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Looking for the best things to do in Laval? This 4-day itinerary breaks down exactly how we spent our time in one of Québec’s most underrated cities. We cover everything from kayaking through island sanctuaries and visiting Canada’s only space museum, to hitting up local farms for fresh berries and enjoying rooftop dinners with a DJ.
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Whether you’re road-tripping from Toronto or adding Laval to a longer Québec adventure, this guide will help you plan each day with ease — complete with where to stay, what to eat, and the coolest activities to line up for your visit.
What You’ll Get Out Of This Article
- A detailed 4-day itinerary covering the best things to do, eat, and experience in Laval, Québec.
- Tips on where to stay, including two great hotel recommendations based on firsthand experience.
- A great selection of summer activities that the whole family will love including berry picking, kayaking, and local festivals.
- Restaurant picks ranging from cozy brunch spots to rooftop dining and French fine dining.
- A mix of adventure, relaxation, and sweet indulgences – from escape into space to spa visits and the best soft-serve.
4-Day Laval Itinerary
TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO LAVAL
- Where to stay – We tried the Sheraton Laval and Courtyard Montreal Laval and we loved both properties. I think if you’re looking for a more modern and hip stay with the bonus of being able to take the subway into Montréal, the Courtyard is great. Sheraton Laval on the other hand has a spa, more amenities, free parking, and is walking distance to Laval’s biggest mall.
- Must-pack item – You’ll be doing a lot of walking so comfortable pair of walking shoes for Laval’s downtown streets, festivals, museums, and parks.
- Recommended activity – The kayaking on Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles was something we didn’t expect and a great half day activity in Laval.
- Before you go – French is the main language. While many locals speak English, having a few basic French phrases can go a long way and is appreciated. You can get your practice in with Rosetta Stone French or there’s always Google Translate of course.
- Car rentals – If you’re not driving your own car, you’ll need to rent a car in Montreal. To save money, use these car rental coupon codes and start your search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so you know what the prices are across all companies.
- Flights – If you are flying in from elsewhere use the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature to find the best deals from your local airport. Check how much it would be for you to get to Laval!
- Insurance – Not always required but always recommended! Make sure you’re covered with the best travel insurance. Our go to is always HeyMondo, the rates are great, and it has solid all-round coverage. Also, with our link you automatically get 5% off!
- Hottest deals – Make sure to bookmark our frequently-updated travel deals page.
I’ll be honest, after all of these years going to Québec, including trips to Montréal, we’ve never been to Laval, despite being so close to the city. This time, we aimed to correct this, but we also didn’t know what to expect. What we saw really surprised us.
We wrap things up with our closing thoughts, but what you’ll really appreciate about this Laval itinerary is just how close in proximity and how diverse the offerings are in the city.
As background, we actually combined this itinerary with our 6 days in Tadoussac and the Gaspé Peninsula. This ended up being the perfect stop for us to break up the long drive from Toronto.
While Laval definitely reminded us of suburbs, such as Mississauga and Oakville near Toronto, we soon realized that Laval is at a whole other level. These were our four fun and fulfilling days exploring everything this vibrant city has to offer. So, let’s get on it!
📚 Laval Mini Guide 📚
🏨 Best Hotels – Sheraton Laval, Courtyard Montreal Laval
🍴Where To Eat – Sekoya, Le Mitoyen, La Bête à Pain, Christina’s Cuisine, Les Enfants Terribles, Bagel Ste-Rose, Les Minettes, Le Berlingot, Terrasse Cielo
🎟️ Best Places To Visit – Ferme Marineau, Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, Centropolis, Cosmodôme
⭐️ Must Do Activities – Relax at Amerispa, Kayaking Parc Mille Îles, Natural Immersion Program (Quebec Turtle Rehabilitation Centre), iFLY Montréal, Operation Old Ste-Rose by Immersia, Cosmodôme
Day 1: Settle In & Unwind In Laval
For most that are driving in, you’ll feel the fatigue. So, your first day is meant to be super easy going and relaxing. These are the overall vibes you’ll get for the duration of your time in Laval – one of the reasons why we enjoyed this trips so much.
Departing Toronto in the morning, we arrived in Laval in the afternoon, just in time to check into our home base for the next few nights – the Sheraton Laval. The hotel’s modern comforts and spacious rooms made it the perfect place to settle in and kick off our stay.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
As a heads up, for this trip, we wanted to try two different hotels in the city. Both that we stayed at including this one was rated really well but also offered differences in terms of vibe.
Overall, this Sheraton is elegant, upscale, and also exactly what you expect in the brand. Its large lobby is welcoming and has the bonus of offering its own mini-market, cafe, bar, restaurant, pool, and lounge.
You’ll also appreciate that this property offers a rotation specials and events including live music.
