Montreal is widely recognized as a premier tourist destination in Quebec, yet just an hour from downtown lies a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered: Laval! This charming city offers the perfect blend of urban conveniences and pastoral bliss. Whether you’re planning a girls’ getaway, a romantic retreat, or simply a change of scenery, Laval boasts an array of fantastic activities to enjoy.
Laval is situated on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Kanienʼkehá:ka (Mohawk) for millennia. Its waterways served as a vital link between the Ottawa River to the west and the St. Lawrence River to the east. As European settlers arrived, they began transforming the landscape into permanent communities and cultivating farming practices. Over the years, Laval evolved into a cherished escape for affluent families seeking respite from Montreal. Although the city officially became a municipality in 1965, it is rich with historical charm, particularly in its older neighborhoods.
Today, multiple attractions beckon visitors to Laval, which you can discover in the experiences listed below. Continue reading to uncover what Laval has to offer for an unforgettable summer adventure!
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- Handcrafted Cocktails from Ferme Marineau
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- Self-Picked Bouquet from Ferme Marineau in Laval
Amazing Things to Do in Laval
Laval shines all year round, but it truly comes alive in the summer. While a day trip from Ottawa or Montreal is enjoyable, I strongly recommend spending at least a weekend here to absorb all the fantastic experiences Laval has to offer. Given that it takes about seven hours to drive from Niagara, we happily made it a weekend adventure!
Ferme Marineau Flower Festival
Address: 4356 Boulevard Dagenais Ouest, Laval [map]
For more than a century, Ferme Marineau has transformed 175 acres into a vibrant agri-tourism destination with the dedication of five generations of farmers.
A summer visit to the farm allows you to bask in its rural setting, with many activities to enjoy. From playgrounds for children to visiting the friendly goats, there’s plenty to see! Don’t forget to stop by the farm store for fresh produce and baked goods. You can also savor ice cream made from fruits grown right on the farm. If you’re keen, try the U-Pick strawberries, blueberries, or pumpkins in the fall.
If you’re visiting over the weekend, the Marineau Flower Festival is an absolute must! With over 70 varieties of flowers and many ways to experience them, you can create your own bouquet during their self-pick flower experience. Additionally, you can explore the stunning sunflower trails and lose yourself in their corn maze, complete with puzzles and scavenger hunts that elevate the experience!
An outdoor seating area adds to the charm, featuring live music alongside delicious cocktails (and mocktails!), craft beers, and wines. If you’re feeling hungry, enjoy a selection of snacks and sandwiches while soaking in the local talent.
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- Lindz & Kat Figuring Out a Puzzle
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- Some Chemistry Skills May Be Necessary!
Outdoor Escape Room with Immersia
Address: 3065 Rue Peugeot, Laval [map]
While escape rooms may not be the first activity that comes to mind when traveling, they offer a unique way to explore a destination! Immersia in Laval provides an outdoor escape room that encourages you to discover the neighborhood of Vieux Sainte Rose, making it one of the coolest ways to experience the area.
INSIDER TIP: Although the escape room is recommended for 3-6 participants, it’s perfectly doable with just two, making it ideal for couples or small groups!
Equipped with an investigative kit from Immersia, your adventure begins at the Centre d’interprétation de l’eau, where you join new recruits of the WISE (World Intelligence Secret Elite) team to solve the mystery surrounding microbiologist Hans Bergman and the schemes of the nefarious Spidertech corporation. While I won’t spoil too much, I guarantee this is one of the most memorable escape room experiences I’ve had. With puzzles involving augmented reality and even mixing “chemicals” to unlock codes, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!
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- One of the Gazebos at Agneaux de Laval
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- Delicious Build-Your-Own Tacos
Picnic at Agneaux de Laval
Address: 1055 Rue Principale, Sainte-Dorothée [map]
Agneaux de Laval is a charming farm store with deep agricultural roots in Quebec. The Beaulieu family has been dedicated to farming since 1754, and their passion for sustainable practices shines through in everything they do, from raising free-range lambs to implementing eco-friendly grazing methods.
