Summary
The city of Laval, located on the islands of Île Jésus and Îles Laval, serves as Montreal’s largest suburb, positioned directly to the north. Nevertheless, it operates as an independent municipality and ranks as Canada’s thirteenth largest city.
Laval is a vibrant city rich in history and charm that is often overshadowed by its neighboring Montreal. It boasts a wide array of attractions and activities, making it possible to spend 3 to 4 days exploring. For those contemplating a visit, the following are the 15 most notable activities to experience in Laval.
1. Ride in a Spaceship
The Cosmodome hosts one of the five global Space Camps known as Space Camp Canada, as well as the Space Science Centre.
Children aged 9 to 15 can enroll in the Space Camp, where they have the opportunity to experience a simulated spaceship ride. Additionally, Space Camp Canada offers various activities designed to prepare youngsters for the mysteries of outer space.
The Space Science Centre is an excellent destination for all ages, particularly those with an interest in space exploration. It features a life-sized space shuttle cockpit and an authentic lunar rock on display.
2. Visit a Park
Centre de la nature is an exceptional 50-hectare park open year-round, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts or anyone wishing to immerse themselves in natural beauty.
As the largest park in Laval, it was established on a former quarry site. Its breathtaking gardens were initiated in 1984 and have since expanded to include numerous additional garden spaces.
In addition to its gardens, Centre de la nature is home to various farm animals and offers year-round activities such as hiking, tobogganing, skating, picnicking, fishing, and cross-country skiing.
3. Go Skydiving, Indoors
Experience a thrilling adventure at SkyVenture Montreal, an indoor skydiving facility that provides a safe atmosphere for skydiving without the need for an aircraft.
SkyVenture Montreal features a glass-walled wind tunnel that compresses air, creating wind speeds ranging from 50 km/h to 300 km/h. This airflow enables visitors to float within the chamber as if free-falling from the sky.
Significantly, this facility accommodates individuals with reduced mobility and imposes no weight restrictions, ensuring that everyone can partake in indoor skydiving.
4. Pick Vegetables and Berries
From June to October, visitors can harvest fresh vegetables and berries at Sauriol Farm, a family-owned establishment that has been operated for four generations.
At this farm, pick a variety of produce including berries, tomatoes, eggplants, onions, and sweet peppers, depending on the season.
If self-picking is not appealing, an onsite market offers a selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, freshly baked goods, maple syrup, artisanal cheese, and other food products.
5. Enjoy the Outdoors
The Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles serves as an ideal locale to escape urban life and revel in outdoor activities. The park is a natural sanctuary, hosting a diverse range of local flora and fauna.
Within its expanse lies a 155-kilometre trail that guides you through various forests and marshlands while connecting the Ottawa River region to Lanaudière, incorporating the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles.
The park welcomes visitors year-round, offering a variety of activities. In summer, enjoy boating, fishing, paddling, and hiking, while winter brings opportunities for ice skating, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing.
6. Head to a Festival
Laval hosts several lively annual festivals and events throughout the year, predominantly cultural in nature, with additional events focused on family and environmental themes.
One of the standout events is the Mondial Loto-Québec de Laval, a summer music festival primarily centered around choral performances. Recently, the festival has expanded to include various musical genres, featuring artists like Aerosmith and Sarah McLachlan.
Other significant events include Fête nationale du Québec and Fête de la famille, with Laval also participating in Earth Day celebrations.
7. Go Shopping
Laval features several prominent shopping centers, with Carrefour Laval being the largest, hosting over 300 retail stores across a single level.
Centre Laval is another significant shopping destination, albeit only half the size of Carrefour. It encompasses approximately 150 stores and services within 65,000 square meters.
For a more localized experience, visit Marché public 440, a public market offering high-quality fresh produce as well as prepared gourmet meals, complemented by a notable wine shop onsite.
8. Listen to Music
The L’Orchestre symphonique de Laval (OSL) is an ideal venue for music enthusiasts. Established in 1984, it operates under the direction of one of Canada’s prominent conductors, Alain Trudel.
The orchestra is composed of 53 musicians, accompanied by a resident composer, delivering beautiful performances throughout the year.
Additional concerts and performances are held at the L’Orchestre symphonique de Laval, with tickets available for purchase either online or at the box office.
9. Head to a Golf Course
Golf enthusiasts will find ample opportunities in Laval, which boasts several excellent golf courses suited for avid players.
The Sainte-Rose Golf Club features a charming 18-hole course along with a practice green and equipment rental services. Conversely, the Saint-François Golf Club is home to two picturesque 18-hole courses encompassed by lush foliage, flowers, and artificial lakes.
The private Club Laval-sur-le-Lac stands as a prestigious venue designed by Willie Park Jr., while Le Cardinal Golf Club serves as an alternative for those unable to gain membership.
10. Jump on a Trampoline
iSaute is a 7,000 square meter facility transformed into an expansive trampoline center. It is a vibrant venue ideal for visitors of all ages, particularly families with children, featuring a designated area for toddlers.
Various trampolines and activities are available, including open jumping times, dodgeball, skiing, and bounceboarding.
If you are a night owl, consider visiting iSaute on a Friday or Saturday night for a unique experience with subdued lighting, accompanied by lasers and black lights throughout the space.
11. Learn About the Importance of Water
The Centre d’interprétation de l’eau (C.I.EAU) is dedicated to educating visitors about the significance of water through engaging exhibits and activities suitable for all ages, including children.
Exhibits demonstrate the journey of water from rivers to municipal taps, including the purification process. The center also offers special programs that include tours of the purification facilities.
Open to the public year-round, guided tours last 90 minutes, though independent exploration of the center is also encouraged.
12. Taste Wine
The Château Taillefer Lafon vineyard represents one of Quebec’s largest wine producers and holds the distinction of being the first vineyard authorized to use the term ‘Château’ in its name.
Experience a guided tour of the beautiful vineyard, followed by the opportunity to sample some of its unique wines. Conclude your visit by purchasing a bottle to enjoy at home.
Château Taillefer Lafon produces an array of wines, including white, rosé, and red varieties, alongside sparkling and fortified white wines, as well as exceptional ice cider.
13. Fly on a Trapeze
Trapèse Le Voltigeur offers a safe and exhilarating environment for visitors wishing to experience trapeze flying. As one of Canada’s largest trapeze centers, it conducts daily courses.
To ensure safety, reservations are recommended, and experienced instructors guide participants through this exhilarating art form.
Your experience will encompass 2 hours of instruction and trapeze flying, followed by relaxation in the lounge area.
14. Be a Pilot for a Day
The Aerosim Experience is a highly realistic flight simulator incorporating state-of-the-art technology, providing an unforgettable opportunity to experience being a pilot for a day.
With over 24,000 destinations available in the simulator, participants can fly a full-scale replica of a Boeing 737-800 NG to their chosen location.
Additionally, aspiring jet pilots may choose to operate the F16 Fighting Falcon, working together as co-pilots on a mission across the globe.
15. Go to Church
Located just north of Laval in Saint-Eustache, the Church of Saint-Eustache is renowned as one of the most iconic churches in the Montreal area.
This Roman Catholic church, established in 1783, is recognized as both a heritage site and a national historic landmark. Although the original structure was destroyed during the rebellion, it underwent restoration in 1850.
The church is notable not only for its historical significance connected to the Battle of Saint-Eustache but also for its exceptional acoustics, often utilized by the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal as a recording venue.