- Address: 251 Rue des Pionniers, Tadoussac, Quebec G0T 2A0
- Parking: There isn’t any gated parking area for the hotel specifically. You can park in the vicinity of the hotel, which does have covered spots if you’re looking for them. If these spots are taken, you can also park in spots for the mall. Parking is free.
- Website: Sheraton Laval
- Room: We got upgraded to the suite 1 bedroom junior suite and were blown away by just how spacious this was. It’s also been renovated so we appreciated small details such as a wireless phone charger on top of the alarm clock.
- Breakfast: You can book rooms with Club Lounge Access, and this might be the best way to get breakfast included. Alternatively, if you have Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you’ll get access to the lounge as well. The selection in the lounge is really great with a wide selection of drinks.
- Location: This hotel is literally next to the mall, which is really convenient. In general though, Laval is a really compact city, so being here is really convenient to get around by car.
- Tips: If you have access to the Club Lounge, they also set up food for happy hour in the afternoon. This is great if you didn’t have a big lunch or would like to nibble on something with a glass of wine before your night out.
We strategically booked the Sheraton Laval because we knew that the Amerispa is attached to the property. This meant that once we unpacked and settled in, we strolled over for our spa session.
Booking the couples massage in the afternoon, this was exactly what we needed. During our 50-minute session, our stress melted away and they worked out all of the knots.
The wind-down continued as post-massage, they showed us the lounge where they gave us cups of freshly-brewed tea.
The one surprise we didn’t expect was that the spa has a direct connection to the pool and hot tub. If that wasn’t enough, they also had a special area of the pool encased in glass just for spa guests.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Address: 2410 Laurentian Autoroute, Laval, Quebec H7T 1X5
- Hours:
- Monday: 10AM-5PM
- Tuesday – Friday: 9AM – 9PM
- Saturday: 9AM – 6PM
- Sunday: 9AM – 5PM
- Price: The 50-minute couples massage costs $284 Mon-Thurs and $334 Fri-Sun.
- Parking: You can park anywhere at the hotel or the adjacent mall (CF Carrefour Laval).
- Website: Amerispa Sheraton Laval
- Tips:
- We recommend that you book your spa session in advance to make sure you get the time slot you want.
- No need to bring your own robe and slippers as they provide those in addition to your own locker.
- Included in your spa treatment is access to their lounge spaces in both the basement and on the main level. You also can use the beach chairs in a private space by the pool, and be able to use the pool on its own as well. This is especially handy for those that aren’t guests of Sheraton Laval as you essentially get free access to their facilities.
Feeling refreshed, we headed to Sekoya, a chic restaurant by chef Kevin Bates Breault of Les Chefs’ Season 14 fame in Québec.
Sekoya brings serious flair to Québec cuisine with their seasonal tasting menu where each plate after another was a standout, including the guinea fowl, foie gras, lobster, and gin & tonic-inspired key lime pie.
Throughout the dinner, I had several flashbacks to molecular gastronomy restaurants I’ve been to in the past and it has to do with how the chef is able to deconstruct flavors and textures, and then recombine them in ingenious ways.
The experience is further enhanced by the plant-filled space and open kitchen where you can see Kevin work his magic like a maestro.
Back at the Sheraton Laval, we were more than ready to crawl into bed and rest up for full days of exploring ahead of us.
Laval Day 1 Summary
What you’ll see and do:
Where you’ll eat:
- Dinner: Sekoya
Where you’ll stay:
- Sheraton Laval (TripAdvisor/Direct/Booking/Expedia) – We chose to stay here for its central location, modern amenities, and easy access to the city’s top attractions. As one of the larger properties in Laval, you’ll appreciate the amenities of a lounge, cafe, bar, and restaurant on-site. The adjoining spa is also a nice bonus as well that we certainly took advantage of.
Day 2: Farms And Mille-Îles
Your second day in Laval is packed full of surprises. As a suburb of Montréal, we bet that you didn’t think you’d be able to do these things!
Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at the Club Lounge inside the Sheraton Laval. It’s got a solid spread of morning staples and it’s a convenient and comfortable way to fuel up before heading out.
You probably didn’t know this, but literally 10 minutes from central Laval are acres of farmland that supply much of the fresh fruit, vegetables, and livestock to this region. You’ll get to see this first-hand today.
It starts with Ferme Marineau, a family-friendly farm which throughout the season offers pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, flowers, and pumpkins. It also has a corn maze in the fall.
What blew us away was how we were able to go from our hotel one minute, and the next, we were saying hello to farm animals, playing with the slide in the playground, testing our skills with the lawn games they have set up, and picking strawberries which were in-season when we visited.
They also have an on-site market which sells jams, baked goods, and produce that actually came from the same fields you just walked through.
