Things to do in Laval, Quebec, Canada

Just across the Rivière des Prairies from downtown Montreal, Laval, Quebec is often thought of as the largest suburb of the city. But it is so much more than that! As the third largest city in the province of Quebec, Laval has a distinct identity of its own. 

With its mix of natural habitats, family attractions, cozy cafes, and cultural experiences, Laval offers much more than its reputation as a commuter hub suggests.We recently spent three days in Laval and were pleasantly surprised by what we discovered. 

From kayaking on the Rivière des Mille Îles to wandering through colourful farms and flower fields and exploring vibrant urban hubs, every day offered something new. In Sainte-Rose, we stumbled upon historic streets and boutique shops, while in Centropolis, we found lively restaurants and nightlife. The variety of activities, ranging from farms and festivals to museums and escape room adventures, makes Laval a great spot for a weekend trip or even longer.

Often overlooked by visitors planning a trip to Quebec City or Montreal, Laval is a destination worth adding to your itinerary. Whether you’re here to explore parks, enjoy local food, or simply spend quality time with friends, you’ll find plenty of reasons to fall for this island city on Île Jésus. 

Read on to discover our take on the best things to do in Laval, Quebec

How to Get to/Get Around Laval

Laval is located just north of downtown Montreal, across the Rivière des Prairies, on the island of Île Jésus. Its central location makes it easy to reach, whether you’re arriving from elsewhere in Quebec, another part of Canada, or even abroad.

By Plane
The closest airport is Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, located about 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Laval. From there, you can take a shuttle, taxi, or rental car directly to the city. Thanks to Laval’s proximity to Montreal, it’s simple to include it as part of a larger trip that also covers Quebec City or even Toronto.

By Train/Metro
Laval is directly connected to Montreal’s metro system. The Orange Line extends north under the river with three main stations: Cartier, De La Concorde, and Montmorency. This makes it easy for visitors staying in Montreal to spend a day exploring Laval without a car.

By Car
Driving is one of the most convenient ways to get to and explore Laval. The city is linked to Montreal by several major highways and bridges, including Autoroutes 13, 15, and 19. Having a car also makes it easier to reach parks, farms, and other attractions outside the downtown area.

Getting Around
Once in Laval, you can use the STL bus network, the metro, or ride-sharing services. The city is also developing more bike paths, making it a good option in the summer months. For longer stays, renting a car gives you the most flexibility to explore neighbourhoods like Sainte-Rose or Sainte-Dorothée, visit farms, or spend time in Laval’s many parks and green spaces.

Best Time to Visit Laval

Like much of Quebec, Laval experiences four distinct seasons, each offering its own charm. The best time to plan your trip depends on what kind of activities and attractions you want to explore.

Spring

In the spring months, Laval comes alive with blooming flower fields and maple sugar shacks that highlight the region’s traditions. It’s a great season to visit parks such as Parc Bernard-Landry or explore the riverside trails along the Rivière des Mille Îles.

Summer

The summer months are the most popular for visitors. Warm weather makes it ideal for kayaking, biking, and enjoying Laval’s many festivals. We visited in the summer and found the weather perfect for exploring, whether paddling along the river, wandering through the downtown area, or relaxing at a cozy café. Outdoor concerts, night markets, and patio dining create a lively atmosphere that lasts late into the evening.

Fall

Autumn in Laval means crisp air, colourful foliage, and harvest season at local farms. You can wander through corn mazes, enjoy apple picking, or spend an afternoon in charming neighbourhoods like Sainte-Rose.

Winter

Winter turns Laval into a playground for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and family-friendly indoor attractions. It’s also the perfect time to explore museums and art galleries. 

No matter the season, Laval is a great spot to visit. Its proximity to Montreal means you can easily combine a few days here with a longer journey through Quebec City and the surrounding region.

Things to Do in Laval

There’s no shortage of activities in Laval, Quebec. From cultural attractions and nature escapes to unique urban hubs and family-friendly outings, the city offers something for everyone. Many of Laval’s highlights also encourage responsible tourism, whether it’s joining a community farm harvest, choosing eco-friendly ways to explore the Rivière des Mille Îles, or supporting local businesses in neighbourhoods like Sainte-Rose. 