While you can browse their store for premade meals and daily fresh bagels, I encourage you to bring friends for a picnic in their lovely gazebos. They have three rustic structures where you can enjoy a delicious meal in the tranquil farm fields, with everything prepared ready to serve.
You can choose between a hot or cold meal, but I highly recommend their Shepherd’s Mexican Meal. Featuring flavorful grain-fed chicken alongside tender, fall-off-the-bone braised lamb shanks, served with stir-fried vegetables, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortillas, it’s a feast! Dessert is included too! Although Agneaux de Laval doesn’t offer alcohol, you’re welcome to bring your own bottle of wine to complement your meal.
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- Lindz Docked at Île aux Fraises
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- Two of the Turtles in the Rehabilitation Centre
Explore Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
Address: 345 Boulevard Sainte-Rose, Laval [map]
Welcome to the largest protected wildlife area in Laval! Once used for grazing livestock, this area has now become a peaceful refuge for both locals and visitors. Nestled in Sainte Rose, this stunning archipelago within the Mille Îles River spans 971 hectares and is home to over 385 species of wildlife. Its 42 kilometers of protected shoreline provide habitats for many species at risk.
You can enjoy a variety of activities, from hiking scenic trails to visiting the on-site museum to learn about the local history. Perhaps the most exciting way to explore is by kayaking around the numerous islands in the Mille Îles River, where you can dock and explore islands like Île aux Fraises, Île Kennedy, and Île des Juifs, each offering hiking trails, beautiful lookouts, and picnic spots. We especially loved enjoying our takeout lunch from La Bête à Pain on Île aux Fraises!
Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles is also home to a wonderful turtle rehabilitation center, which cares for common species like the painted turtle. Here, injured turtles are rehabilitated, and those requiring lifelong care educate local school children about wildlife conservation.
Inside La Bête à Pain in Laval
Stop In at La Bête à Pain
Address: 1969 Desserte est des Laurentides, Laval [map]
La Bête à Pain is a delightful fusion of food and interior design. This aesthetically pleasing space serves as both a bakery and restaurant, inspiring your home decor aspirations. With floor-to-ceiling windows and white accents, the dining area is flooded with natural light.
Here, you’ll find an array of freshly baked goods like breads, scones, pastries, cakes, as well as homemade treats like caramel, croutons, and jams. They also offer a variety of premade meals perfect for those on the go. While we only sampled a small portion during a takeout lunch at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, I’m eager to return for brunch. The croissant benedict and burrata salad sound absolutely tempting!
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- Rose Sangria from Le Boating Club
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- Louisiana-Style Grilled Shrimp from Le Boating Club
Grab Dinner at Le Boating Club
Address: 30 Boulevard du Curé-Labelle, Sainte-Rose [map]
If you’re dining in Laval, make it a point to visit Le Boating Club. Housed in a historic building that once served as the home of the Sainte-Rose Boating Club, founded in 1889, this venue offers a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of summer. After an extensive renovation in 2014, it now features multiple levels, each with its unique ambiance—including a karaoke room in the basement!
The extensive menu includes something for every taste, starting with a range of drinks from classic cocktails to adult coffees. I opted for their refreshing rosé sangria, made with Coteau Rougemont rosé wine, melon Ciroc, strawberry puree, and topped with fresh watermelon—delightfully perfect after a day of adventure.
For your meal, enjoy a well-rounded selection of proteins from both land and sea, along with a variety of appetizers. It can be difficult to choose from such delicious options, but we decided to share the
Zone Musicales with the Orchestre Symphonique de Laval
Catch a Free Concert
Quebec is renowned for its commitment to the arts, and during my adventures in La Belle Province, some of my fondest memories have been at events that make the arts accessible—like Laval’s Zones Musicales!