Before you go, make sure to visit their ice cream stand. Whether it’s their milk shakes, sundaes, or soft-serve in freshly made waffle cones, this is a sweet way to reward yourself for all of the hard work you did filling up your baskets.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Address: 4356 Dagenais Blvd. West Laval, Quebec H7R 1L5
- Hours: Market – Weekdays: 9AM to 8PM and weekends: 9AM to 7PM
- Price: There is no admission to enter the market or playground area. For strawberries and blueberries, in order to enter the fields, there’s a minimum number of baskets expected for all people over the age of 4 for blueberries and 7 for strawberries. For flowers in the fall season when they also set up a corn maze and have other activities available, there is admission for the field and flowers are charged by the jar that they provide.
- Strawberry Prices (baskets in photo above):
- 4-liter basket: $20 (Minimum 1 basket for 2 people), $19 with the purchase of 2 baskets of 4L and up.
- 2-litre basket: $11 (Maximum 1 person per basket).
- 1-litre basket: $6 (Reserved for children under 7 years old who wish to pick with their own basket).
- Blueberries Prices:
- One person: Minimum purchase of one empty 3-litre basket at $24.
- Two people aged 4 and over: Minimum purchase of one 3-litre basket at $24.
- Three people aged 4 and over: Minimum purchase of two 3-litre baskets at $24 each.
- Four people aged 4 and over: Minimum purchase of two 3-litre baskets at $24 each.
- Parking: Plenty of parking on-site
- Website: Ferme Marineau
- Tips:
- If you have kids, account for the time in the playground, farm animals, and the lawn games they’ve set up on the way to the strawberry fields.
- At the entry of the farm, you can borrow wagons free of charge. If you’re with kids or carrying a lot of things, this is super handy.
- Strawberry season is mid-June to mid-July
- The strawberry fields are at least 800m from the entrance so expect to walk a bit.
- Blueberry season is mid-July to mid-August.
- Blueberries require reservations for specific time slots.
- Check the website ahead of time if you plan to pick strawberries/blueberries. If there is rain or bad weather this activity may be closed.
- Since you’ll be out in the field without any cover, make sure you’re lathered up with SPF 50 sunscreen.
- Avoid wearing white (Chantelle regretted that decision) because it’s so easy to get stained from picking.
- The ice cream stand across from the market is superb and uses the fresh fruit from their own farm. We highly recommend their sundae and milkshake. They also have slightly different hours and open from 10AM – 9PM.
Your next stop in the agricultural area of Laval is Agneaux de Laval, where you’ll be able to try some of the wonderful products of this region.
We first went into their market and within 15 minutes of us checking out what they had, we saw half a dozen of locals come in and out, picking up anything from eggs, milk, bagels, cream cheese, vegetables, fresh meat, and pies.
Of course, not being local, the market isn’t super helpful for you. Instead, you’re here for a picnic lunch!
Reserving the picnic under a gazebo experience, we were provided a mix of some of the things they’re best known for – bagels, house-made cream cheese, freshly smoked BBQ chicken with a special maple and spice rub, smoked lamb, and mini pear pie.
Something else you’ll love about this farm is their open-to-everyone pen of sheep, ducks and free-range chickens. There isn’t any admission to go in. Simply unlock the double gates yourself and say hello.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Address: 1055 Rue Principale, Sainte-Dorothée, QC H7X 0C9
- Hours: Daily 9AM – 6PM
- Price: Picnic under a gazebo is $38 per person (1 hour)
- Parking: Plenty of parking on-site
- Website: Agneaux de Laval
- Tips:
- At the entrance of the farm, you’ll see the name “Marché de la Ferme” in much larger font. This is the name of the market that’s part of Agneaux de Laval.
- For the picnic under a gazebo, make sure that you reserve by e-mailing them ahead of time.
- You can create your own picnic bundle by buying different things from the market.
- While we were a bit conflicted to visit the 100% grass-fed sheep that would eventually become meat, you are allowed to walk into the sheep pen for free.
- You don’t necessarily need to buy any of their food to enjoy their farm and picnic space. We saw locals come in to just enjoy the outdoors.
Little did we know that not only are there farms nearby, but also river system that flows through an archipelago of islands.
After your farm picnic, it’s time to head to Parc de la Rivière‑des‑Mille‑Îles, a protected river sanctuary that offers an array of watercraft including canoes and kayaks.
The Centre d’exploration du Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles is the central hub for your adventures here. Opting for two single kayaks, we paddled out to explore the islands.
What makes this extraordinarily fun is that, unlike a giant lake, you can actually jump from island to island. On the ones that are not privately owned, you’ll be able to use the docks to get out of your kayaks to stretch your legs, have a picnic, go for a hike, and use the bathroom if you need to.