Our visit was designed to specifically highlight experiences that protect natural habitats and bring positive change to the local community – here are our recommended activities!

Visit Ferme Marineau

Located in the heart of Laval, Ferme Marineau is a sixth-generation family farm that has become a local landmark for seasonal produce and agritourism. Open from late spring through fall, it offers berry picking, a playful corn maze, vibrant flower fields, and a farm shop stocked with fresh produce and homemade goods. 

During our visit, we joined the owner, Matis Marineau, for a guided tour, enjoyed wood-fired pizza made with vegetables grown just metres away, and sampled their one-of-a-kind strawberry beer brewed in partnership with a local microbrewery. 

But the highlight was visiting their sunflower fields, picking flowers, getting lost in the corn maze and finishing the visit with incredible strawberry ice cream!

Learn at Musée de la Santé Armand-Frappier

Located in central Laval, the Musée de la Santé Armand-Frappier is a science museum dedicated to health, microbiology, and the environment. Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Armand Frappier, the museum features interactive exhibits that make complex topics like infectious diseases, vaccines, and sustainability accessible to all ages. 

We are not big on visiting museums, but this proved to be a fascinating experience. 

During our visit, we explored their temporary exhibit Ça chauffe! Cool it!, which highlights the urgent impacts of climate change and offers concrete actions visitors can take in their daily lives. We also joined a lab-style workshop, where we donned lab coats and learned how to identify ticks, understand the risks they carry, and practice safe ways of dealing with them outdoors.

Right next door is the Cosmodome, a space science centre that’s especially popular with families. Its interactive exhibits and simulators make it easy to learn about space travel, science, and history, making it a fun complement to the museum and another highlight in Laval.

Located right next to the Montmorency metro, Espace Montmorency is a new multi-use complex that blends sustainable design with modern urban living. The space brings together offices, shops, restaurants, and community areas in a setting designed to encourage walkability and green living.

During our stay at the Courtyard by Marriott, strategically situated in the vibrant Espace Montmorency Business Centre, we were able to enjoy this space daily – whether passing through on our way to explore the city or relaxing in the open-air plazas surrounded by native plantings. The design feels modern yet welcoming, with plenty of room to take in the atmosphere.

Wander Centropolis

Centropolis, located at the heart of Laval’s downtown, is a pedestrian-focused district that combines shops, restaurants, and acts as a hub of activity in Laval. Designed as a walkable, people-first space with public art and even an urban garden where herbs and vegetables are grown for local use, it’s a great example of responsible urban planning. Centropolis is where locals in Laval gather outdoors and host community events. 

During our visit, we popped into Centropolis often, be it to check out boutique shops, or restaurants, like Les Enfants Terribles for creative seasonal dishes, Café Ricardo for what we considered the best breakfast in Laval, or just to enjoy the lively evening atmosphere in the square. 

Support Ferme Jeunes au Travail

Tucked into a quiet part of Laval, Ferme Jeunes au Travail is not your typical farm – it’s a non-profit, community-focused initiative that trains and employs young people in sustainable agriculture. The project gives youth hands-on experience in farming, teamwork, and business skills, while also supplying fresh produce to local markets and residents.

You can support the initiative by shopping at the on-site farm stand, where seasonal vegetables are sold directly to the public, or by lending a hand during a harvest. During our visit, we volunteered for a few hours, helping to harvest yellow beans, and found it to be a great way to give back to the organization while connecting with the people who keep it thriving. It was a very special experience!

Paddle at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

This eco-park is one of Laval’s most iconic attractions, protecting a vast stretch of wetlands, islands, and forests along the Rivière des Mille Îles. The area is home to herons, turtles, and countless bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and a vital natural habitat within the city. 

You can rent a canoe, kayak, or SUP to explore the waterways at your own pace, or join a guided outing to learn more about the fragile ecosystem and its conservation.

