Looking for the best things to do in Laval, Quebec? You’ve come to the right place!
Laval is a great destination for anyone looking for a blend of urban excitement and natural rural beauty. Just a stone’s throw from Montreal, this vibrant city has something for everyone, whether you’re an adventure-seeker, foodie, or nature lover. Imagine spending the morning exploring high-tech interactive exhibits at the Cosmodome, the only space museum in Canada, and then kayaking down the serene Mille Îles River by afternoon. With its colourful festivals, endless shopping options, and rich cultural scene, Laval offers an experience that’s both laid-back and full of surprises.
From the lush beauty of Centre de la Nature—a sprawling green oasis perfect for a picnic or a leisurely bike ride—to the family-friendly fun at iFly or Ferme Marineau, Laval has activities that keep visitors coming back. Whether you’re interested in catching a live show, dining on world-class cuisine, or just soaking up the local charm, Laval is the hidden gem that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.
We just got back from spending three nights in Laval during Autumn and it was a great place to bring the family. We visited a pumpkin farm, participated in an outdoor escape room, and so much more.
Immersia Escape Games Laval
Although Immersia Escape Games offers traditional indoor escape rooms, we got to experience their outdoor game, which takes you around the historic district of Old Ste-Rose. This is a wonderful way to explore a neighbourhood. Equipped with a bag of clues and an iPad, we scoured the area to solve a big crime. It really put our brains to use and we worked together, pretending to be secret agents. This would also be a great activity for families. Our baby girls were too young to join in this time around but perhaps we’ll revisit in a few years.
Centropolis
Centropolis is a lively, urban atmosphere packed with entertainment, dining, and activities. The middle area has a big water fountain and it can be a beautiful place to go for a stroll during night or day. Once the sun goes down, this area also becomes a lively nightlife hub and is the perfect place to head for dinner and drinks. Enjoy the pedestrian promenade, street art and local and international cuisine.
Aside from restaurants and shops, you’ll also find mini-golf, bowling, indoor skydiving, and a beautiful Cineplex Entertainment Centre that looks like a UFO. The beautiful green spaces, outdoor seating areas, and seasonal events like ice skating in winter and outdoor yoga in summer make it a year-round hotspot for both relaxation and excitement. Plus, its family-friendly vibe means there’s plenty of fun for all ages!
Indoor Skydiving with iFly
Although we didn’t get to try iFly during our visit to Laval, we experienced iFly in Dubai. We’ve also experienced real skydiving, so we know a thing or two when it comes to jumping out of airplanes. With iFly, you can experience part of the thrill without all the risk. This sky diving simulator allows you to experience skydiving indoors in a controlled environment.
Basically, you’ll be given a special suit, helmet, and earplugs before getting instruction from an experienced guide who will also help you learn what to do. Your friends and family can watch from the waiting area as you fly around a 14-foot wind tunnel that feels like a free fall. They even offer one experience that includes a virtual reality headset, making you truly feel like you’re falling from a plane!
Ferme Marineau
One of our favourite activities during our time in Laval was visiting Ferme Marineau during the fall. Whether you’re looking for a place to get lots of Instagram-worthy photos or just a place to enjoy a date or an afternoon with the family, this is a great place to add to your bucket list.
They offer a wide variety of activities, including a pumpkin patch you can walk around, lots of great photo opportunities, a pick-your-own-floower field, and even a corn maze. There’s also a playground, some goats, a delicious ice cream shop, and a grocery store where you can buy local produce and other products. During the weekends, they host live music as well.
Agneaux de Laval Farm Market
Another great little farm to visit is Agneaux de Laval Farm Market. This family-run farm breeds lambs, grows barley and soybeans, and sells local products like eggs, produce, specialty items and more. They do have some sheep you can visit but the primary activity here is a unique lunch experience where you get to enjoy a farm-to-table picnic in one of their gazebos spread out amongst the farm. There are only three gazebos so you’ll want to book in advance. Our lunch was massive, consisting of tacos with fresh lamb, chicken, homemade guacamole, and fried vegetables.
La Ferme Forget
Although we didn’t get to experience this farm during our visit, it was highly recommended by a number of people. Ferme Forget is a nine-generation farm offering a variety of activities and the opportunity to pick your own fruits and vegetables, such as berries, pumpkins, sunflowers and more.