As you glide through hidden channels and marshes, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including beavers, turtles, and great blue herons. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Laval’s rich natural beauty.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Address: 345 Boulevard Sainte-Rose, Laval, Quebec H7L 1M7
- Hours: These change year to year but this gives you an idea of how it changes throughout the year.
- From Saturday, May 17 to June 20, 2025 – Open only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10AM to 5PM
- June 21 to July 18, 2025 – Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 5PM, Friday to Sunday, 9AM to 6PM
- July 19 to August 10, 2025 – Monday to Sunday, 9AM to 6PM
- August 11 to 31, 2025 – Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 5PM, Friday to Sunday, 9AM to 6PM
- September 1 to October 13, 2025 – Open only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10AM to 5PM
- Price: The below are rental costs:
| Canoe | $39.75 | $50.75 | $10/30 mins |
| Single Kayak | $36.75 | $48.50 | $10/30 mins |
| Double Kayak | $53.75 | $69 | $15/30 mins |
| Rabaska (Indigenous birchbark canoe) | $96 | $125 | $25/30 mins |
| SUP | $36.75 | $48.50 | $10/30 mins |
You can also rent waterproof bags and cell phone water bags.
- Parking: Large parking lot at the park which also has 2 EV chargers
- Website: Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
- Tips:
- We recommend wearing the sunshine essentials while out on the water to protect yourself from sunburn; sunscreen, hat and sunglasses! For any water related sport, we always carry our phones in a Joto Waterproof Phone Pouch just in case as well.
- The waters are relatively calm, so you don’t necessarily need a waterproof bag, but if you want to be safe, we recommend this one which also comes with a phone bag.
- There are several routes recommended by the park which you can see in the map at the bottom of the activities page. If it’s your first time here, the La tournée du grand duc (green) is what we did as it gets you out to one of the bigger islands and gives you several options to get off as well such as Îles des Juifs (point number 8). There are picnic benches, outhouses, and hiking trails on this island.
- They have 300 boats for rent so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting a rental.
- As a heads up, it’s easy to mix up Mille-Îles with Thousand Islands in Ontario since that is the same name when translated to English. Make sure you’re going to the correct Laval park in your research.
But wait, there’s more! Back at the exploration centre for Mille-Îles, there’s a combination of a Turtle Rehabilitation Centre laboratory and museum that are both worth visiting.
Let’s start with the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, Québec’s first dedicated life-saving facility for injured turtles coming from all corners of the province. Inside the ecology lab, you’ll have an opportunity with the resilient creatures up-close, some of which are recovering and others that are permanent residents because they can’t be released back into the wild.
During the tour, you’ll not only learn about their journeys to recovery but also about the local conservation strategies and ways you can help—like reporting turtle sightings or supporting nest protection programs.
The other part of the tour is a guided visit to their exhibition space which is called Exposition Incroyable Mais Vrai! which translates to Believe It Or Not.
This is a comprehensive display of what makes this area the greatest example of biodiversity in the entire Laval metropolitan region and the Laurentains. Along the way, you’ll also learn about some of the history of these water ways.
The exhibition is packed with informative displays, dioramas, and dynamic videos.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Address: 345 Boulevard Sainte-Rose, Laval, Quebec H7L 1M7
- Hours: The specific tour times are:
- Saturdays and Sundays at 11AM, 12:30PM, and 2PM
- Price: Adult (18+) for $12, children (7-17) for $7 and infants (0-6) for free. Seniors get a 10% discount, and they also offer a family package price as well.
- Parking: Same parking lot as the exploration center
- Website: Natural Immersion Program
- Tips:
- They currently don’t offer the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre laboratory visit separately so you have to do the bundled Natural Immersion Program which combines that with the exhibit/museum.
- No reservations are required
- Getting there: This is located in the same building as the exploration centre (main visitor centre).
Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at Le Mitoyen started by famed Québec chef, Richard Bastien. Located in his original home, this is considered to be Laval’s oldest restaurant, having started its culinary excellence in 1977.
In a way, Le Mitoyen, while focused on similar French-Canadian cuisine, is almost a polar opposite to Sekoya in terms of style.
When you step into the 1870’s stone house in the town square of Ste. Dorthée, Laval, you’re transported to a quaint and intimate French country home where the service is of the highest level (shout out to our server, Gislain), and every dish is curated to include the best seasonal ingredients from Québec and elevated to the utmost polish.
As far as fine-dining experiences go, Le Mitoyen ticked all of the boxes for us. We particularly enjoyed our wine pairings, bone marrow with morel mushrooms, lamb chops, and filet mignon.
Day 3: Summer Of Festivals In Laval
We all know that Montréal is the city of some of the best festivals in the summer but how does that translate to Laval in the north? The quick answer is that it absolutely does!