During our visit, we first visited the Exploration Center’s ecology lab to learn about the biodiversity of the area, then joined a twilight kayak tour. It was one of the highlights of our trip. Over the course of a few hours, we enjoyed sunset on the river while the guides shared stories about the river’s history and biodiversity. To make the evening even more memorable, they surprised us with a small picnic with goodies from local farms, which we enjoyed along the riverbank.

Take a Guided Hike in Bois de l’Équerre

Bois de l’Équerre is one of the largest protected green spaces in Laval, covering more than 260 hectares of forest and wetlands in the city’s northwest. It’s a peaceful urban forest where trails wind through maple groves, meadows, and marshes, offering a glimpse of the biodiversity that thrives on Île Jésus. The forest is managed in part by Canopée, an organization dedicated to protecting Laval’s woodlands and raising awareness about the importance of urban forests.

We joined a guided hike with a Canopée naturalist, who pointed out native trees, explained the role of wetlands in climate resilience, and helped us spot wildlife along the trail. It was amazing to be immersed in nature, surrounded by the sounds of birds and insects, while still being in the heart of the city. The walk was both educational and grounding, reminding us how Laval balances its status as the third-largest city in Quebec with the protection of its natural habitats. 

Explore Vieux Sainte-Rose with Immersia

The historic neighbourhood of Vieux Sainte-Rose is one of Laval’s most charming districts, known for its centuries-old stone houses, landmark church, boutique shops, and cozy cafés. It’s a beautiful area to wander on foot, soaking up the atmosphere and experiencing a slice of Laval’s French heritage. 

We discovered it in a unique way through Immersia: Operation Ste-Rose, an outdoor escape room-style experience that transforms the village into an interactive game board. Solving puzzles led us through hidden corners and historic landmarks, allowing us to explore the neighbourhood while learning its stories in a fun and educational way. 

Explore Parc Bernard-Landry

Parc Bernard-Landry is a popular gathering place in Laval, known for its wide green spaces, walking paths, and relaxed atmosphere. We visited at sunset during our trip to Laval, wandering the trails as the park filled with families, friends, and couples enjoying the evening light. 

Throughout the summer, the park often hosts concerts and community events, adding to its welcoming atmosphere.  

More Things to Do in Laval

Beyond the activities we experienced firsthand, Laval has plenty of other attractions worth considering. Golf enthusiasts can head to the Sainte-Rose Golf Club, where wide fairways and riverside views make for a relaxing day outdoors, especially in the summer months. 

Families might prefer the Laval Nature Centre (Centre de la Nature), a 50-hectare park with ponds, picnic areas, and small farms in summer, which transforms into a playground for skating, sledding, and skiing in winter.

If you’re visiting during the colder months, Laval’s festive spirit comes alive with numerous Christmas markets held throughout November and December. These markets are a great way to experience local traditions, browse artisanal goods, and enjoy seasonal treats in a cozy outdoor setting. For a dose of culture year-round, stop by one of Laval’s art galleries such as Maison des Arts de Laval, where rotating exhibits showcase both local talent and international perspectives.

Enjoy Laval’s Food & Drink Scene

Beyond its attractions and parks, Laval also has lots to offer when it comes to food and drink. The downtown area is dotted with cozy cafés, microbreweries, and restaurants, making it easy to unwind after a day of exploring. Whether you’re in the mood for a creative tasting menu, fresh farm-to-table cuisine, or simply a café au lait in a local coffee shop, the city’s growing restaurant culture makes it a destination in its own right.

With so many options to choose from, here are some of our top recommended restaurants in Laval to check out during your trip.

Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Laval

Sekoya. Helmed by Chef Kevin Bates, Sekoya offers a five-course tasting menu that highlights seasonal and local ingredients. The food is incredible with creative flavours and tasty dishes. A must-visit for those looking for an elevated dining experience in Laval.

Les Enfants Terribles. Located in the heart of Centropolis, Les Enfants Terribles brings creativity to classic dishes. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh flavours, and the lively setting makes it ideal for a night out in Laval’s bustling downtown hub.

