pasta and salads to choose from. You will be more than happy you decided to visit Balthazar on your trip to Laval.
The Rack Poutine, also known as the best poutine I’ve ever had, at Balthazar Pub in Centropolis.
A Surprising Destination with Activities for Everyone
I hope you’ve found what you’re looking for here when it comes to unique and exciting things to do on a trip to Laval. To say it’s a dynamic destination offering the right activities for anyone in your family or friend group is an understatement.
Don’t forget to check out which local events, festivals or concerts are happening in the area when you’re in town, too. There is so much to do and see in Laval, and I hope you have the most incredible time, no matter where this city and island takes you.
I want to thank Tourisme Laval for hosting us as media. All opinions are completely our own.