Start the day with a brunch at La Bête à Pain in Laval. As a bakery, they have mouthwatering bread, pastries, and cakes where many of their items sell out early in the morning, but the secret is that their café also serves a superb brunch.
Again, elevated by ingredient-drive cuisine, we really loved our croissant benedict smothered in hollandaise, and french toast topped with bacon, cheddar, and poached egg.
We also had a good chuckle with how it’s not the Americano that’s on the menu, but a Canadiano.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you’re absolutely going to love the iFLY Montréal (ironically located in Laval). We had a chance to do this on the Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas and it was an absolute thrill.
With zero skydiving experience required, you’ll go from suiting up to floating in the air with the helpful guidance of your instructor. From experience, I know how you’ll barely be able to open your mouth with how strong the wind will be blasting your face but when you’re out of the tube enclosure, you’ll be certainly all smiles.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Address: 2700 Avenue du Cosmodôme, Laval, Quebec H7T 2X1
- Hours: Open daily 9AM – 10PM
- Price: Prices vary depending on how many people are in your group and how many flights each person would like to do. Check out the website to see booking prices and make your reservations.
- Parking: Free parking on-site
- Website: iFLY Montréal
- Tips:
- Before you visit, make sure to fill out the waiver.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Pants, t-shirt, and lace-up sneakers are ideal. Avoid collars and hoodies for the best fit under your flight suit.
- Don’t worry if you forget your shoes, iFLY can lend you lace-up sneakers if needed.
- Bring a hair tie and maybe a brush to manage post-flight tangles.
- Lockers are available, but it’s best to avoid bringing anything valuable.
- Be ready to take off anything loose before your flight, like jewelry.
- Children 3 and up are allowed to fly.
- To set the right expectations, media (photos) are at an additional cost unless they are included in a package.
For lunch, we suggest that you check out Christina’s Cuisine, an authentic Greek restaurant that locals swear by.
When you’re here, you can expect overwhelmingly friendly services, dishes that range from the classics such as gyros and souvlaki, and also homemade specialties such as moussaka, pastitsio, and fried calamari.
Unique to our trip is that we wanted to try another property in Laval, so we made a quick move to the Courtyard Marriott Montreal Laval in the afternoon. All for the name of research, right?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
For Day 3 and Day 4, we tried a different property. We didn’t go that far but we traded in a spa and walking distance from the mall with a brand new property, being next door to Montmorency Station (Montréal Metro), Place Bell Arena, and rooftop restaurant.
The downside of this property is that parking is extra, and doesn’t have a pool or spa.
- Address: 500 Rue Lucien-Paiement, Laval, QC H7N 0H6
- Parking: There is underground parking in the building that’s shared with other tenants in the complex. This costs $17/day and comes with in-and-out privileges. There are also EV chargers in this lot.
- Website: Courtyard Marriott Montreal Laval
- Room: For a standard king-sized room, we were impressed with how spacious the room was, thanks to its modern layout. It’s also a small detail but loved the little passthrough in the bathroom with the shower. Heads up that rooms have a fridge and mini fridge.
- Breakfast: Breakfast is not included. However, if you have Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you’ll get a meal credit which can be used for breakfast at their restaurant, Rosso Cielo.
- Location: This hotel is right next to the Montmorency Station which is the end of the orange line for the Montréal Metro. This makes it a great hotel if you want to join this itinerary with a trip to Montréal.
After the feeling of soaring the skies and being whisked away to Greece, it’s time to experience what it’s like to festival like a local in Laval.
Learning about the recent adoption of scooters and bikes in the city, we opted to leave our car at the hotel and tap into the convenience of Lime scooters. This allowed us to roll into the outdoor shopping complex, Centropolis in style.
The advantage of using a Lime scooter is that you don’t have to worry about the busy parking lot at Centropolis. That said, with Lime in Laval, you need to park the scooter in specific locations indicated on the app.
We lined up our trip with one of the festivals that occurs every year, the Laval Wine and Spirits Festival. This year, they set up on one of the promenades of Centropolis which worked out in our favor.
At Salon des vins de Laval, we had the opportunity to sample a wide range of wine and spirits from both Québec and also around the world using our bundle pre-purchased drink tickets.
This turned out to be a great way to start the night of fun.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Address: 1799 Avenue Pierre-Peladeau, Laval, Quebec H7T 2Y5
- Hours:
- Friday, July 4: 4PM to 9PM
- Saturday, July 5: 4PM to 9PM
- Sunday, July 6: 4PM to 9PM
- Price: There is an admission fee which is required to get into the gated grounds. To sample the wine and spirits, you’ll need to purchase packages of drink tickets.
- Parking: Centropolis has a large, secure and easy-to-access parking lot located near the main stores.