Rosso Cielo & Terrasse Cielo. Located inside the Courtyard by Marriott Laval, Rosso Cielo serves refined Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a modern setting. The dishes are elegantly plated, the wine list is well-curated, and its central location makes it a convenient option for both visitors and locals. During the warmer months, the restaurant also opens Terrasse Cielo, its rooftop space, where guests can enjoy cocktails and light bites with sweeping views of Laval’s skyline. The terrace is seasonal and not open year-round – during our visit, it was only open on the weekends. 

Café Ricardo. Another Centropolis gem, Café Ricardo is a must for brunch lovers. Known for its locally sourced ingredients and freshly baked pastries, it’s the perfect place to start the day. The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch and dinner, but we particularly recommend it for brunch – their egg dishes and baked sweets are to die for. 

Le Boating Club. Set in a heritage building in Vieux Sainte-Rose, Le Boating Club combines history with a market-driven menu. With its warm atmosphere and focus on fresh flavours and seafood specials, it’s a favourite among those seeking a mix of local charm and creative cuisine. Although we didn’t get a chance to dine here, it’s a famous spot worth checking out when exploring the neighbourhood.

Les Minettes. Also in Vieux Sainte-Rose, Les Minettes is a gourmet grocery store with a farm-to-table cafe that celebrates local produce. The menu changes often, showcasing the best of the seasonal produce from the nearby farms and local suppliers. The owners are the sweetest and the shop itself is full of goodies to take home. A must visit!

Where to Stay: Hotels in Laval

Laval offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different types of travellers, with plenty of budget-friendly and modern chain hotels to choose from. Many of the city’s hotels are conveniently located near major attractions, shopping districts, and the metro, making it easy to combine your visit with time in downtown Montreal or elsewhere in the region.

During our visit, we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Laval, which proved to be an ideal base. The hotel combines comfort with eco-conscious features, including energy-efficient design and thoughtful waste reduction initiatives. Rooms are spacious and modern, with all the amenities you’d expect—comfortable beds, fast Wi-Fi, and quiet spaces to recharge after a day of exploring. What made the stay even more convenient was the location right next to Espace Montmorency, giving us easy daily access to restaurants, cafés, and public transit.

Sustainable Travel Tips for Laval

As Quebec’s third largest city, Laval is making strides to balance urban growth with the protection of its natural habitats and communities – an effort we really applaud and are eager to support. While visiting you too, can play a role in supporting that vision by making conscious choices during your trip.

Use public transportation or active travel. Laval is connected to Montreal by the metro, and once in the city, you can rely on STL buses, bike paths, or even explore on foot. Choosing these options over driving helps reduce your impact.

Support local farms and markets. Stops like Ferme Marineau and Ferme Jeunes au Travail give you the chance to shop directly from producers, enjoy seasonal food, and contribute to the local economy.

Choose sustainable attractions. Green spaces like Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and protected areas like Bois de l’Équerre offer not just an opportunity to escape the city, but also support conservation efforts in the city. Opt for guided tours that support local organizations and help fund environmental protection.

Dine responsibly. Seek out restaurants with seasonal menus and farm-to-table practices, such as Sekoya or Les Minettes, which prioritize regional ingredients and reduce food miles.

Stay in eco-conscious hotels. Properties like the Courtyard by Marriott Laval are incorporating sustainable design and waste reduction efforts, giving travellers the chance to choose accommodations that align with responsible tourism.

By supporting local businesses, respecting green spaces, and travelling with intention, you can enjoy Laval while helping ensure its community and environment continue to thrive for future visitors.

Final Thoughts

Laval may sit just across the river from Montreal, but it deserves recognition as a destination in its own right. With its mix of farms, parks, cultural sites, and a growing food scene, it offers a refreshing balance of urban energy and natural escapes.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or adding it to a longer Quebec itinerary, Laval is a city that rewards curious travellers looking for something a little different.

Disclaimer: Our visit to Laval was organized courtesy of Tourism Laval, but as always all opinions expressed in this article are our own.