From July 7 to August 25, 2024, the city will host 40 free outdoor shows across eight different locations. Over 300 artists, both established and emerging, perform for anyone eager to listen. As day turns to night, witness remarkable talent, including performances by the Laval Symphony Orchestra at Zone 1, located in Bernard-Landry Park. Other zones include Saint-François, Vieux-Sainte-Dorothée, Vieux-Sainte-Rose, Berge aux Quatre-Vents, Centre de la nature, Chomedey, and Montmorency. For more details, visit the Zones Musicales website.
Concerts typically start between 7:30-8:00 pm and encompass numerous musical styles. While classical music may not usually be my preference, it’s hard not to be captivated by the brilliant performances, especially when playing familiar soundtracks from films like Batman and Moana! Grab some friends and a cozy camp chair to enjoy a delightful evening of live music.
King Suite Room at the Courtyard by Marriott Montreal Laval
The Top Laval Hotel to Stay At
As with any city, Laval offers a variety of hotels to choose from. However, I highly recommend the newly opened Courtyard by Marriott Montreal Laval!
This contemporary hotel features 188 elegant rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities like mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, ergonomic desks, cozy seating areas, and more outlets than you could need. As with all Marriott accommodations, expect luxurious beds adorned with plush pillows and quality linens—getting out of bed in the mornings is a challenge!
The bathrooms are spacious, featuring ample counter space and rainfall showers, with some offering bathtubs as well.
On the second floor, you’ll discover RossoCielo, the hotel’s in-house restaurant. Guests and visitors alike are encouraged to dine here. With tasteful decor and enormous windows allowing for natural light, the ambiance is warm and inviting. Guests can unwind on the lovely outdoor terrace.
Ravioli Aragosta from RossoCielo
The menu features delectable Italian-inspired dishes. Since we missed lunch, Kat and I opted for the alla fuoco pizza, a tomato-based pie topped with mozzarella Di Bufala, prosciutto, and arugula, as an appetizer. I followed that with the ravioli aragosta—plump ravioli stuffed with lobster and ricotta, drizzled with a pistachio pesto and a hint of lemon zest. The dish was divine, especially having actual chunks of lobster incorporated. What more could anyone ask for?
Additionally, the Courtyard by Marriott Montreal Laval boasts Laval’s only rooftop terrace on the tenth floor, offering breathtaking views all the way to Mont Royal! Unfortunately, it’s open only Thursday through Sunday, so if you happen to visit midweek, you’ll need to return to experience it.
Conveniently located across from Montmorency Metro Station at 500 Rue Lucien-Paiement [map], this hotel makes it easy to travel between Laval and downtown Montreal while leaving your car parked. If you find the Courtyard by Marriott Montreal Laval fully booked during your desired travel dates, be sure to check out the other fine hotels in Laval.
Views from the Tenth Floor Terrace at the Courtyard by Marriott Montreal Laval
Things to Know For Your Visit to Laval
Are you ready to plan your adventure in Laval? Here are a few tips and essential information to help ensure you have an exceptional experience!
Do You Need to Know French When Visiting Laval?
When traveling to places where English isn’t the primary language, knowing a few key phrases can be incredibly helpful. In Laval, you don’t need fluency in French. However, familiarizing yourself with polite phrases such as hello, please, thank you, and goodbye can greatly enhance your experience!
What’s the Best Way to Explore Laval?
Though public transportation and self-service electric scooters are available, having a car for your adventure is highly recommended. This allows for easier exploration of the rural areas, enabling you to fully appreciate all the delightful offerings of Laval!
Can You Turn Right on Red at Stoplights in Laval?
Yes, you can turn right on red lights in Laval! Just keep in mind that performing this action on the island of Montreal is prohibited and may result in a ticket.
Disclaimer:
This article was created in collaboration with Tourisme Laval, but all opinions and content provided are authentic reflections of my personal experiences.