- Website: Laval Wine and Spirits Festival
- Tips:
- You can buy tickets beforehand online; however, we noticed that the queue to get into the festival was the same whether you’ve prepaid or not.
- It’s worth noting that the venue for the festival may change in future years so if you’re planning to attend, make sure to check their website.
- Getting there: The festival (in 2025) took place within Centropolis along one of the main roads leading away from the central circle.
By this point, Centropolis was packed with people. Turned pedestrian-only, there was a sea of people walking around, dancing to the DJ’s music, in the patios lining the circular ring of the mall, and on the long banquet tables inspired by the wedding in Mamma Mia.
The energy was palpable with plenty of anticipation for the evening entertainment, the ABBA Tribute Dance Party.
The tribute band started with the song, Summer Night City, and continued to play hit after hit for nearly 2 hours and the energy was held high thanks to the audience that clapped, danced, and jammed to every beat.
Centropolis’ lively summer programming is fabulous and hopefully you’ll be able to incorporate it on your trip.
We didn’t think that the concert would run for a full 2 hours so we ended up having a late dinner at Les Enfants Terribles, which faces the central square.
The bison tartare, pork ribs, and sea bass that we ordered were a perfect way to end the night.
To get home, we simply ordered a Lyft, which was quite affordable since our hotel was so close.
Sign up for a new Lyft account with our referral to get 50% off 5 rides (max CA$10/ride). You can use up to CA$10 per ride in your first 14 days once applied.
Sign up for LyftLaval Day 3 Summary
What you’ll see and do:
- iFLY Montréal
- Lime scooter to Centropolis
- Laval Wine and Spirits Festival
- Centropolis Summer Summer Series (ABBA Tribute Dance Party)
Where you’ll eat:
- Breakfast: La Bête à Pain Laval
- Lunch: Christina’s Cuisine
- Dinner: Les Enfants Terribles
Where you’ll stay:
- Courtyard Marriott Montreal Laval (TripAdvisor/Direct/Booking/Expedia): Known for its stylish, modern rooms and convenient location near shops, restaurants, and Centropolis. It’s a great option if you want a comfortable stay with everything close by.
Day 4: Mission Escape And Space
Laval continues to bring the unexpected to the table and your last day is no different. From saving the world from disaster to being launched to Mars, you’ll truly be blown away.
Start day 4 with a breakfast at Bagel Ste-Rose, a local favorite known for their fresh, Montréal-style bagels and where you’ll often see the line spilling outside.
While you could order bagels to go, we suggest eating in so that you can try the classic benedict, and balanced bagel breakfast.
The restaurant is located in the neighborhood of Sainte-Rose, which has retained much of its charm of yesteryear with its many 19th century homes, numerous boutiques, and excellent restaurants.
Without knowing it, you’ve already been here previously when you visited Mille-Îles but you’ll be spending a lot more time here.
When we were researching unique things to do in Laval, one place that piqued our interest was Immersia with their “outdoor escape game” named Operation Old Ste-Rose.
Transforming to W.I.S.E. agents, we were given the top-secret mission from the Immersia office. From there we drove back to Sainte-Rose, where we were then on foot to solve clues and crack the case.
Without giving too much away, were really impressed with the mix of the puzzles we had to solve, and also the technology built into the mission tablet.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Immersia offers many traditional escape rooms in addition to Operation Old Ste-Rose. The below is for the outdoor escape room mission only.
- Address: 3065 Rue Peugeot, Laval, Quebec H7L 5C4
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9:30AM – 10:30PM, Friday – Saturday 9:30AM – 11:55PM
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Price: $94.99+tax/team
- Duration: 3 hours
- Parking: There is free parking at the Immersia office and the starting location of the game has free parking. You will not need to move your car during the game.
- Website: Operation Old Ste-Rose by Immersia
- Tips:
- A reservation is mandatory if you want to do this escape room.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as this is an outdoor walking adventure that covers a span of 1.5 km.
- They recommend team sizes to be 3-6 however the most optimal size is probably 3-4. We played the game as 2 people and didn’t think that we were at a disadvantage. Too large of a group size and we feel that it would be harder for the whole group to participate since it’s quite hard to see the tablet in the sunlight.
- While we really tried to complete the game as quickly as possible, it still ended up taking the full 3 hours.
- Since you’ll be outdoors for the entire duration, we suggest that you bring water with you and make sure you have sunscreen on.
- There were a few steps that required the use of your own smartphone so make sure it’s fully charged and bring your own power bank.
- Difficulty wise, we’d say that this is a medium difficulty escape room. Most of the puzzles were straightforward but there were definitely a few that stumped us, which required asking for clues.
- After finishing the game, you’ll need to go back to the Immersia office to return the equipment.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is the game in English? Yes, the game can be played in English.
