Laval, Quebec Travel Guide
City City in Quebec, near Montreal
North of Montreal, Laval offers island parks, canoe routes on the Mille‑Îles and family attractions at Centropolis. Visitors cycle river trails, sample Quebecois cafés in Old Sainte‑Rose and use Laval as a nature‑meets‑suburb base.
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Why Visit Laval, Quebec? #
A short drive from Montreal, Laval draws visitors with a mix of green corridors, family attractions and lively retail hubs. Paddle through the Rivière-des-Mille-Îles for wildlife and water sports, explore the interactive displays at the Cosmodôme space museum, or spend an evening in Centropolis for dining and entertainment. The city’s network of parks and cycle paths makes it easy to sample both outdoor recreation and suburban Quebec culture in one flexible trip.
Who's Laval, Quebec For?
Laval is very family-friendly: Centre de la Nature has playgrounds, skating in winter and a summer splash pad, while the Cosmodôme space museum and the interactive exhibits at Centropolis keep kids busy. Good public amenities and safe suburban streets make outings easy.
Green spaces around Laval are surprisingly extensive - Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles boat tours, the Centre de la Nature trails, and islands in the Mille-Îles offer birdwatching and paddling near Île Jésus. Easy access to Montreal’s Île-Bizard adds variety.
For date nights head to Centropolis/Quartier Laval for cinema, riverside terraces and lively restaurants; the historic Sainte-Rose district is sweet for a quiet stroll and cafés. Short drives into Montreal expand evening options if you want something bigger.
Laval’s dining scene mixes Québécois bistros and multicultural options around Chomedey and Centropolis; Carrefour Laval and local markets offer good casual eats and bakeries. It won’t rival Montreal, but there are pleasant neighbourhood spots and seasonal farmers’ markets.
Top Things to Do in Laval, Quebec
All Attractions ›
- Centre de la Nature - Expansive municipal park with trails, playgrounds, ponds, a small zoo, and seasonal events.
- Cosmodôme - Interactive space museum offering astronaut training simulations and planetarium shows for all ages.
- Vieux Sainte‑Rose - Charming historic village with 18th-century architecture, boutique shops, cafés, and riverside walks.
- Parc de la Rivière‑des‑Mille‑Îles - Regional park focused on waterways; ideal for kayaking, island picnics, and wildlife spotting.
- Carrefour Laval - One of Quebec's largest shopping centres filled with stores, restaurants, and cinemas.
- Place Bell - Modern arena hosting hockey, concerts, and community events in Laval's entertainment district.
- Maison des arts de Laval - Contemporary visual and performing arts centre presenting rotating exhibitions and intimate concerts.
- Sainte‑Dorothée marina and riverfront - Quiet marina area with walking paths, boat launches, and peaceful views of the river.
- Marché public de Laval (seasonal) - Seasonal farmers' market offering local produce, artisanal foods, and friendly weekend atmosphere.
- Îles and small channels within Parc Mille‑Îles - Network of small islands and channels perfect for paddling and close-up nature observation.
- Montréal - Neighbouring metropolis with museums, Old Montreal, restaurants, and easy transit connections from Laval.
- Parc national d'Oka - National park featuring sandy beaches, hiking trails, and historic Oka Abbey ruins by the lake.
- Mont-Tremblant - Mountain resort with hiking, gondola rides, and a lively pedestrian village for dining.
- Saint-Sauveur - Quaint Laurentian town for boutique shopping, spas, and year-round outdoor activities.
- Hudson - Riverside town with galleries, antique shops, and waterfront dining on Lake of Two Mountains.
Where to Go in Laval, Quebec #
Centropolis
The city’s contemporary heart - a compact stretch of restaurants, bars, and venues around Place Bell and Centropolis. It’s where locals go for concerts, weekend dinners and bowling. Suits visitors wanting nightlife and easy access to city services without leaving Laval.
Top Spots
- Centropolis - Laval’s entertainment strip with restaurants, cinemas and late-night spots.
- Place Bell - Big arena for concerts and hockey, a local meetup point.
- Complexe 640/640 (restaurants along boulevard) - Cluster of chain and independent eateries for casual meals.
Chomedey / Carrefour Laval
A practical, busy patch of Laval centered on Carrefour Laval mall and long commercial boulevards. Expect big-box stores, family attractions and a surprising number of international restaurants. Good for shopping sprees or when you need reliable services and family-friendly options.
Top Spots
- Carrefour Laval - One of Quebec’s largest malls with national and niche stores.
- Cosmodôme - Space museum and interactive exhibits popular with families.
- Boulevard Curé-Labelle strip - Packed with international restaurants and practical shops.
Vieux-Sainte-Rose
A leafy, old-village feel right in Laval - narrow streets, heritage buildings and small cafés clustered around the old mill. It’s calm and photogenic, ideal for a slow afternoon of walks, riverside paddling and picking up local treats.
Top Spots
- Moulin Légaré - Restored historic mill and small cultural site.
- Old Sainte-Rose village - Tree-lined streets, local bakeries and heritage homes.
- Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles access points - Launch spots for kayaking and river tours.
Sainte-Dorothée / Îles Laval
Low-key riverside neighbourhoods and small islands where Laval meets the Mille-Îles river. Expect marinas, park trails and weekend paddlers rather than restaurants or nightlife. Great for nature lovers and anyone looking to escape the commercial corridors for a few hours.
Top Spots
- Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles - Nature park for kayaking and birdwatching.
- Club de golf Laval-sur-le-Lac - Historic riverside golf course.
- Marina and riverfront paths - Quiet spots for sunset walks.
Plan Your Visit to Laval, Quebec #
Best Time to Visit Laval, Quebec #
Visit Laval from late May through September for the warm, sunny weather, long daylight and outdoor festivals in parks and along the river. Winters (December-February) are long and snowy - go only if you enjoy true cold-weather activities.
Best Time to Visit Laval, Quebec #
Laval, Quebec's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1002 mm/year), wettest in September, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 97 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Laval, Quebec
Laval is served by Montreal's main airport (Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau, YUL) and by regional flights into Saint‑Hubert (YHU); most long‑distance rail and coach services terminate in downtown Montreal (Gare Centrale) with easy onward connections. The fastest public route from downtown Montreal to Laval is the Orange Line metro to the three Laval stations (Montmorency, Cartier, De la Concorde).
Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL): The main international gateway for Laval. By taxi or rideshare to central Laval expect roughly CAD 40-60 and about 20-35 minutes depending on traffic; by rental car the drive is about 20-30 minutes via Autoroute 20/13/15. There is also the STM 747 airport express bus (to downtown Montreal) - approx. CAD 10-12 and 30-45 minutes to downtown; from downtown take the Orange Line metro to Montmorency (another ~20-25 minutes).
Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport (YHU): A smaller regional/charter airport on the South Shore. Ground transfer to Laval is by taxi or rental car only; expect a drive of roughly 25-40 minutes and fares around CAD 40-70 depending on time of day and traffic.
Train: Major intercity rail (Via Rail/Amtrak connections) arrive at Montréal Central Station (Gare Centrale). From there, transfer to the Montreal Metro Orange Line (walk to Bonaventure/Lucien‑L’Allier/McGill depending on entry) and take the Orange Line north to the Laval stations (Montmorency, Cartier, De la Concorde). Metro travel from downtown Montreal to Montmorency is about 20-25 minutes; expect a local single fare (metro/bus) of about CAD 3.50 (use an OPUS card or single tickets).
Bus: Regional and local buses for Laval are operated by Société de transport de Laval (STL) and by Exo for some regional routes. Key hubs include Terminus Montmorency and Terminus Cartier. Local STL rides are roughly CAD 3.50 single; travel times within Laval are typically 10-40 minutes depending on route, while regional Exo buses to/from other suburbs vary by route and zone.
How to Get Around Laval, Quebec
Laval is easiest to navigate by combining the Montreal Metro (Orange Line) with STL buses - that combination is affordable and usually the fastest way between neighbourhoods and the Montreal core. Taxis or car are handy for late‑night travel or trips outside the transit grid, but for most visitors the metro + STL + walking mix works best.
- Montreal Metro (Orange Line) - Laval stations (≈CAD 3.50 single) - The Orange Line extends into Laval with three stations: Montmorency (terminus), Cartier and De la Concorde. Trains run frequently during peak hours and are the quickest way from central Montreal to Laval (about 20-25 minutes from downtown to Montmorency). Buy and load fares on an OPUS card for best convenience; expect packed trains at rush hour.
- Société de transport de Laval (STL) buses (≈CAD 3.50 single) - STL runs the local bus network across Laval with several termini (Terminus Montmorency, Terminus Cartier, Terminus Duplessis). Buses connect neighbourhoods with the metro stations and run regular daytime schedules; frequency can be sparse in low‑demand corridors and evenings. Use the STL app or OPUS card and check schedules for transfers to/from the metro.
- Exo regional buses & commuter rail connections (CAD varies by zone (≈CAD 3.50-10+)) - Exo operates regional bus routes and commuter services in the Greater Montréal area; some routes serve Laval terminals and link to other suburbs. Timetables and fares vary by line/zone, so check Exo/ARTM pricing - expect higher fares for multi‑zone regional trips. Useful for reaching destinations outside the STM/STL network or for suburb‑to‑suburb travel.
- Taxi & ride‑hailing (Uber, local taxis) (CAD 8-60 (trip dependent)) - Taxis and Uber operate across Laval and to/from Montreal and the airports. Short trips within Laval commonly cost CAD 8-25; airport transfers from YUL to Laval are typically CAD 40-60. Taxis are convenient late at night or where bus service is limited, but can be expensive in heavy traffic.
- Driving & car (rental, carshare) (Parking CAD 2-5/hour typical; rentals/ carshare vary) - Driving is straightforward: Laval is served by Autoroutes 15, 13 and 440 and is well signposted. Car rentals and car‑share services are available, useful for day trips or locations poorly served by transit. Expect to pay for parking in commercial areas (metered or paid lots) and allow extra time for rush‑hour congestion on bridges into Montreal.
