Island of contrasts and city full of surprises, Laval is advantageously situated close to Montréal and the Laurentians. Laval offers a perfect mix of busy urban areas, quiet natural oasis and charming country-feel neighbourhoods. This uniqueness lies in Laval’s history, a city that was formed only some forty years ago by the merging of 14 municipalities.

 

Laval is the perfect playground for outdoor and sport activities. One of the most fascinating examples of Laval’s diversity is Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. This beautiful archipelago – part of which is a protected wildlife sanctuary – with its fauna, flowery marshes and luxuriant wooden islands is a true paradise for those outdoor and ecological boating aficionados, while in winter it’s the perfect destination for cross-country skiing, sledding and skating on the river. Another outstanding green space area is Centre de la nature with its farm, greenhouses, picnic areas, and a well-equipped astronomy observatory.

 

Over the years Laval has gained a solid reputation as a sought-after recreational-scientific destination, thanks to amazing scientific attractions that span from the Cosmodôme’s unique space exploration experiences to Armand-Frappier Museum’s discovery of the infinitesimally small universe and the Centre d’interprétation de l’eau (Water Interpretation Centre) that proposes a journey on the water path. Laval is also the destination of choice for those looking for unique indoor recreational activities. At SkyVenture, visitors can experience the exhilarating sensation of the free fall portion of a parachute jump while at the recently opened Maeva Surf, extreme sport enthusiasts can practice flowboarding on an artificial wave of water propelled at 40 kilometres an hour.

 

The Laval of arts and culture has a lot to offer with great shows and cultural events at Salle André-Mathieu and Maison des arts de Laval. From June 17 to July 27 the city will host the sixth edition of the Loto-Québec World Choral Festival, the largest annual gathering of vocal ensembles in North America. In churches, concert halls and at an outdoor venue for the big musical events, the city will resonate with the voices of thousands of choir singers from all around the world.

 

Heritage and history buffs will enjoy Old Sainte-Rose, a neighbourhood that has preserved the charm of yesteryears with its boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and renowned restaurants located in antique houses.

 

Laval has its castle, Château Taillefer Lafon, an internationally renowned and multiple award-winning ice cider and ice wine producer open to visitors for tours and product tasting. Food lovers are amazed by the diversity and quality of Laval’s gastronomic offering, including the very popular “Passeport des chefs”, a unique evening of progressive meals in Old Sainte-Rose’s four renowned restaurants.

 

Laval is also known for its trendy shopping malls such as Carrefour Laval and Centropolis, Laval’s lifestyle centre, and the quality of its hotels that are for the most part affiliated to international chains.

 

Tourisme Laval. 1 877 465-2825, www.tourismelaval.com.