After your escape room adventure, you’ll be in Sainte-Rose again to recharge at Les Minettes. They are a 100% Québec-local gourmet boutique with a mini-market of numerous artisanal brands and café that serves coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
There is limited seating inside, but on a nice day you’ll probably prefer to sit on the picnic benches outdoors to enjoy your lunch.
Before you go, make sure to take a look at their selection of jams, vinegars, cheeses, crackers, granola, and wines to kitchenware and scented candles to see what goodies you might want to bring back home. Many of their products are under their own brand as well!
Just down the street is the ice cream shop, Le Berlingot! This was rated incredibly high, so we were curious to check it out. It was only after we ordered their Molle Maison du Moment and Yogourts Maison du Moment that we understood why.
The Molle Maison du Moment is a bi-weekly rotation of two flavors – one being a frozen yogurt and the other, ice cream soft-serve. When we went, it was lychee and hibiscus sorbet with coconut mango ice cream. This combination was nothing like we’ve ever had before and absolutely divine.
The Yogourts Maison du Moment are the frozen yogurt flavors of the day of which we had guava and a raspberry and apricot combination.
They are debit and cash only.
3…2…1…blast off!
Initially we weren’t so sure about visiting a science museum in Laval, but after doing a bit more research, we realized that Cosmodôme is so much more.
For one, this is uniquely Canada’s only museum dedicated to astronautics and space exploration. In addition to that, they’ve gone through a full transformation to become the envy of modern museums.
Instead of a stuffy museum that packs in artifacts that require you to read a ton of small text on displays as you navigate a labyrinth, they’ve gone a different direction with wide-open spaces, interactive-first displays, and hands-on experiences.
On top of the impressive display of planets and Endeavour shuttle replica, we really loved the Virtual Mission that we tried. There are 3 different scenarios you can choose and the one we picked was The Red Planet. Again, without giving too much away, you’re fully immersed in the scenario you select, get to play various mini-games, and walk through corridors straight out of the Star Trek holodeck.
As adults, we definitely didn’t expect to have as great of a time as we did here.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Address: 2150 Autoroute des Laurentides, Laval, Quebec H7T 2T8
- Hours: Open daily
- June 24 – first Monday of September: 9AM – 5PM
- Rest of the year: 10AM – 5PM
- Duration: You can easily spend 3-5 hours here
- Price: Ticket prices range based off the exhibits you’d like to visit. In addition to general admission (exhibition), you also have to purchase add-ons for virtual missions, cosmo mission, training simulator, 4D simulator, and virtual reality. First Sunday of each month is free admission for those under the age of 20 for Québec residents only.
- Parking: Free parking with plenty of spaces on-site
- Website: Laval Cosmodôme
- Tips:
- The virtual mission is definitely worth doing. There are 3 different missions you can choose from and they take 1 hour to complete.
- Don’t underestimate the amount of time you need here and keep in mind that they close at 5PM.
For your final evening in Laval, enjoy dinner at Terrasse Cielo, a rooftop restaurant in the Courtyard Marriott Montreal Laval with great views, and the DJ spinning the latest beats.
We really liked the fact that this was right in our hotel because we could drop of our bags and change to match the vibe of the rooftop. And it’s good that we did because you could tell that this is one of Laval’s hot spots, as everyone we saw came in dressed to impress.
With our spread of tuna tataki, prime rib beef burger, lobster rolls and the clinking of our glasses, we celebrated a fun leg of our trip which would continue on our road trip to the Maritimes of Québec.
Laval Is Sneaky Awesome
Laval may not always be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip to Québec, but after spending four days exploring its unique mix of nature, culture, food, and fun, we can confidently say it’s worth the stop. From peaceful riverside paddles and fresh berry picking to rooftop dinners and interactive museums, Laval surprised us in the best ways possible.
Whether you’re adding it to a longer Québec road trip or planning a dedicated getaway, Laval offers a little bit of everything without the big-city overwhelm. We left feeling relaxed, well-fed, and pleasantly surprised by how much there is to experience here—and we think you will too.
Map Of Laval Itinerary
We’ve put together a handy Google Map with all the spots from this itinerary pinned, so you can easily plan your own adventure in Laval.
You can use the map as-is by bookmarking this article and coming back to it during your planning or while on the trip. The other way is to create a copy onto your Google account. Simply maximize the map by clicking on the button on the top right. This will open the custom map in a new tab. From here, click on the triple dots and “Copy Map”. This will save a copy of this map to your Google account if you’re logged in. Now when you open your Google Maps app, you’ll be able to access this map under the “You” tab at the bottom and “Maps” which is located at the very bottom.
5 Laval Travel Tips
Here are a few things that we made list of during our road trip to Laval that could help you or at least set expectations for when you go.