- Walking - Laval is a suburban city with compact town centres (especially around Montmorency and Centropolis) that are pleasant to explore on foot. Walking is the best way to cover short distances, reach bus stops or explore parks and shopping streets; wear comfortable shoes and be aware that some destinations are spread out and may require transit for access.
Where to Stay in Laval, Quebec #
- Comfort Inn Laval - Basic rooms, free parking and breakfast
- ibis Laval - Budget-friendly, near shopping areas
- Sheraton Laval - Full-service hotel with pool and restaurant
- Hôtel Mortagne - Comfortable, family-run with good amenities
- Sheraton Laval - Top-tier amenities within Laval city limits
- Boutique stays near Laval centre - Higher-end boutique rooms and suites
- Sheraton Laval - Easy to reach from highways and transit
- Hôtel Mortagne - Central, welcoming and conveniently located
- Sheraton Laval - Family rooms, pool and kid-friendly dining
- Hôtel Mortagne - Spacious rooms, close to attractions
- Sheraton Laval - Business facilities and reliable Wi‑Fi
- Hôtel Mortagne - Comfortable rooms with workspace
Where to Eat in Laval, Quebec #
Laval eats like a practical, suburban Quebec city - you’ll get classic Québécois comfort food (poutine, smoked‑meat sandwiches, pea soup) alongside a lot of mall and strip‑mall dining. The commercial spine along Boulevard Saint‑Martin and around Carrefour/Place Laval is where most of the action is: casseroles and rotisseries, bakeries for morning croissants, and family‑run takeaways for Middle Eastern, Portuguese and Vietnamese food.
If you’re hunting real Quebec flavours, aim for an old‑school casse‑croûte for poutine and a bakery for fresh pastries and tourtière. For variety, the malls and big shopping streets have diverse international options and enough vegetarian choices that a meatless meal is never hard to find.
- Boulevard Saint-Martin eateries - Cluster of diners and casse‑croûtes along the main artery.
- Traditional casse‑croûte - Try poutine and smoked-meat sandwiches.
- Local bakeries - French‑Canadian pastries and tourtière in the morning.
- Centre Laval mall restaurants - Mix of familiar chains and pan‑Asian options.
- Multicultural spots on Saint‑Martin - Vietnamese, Portuguese and Middle Eastern takeout nearby.
- Food courts at Carrefour Laval - Quick global bites in the big shopping centre.
- Local cafés and bakeries - Vegetarian sandwiches and quiches are widely available.
- Vegetarian options at bigger restaurants - Most bistros offer meatless poutines or bowls.
- Health‑food shops - Prepared salads, grain bowls and vegan desserts.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Laval, Quebec's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Laval, Quebec #
Laval’s after-dark scene is suburban and practical: think groups of friends grabbing dinner, a few bars clustered in entertainment complexes, and the occasional arena show rather than all-night clubbing. The two places most visitors notice are Centropolis (the city’s main restaurant-and-bar complex) and Place Bell, which brings sports and touring concerts to town. If you want proper club energy, Montreal is a short drive or metro ride away - many people in Laval make that trip.
Go for relaxed pub nights, family-friendly restaurants, or a concert at Place Bell. Expect casual dress in most spots, weekend closing times around 2:00-3:00 AM for bars in the province, and typical suburban safety - stick to well-lit streets and rideshares after late shows.
Best Bets
- Centropolis - Cluster of restaurants, bars and late-night patios in Laval.
- Place Bell - Arena hosting concerts and sporting events, lively on event nights.
- CF Carrefour Laval - Shopping mall with a wide selection of evening restaurants and bars.
- Vieux Sainte‑Rose (Old Sainte‑Rose) - Quieter village feel with cafés and restaurants for evening strolls.
- Chomedey / Boulevard Saint‑Martin - Busy commercial strip with casual bars and late‑night eateries.
- Downtown Laval dining strip - Several small bars and restaurants clustered near the metro.
Shopping in Laval, Quebec #
Laval’s shopping is a mix of big suburban malls, big-box strips and a handful of pleasant old-village streets where you can find local boutiques and antiques. For mainstream retail and brand names head to CF Carrefour Laval; for evenings out with shops and restaurants try Quartier Centropolis. If you want small-town character, Vieux Sainte‑Rose’s streets have independent shops and antique dealers worth an hour or two.
Best Bets
- CF Carrefour Laval - Large indoor mall with dozens of Canadian and international brand stores.
- Quartier Centropolis - Entertainment and dining district with specialty shops and lively weekend vibe.
- IKEA Laval - IKEA for Scandinavian staples, small furniture and home-organizing solutions.
- Vieux Sainte‑Rose - Charming old village street with antiques, artisanal shops and cafés.
- Place Bell (events/retail pop-ups) - Venue that often hosts markets, pop-ups and seasonal shopping events.
- Laval retail strips (Mega Centres) - Big‑box retail corridors for electronics, sports gear, and home goods.