In addition to fresh food and their popular local farm shop, they also have a beautiful corn maze, farm games for the kids, and lots of other things to do with the family. During autumn, they also host a pumpkin patch for those looking to get fall pictures or bring home some fresh pumpkins.
Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier
The Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier is an interactive museum offering engaging exhibits that make learning about microbiology, vaccines, and infectious diseases both fun and fascinating. Named after the pioneering Dr. Armand Frappier, a trailblazer in public health, the museum blends history with hands-on activities like lab experiments that will spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. Whether you’re exploring DNA, germs, or how the immune system works, it’s a chance to geek out while expanding your knowledge in a totally accessible way. It’s an inspiring and educational stop for families, students, or anyone passionate about health and science!
Cosmodôme
If you love all things space and want to do something truly unique in Canada, check out the Cosmodôme, an out-of-this-world destination for space enthusiasts and curious minds of all ages! This futuristic space science museum offers visitors the chance to embark on exciting space missions through interactive exhibits, virtual reality experiences, and fun simulations. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming an astronaut or just fascinated by the cosmos, you can explore space history, learn about the solar system, and even test your skills at landing a space shuttle! The highlight is its immersive space camps, where kids (and even adults) can dive into hands-on astronaut training.
Centre De La Nature
Centre De La Nature (Nature Centre) is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. This sprawling 50-hectare park offers a little bit of everything—lush gardens, a serene lake, and picturesque walking trails perfect for a peaceful day out. They also have a small farm with friendly animals, a beautiful butterfly greenhouse, and paddle boating on the little lake. During winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland with ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing. Whether you’re picnicking with family, enjoying the seasonal festivals, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, this is one of the best things to do in Laval.
Parc de la Rivière des Mille-Îles
Parc de la Rivière des Mille-Îles is another great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts! This stunning wildlife sanctuary offers visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty of the Mille-Îles River, with its tranquil waterways, lush islands, and rich biodiversity. You can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to navigate through peaceful channels, or join a guided eco-tour to discover the area’s fascinating wildlife, including birds, fish, and even turtles! The park is perfect for a day of relaxation and exploration, whether you’re paddling along calm waters, picnicking by the shore, or walking the scenic trails. In winter, the area becomes a snowy retreat for snowshoeing and ice fishing. Whether you’re staying in Laval or looking for an escape from Montreal, this is a great place to add to your bucket list.
Bois de L’Equerre
This 225-hectare woodland is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, or simply unwinding in a serene natural environment. Its well-maintained trails meander through lush forests, wetlands, and open fields, providing an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife and enjoy Laval’s diverse ecosystems. Whether you’re taking a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, the park offers beautiful scenery year-round, with colourful foliage in the fall and tranquil snow-covered paths in winter. Bois de L’Équerre is also a great spot for families, with educational signs along the trails that teach visitors about the local flora and fauna. It’s an ideal place to escape the city and reconnect with nature!
Eat Some Great Food
Another great thing about visiting Laval is all the great restaurants. We enjoyed a few of them while we visited and these are the places we can recommend first-hand.
Juke Box Burgers
Whether you’re looking for a mouth-watering burger or an incredible milkshake, Juke Box Burgers is the place to go. Located in Centropolis, this place is a retro-extravaganza, with red booth seating, lots of neon lights, and an overall feeling of dining out in the 1960s. There’s an incredible array of burgers to choose from, including different buns, meats, and toppings. They also offer some delicious milkshakes, including extreme milkshakes that are topped off with things like ice cream sandwiches, cake, and more.
Sheraton’s La Piazza
Whether you’re staying at the Sheraton or not, their on-site restaurant La Piazza is a sophisticated venue offering Italian provisions, wine & takeout options. The food was super good with our favourite fish being the First Nations Canadian Striped Bass with Corsican bean ragout, anise lobster jus, and puffed
wild rice. It was delicious.
Les Insulaires Microbrasserie
If you’re looking for delicious beer and food, check out Les Insulaires Microbrasseries. This craft brewery serves 24 beers on tap and offers some of the best food we had during our time in Laval, including Tuna Tataki, Beef Tacos, and Shrimp Tacos. Highly recommended!
La Bête à Pain
This combination of restaurant, bakery, and patisserie is a lovely spot for coffee, breakfast, and more. They’re well known for their almond croissants, breakfast sandwiches, and Sunday brunch.
Looking for More?
Although there are lots of fun things to do in Laval, there’s so much more to do in Quebec. For more ideas, check out our other travel guides below:
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