- Gas is cheaper in Ontario – For some reason we assumed that it was cheaper in Québec but it’s not. On average, we noticed that the price jumped by 30 cents when crossing the border.
- Not as bilingual as you think – With close proximity to Montreal, there was less English on signage than we thought. A good example are menus where a good number were French-only. That said, all of the waiters and waitresses we had spoke English so they were able to translate them for us.
- American Express is not widely accepted – This applies for much of Québec including our road trip to Gaspésie.
- Plan around specific days – If you’d like to experience summer festivals in Laval, you’ll need to plan your dates around them. A good place to check is the Tourisme Laval events page. Also, if you’re interested in visiting the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, they only offer the Natural Immersion Program on Saturdays.
- Bring a cooler – If you’re planing on doing any pick-your-own fruits or wanting to buy meat or produce, make sure to bring an appropriately-sized cooler with ice. Keeping the ice pack cold will be difficult but definitely possible. Some fridges have a large enough freezer compartment. If not, you can always ask the front desk to put your ice pack in their kitchen’s fridge. This’ll help prolong what you buy until you get back home or when you want to eat them further down the road on your trip.
Laval Itinerary Packing Guide
We’ve put together a practical packing list to make your Laval road trip easy and stress-free. It covers all the essentials you’ll need for a mix of outdoor adventures, urban exploring, and downtime—so you’re ready for anything the itinerary throws your way.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers – You’ll be on your feet exploring Laval’s parks, museums, and downtown—good footwear like the Altra Lone Peak shoes are a must.
- Casual outfits for daytime exploring – Think breathable clothes like jeans, t-shirts, and shorts for comfort while touring.
- One nicer outfit for a dinner out or evening activity – Laval has some great restaurants where you might want to dress up a bit.
- Light jacket or sweater – Evenings can be cool, especially near the water.
- Rain jacket or compact umbrella – Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s good to be prepared.
- Hat – For sunny afternoons at parks or patios. When kayaking on the water, a wide-brimmed hat may be more suitable.
- Sunglasses – We love Maui Jim sunglasses and always pair them with the Croakies ARC System retainer to keep them secure and adventure-ready.
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – Even on cloudy days, UV rays can sneak up.
- Hairbrush or comb – Especially handy if you’re dealing with helmet hair from iFLY!
- Portable power bank – Great for keeping your phone charged during long days out.
- Camera or GoPro – Capture Laval’s unique attractions and beautiful scenery.
- Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated while exploring on foot.
- Snacks for the road – I mean, a given! Keep energy levels up for the long drive to Laval.
Laval Road Trip Costs
To help with budget planning for your trip to Laval, we compiled the expenses for our trip together.
As background, we opted to drive from Toronto and we included a getaway to Laval as well. We’re not including the expenses and driving from that portion of the trip.
The table below is in $CAD for two of us.
| Accommodation | $1,097.66 |
| Meal | $768.84 |
| Activity | $522.66 |
| Transportation | $214.98 |
| Souvenirs | $1.94 |
| TOTAL | $2,604.14 |
This breaks down to $325.52 CAD per person per day. This converts to roughly $236 USD per person per day.
Compare this to our 6 days in Québec Maritime which was $258.75 CAD/person/day. We can see this being the case because the hotels here were more expensive and we definitely had much nicer meals in Laval.
Other examples include our 10 day Japan itinerary that was $147 USD/person/day, 3 days in Gros Morne that was $387 USD/person/day, and 3 weeks in New Zealand that was $353 USD/person/day, although these don’t include flights costs.
Laval Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year to visit Laval?
The best time to visit Laval is from late spring to early fall (May–September), when the weather is warm and most attractions, parks, and festivals are in full swing. Summer offers the most vibrant atmosphere and there’s a bounty of harvest from the local farms.
Is Laval family-friendly?
Absolutely! Laval is packed with kid-friendly attractions like the Cosmodôme, Mille-Îles, and Immersia. It’s a great destination for families, with plenty of interactive museums and outdoor activities.
Do I need to speak French to visit Laval?
While French is the main language spoken, most people in Laval, especially at tourist attractions and hotels, speak English as well. It’s helpful to know a few French basics, but you’ll get by just fine without being fluent. The one challenge you might have are French-only menus.
How do I get around Laval during the trip?
While it’s possible to get around with public transit, the best way to explore Laval is with your own car. That said, Lime scooters and Bixi bikes are certainly options for short distances. Lyft and Uber are also reasonable options as well because how close everything is to one another in Laval.
Travel Resources For Your Next Trip
If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.
Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.
Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.
Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.
Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.
Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.
eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.
- AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
- Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
- KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
- AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
- Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
- Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.
Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).
Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.
Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.
- HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 5% discount!
- RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
- SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
- Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
- InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.
If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.
This article was made possible through a partnership with Tourisme Laval. That said, all opinions are our own.
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