Laval surprises most visitors. People often pass through it on the way to somewhere else, then realize the island city just north of Montreal has its own rivers, its own old village, its own science museum and a dining scene that stands on its own.
If you are asking what to do in laval, the honest answer is to stop treating it as a suburb and start treating it as a small destination. Laval sits on Ile Jesus, between the Riviere des Prairies to the south and the Riviere des Mille Iles to the north, and that geography shapes everything you will do here.
This guide answers what to do in laval in a practical order. You will find the quick plan first, then the best experiences, a neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown, nature, family ideas, culture, a one day plan, food and the practical details that make a visit run smoothly.
The quick plan
Short on time? Here is the simplest answer to what to do in laval in one or two days.
Start in Vieux Sainte-Rose for heritage streets and the river. Spend time on the water or on the trails at Parc de la Riviere-des-Mille-Iles. Visit the Cosmodome if you travel with kids or love space and science.
Add the Centre de la nature for an easy outdoor break. Finish the day in Centropolis, the entertainment district around Promenade du Centropolis, where restaurants, cinemas and terraces keep the evening simple.
That short list already covers the best of what to do in laval for a first visit. The sections below help you expand it, slow it down or adapt it to the season, to children or to a rainy day.
Laval rewards a calm pace. Distances are short by car, parking is generally easier than in central Montreal and most highlights sit within a compact part of the island. You do not need a complicated plan. You need a good order.
The best experiences to start your list of what to do in laval
Spend a morning at the Cosmodome
The Cosmodome is the place most families name first when friends ask what to do in laval. It is a space science museum and education centre in Laval, home to Space Camp Canada and to a permanent exhibition about space exploration.
What makes it work is participation. Virtual missions, training style simulators and hands on exhibits turn abstract ideas about rockets and life in orbit into something children and adults can test, touch and discuss.
Go with a mission in mind rather than trying to see everything at once. Choose the experience that fits your group, leave time for the exhibition and check the official Cosmodome site before you go for current programming and booking details.
Walk the old village in Sainte-Rose
Vieux Sainte-Rose is the historic heart of Laval. Sainte-Rose was the main built up community on the island in the 19th century, and its village core still feels different from the rest of the city.
Old houses, the parish church, small businesses and streets that lead toward the river make it ideal for a slow walk. This is not a place for rushing between attractions. It is a place for looking at facades, stopping for coffee and noticing how close the water always is.
In summer, the riverside setting explains why Montrealers once came here for holidays and cottages. In fall, the same streets become quiet and photogenic. In winter, the village feels local and peaceful.
Get on or beside the Riviere des Mille Iles
The river that borders Laval to the north is one of the strongest reasons to visit. Parc de la Riviere-des-Mille-Iles, based in Sainte-Rose, protects a remarkable stretch of islands, marshes and calm water.
In warm months, visitors paddle in canoes, kayaks and other small boats, watch herons and turtles and follow marked routes between islands. On land, interpretation and trails help you understand why this river matters for wildlife.
You do not need to be an experienced paddler. Rentals and guidance are offered on site in season, routes can be adapted to the time you have and a simple walk by the water already gives you the feeling of the place. Always check the park site for seasonal opening and conditions before you go.
Slow down at the Centre de la nature
The Centre de la nature is a large urban park in the east of Laval, in the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul area. Locals use it the way other cities use a central park, for walks, picnics, gardens, winter activities and large community events.
For a visitor, it works as a reset between busier stops. Walk the paths, let children run, enjoy the green space and use it as a picnic base. In winter, the park takes on a completely different character, with snow covered trails and a true Quebec winter atmosphere.
Because it is spacious, it rarely feels crowded in the way a single attraction can. That space is exactly its value when you plan what to do in laval with a mixed group where everyone wants something different.
Shop and pause at CF Carrefour Laval
CF Carrefour Laval is the major shopping centre of the city and a well known destination on the north shore of Montreal. People come for the wide choice of stores and services, and many remember its interior garden, an unusual green pause inside a mall.
As a visitor, treat it as a practical and comfortable stop. It suits a rainy afternoon, a gift search or a break between neighborhoods. Pair it with nearby Centropolis and you can cover shopping, food and entertainment without crossing the whole city.
Catch a game or a show at Place Bell
Place Bell, inaugurated in 2017, is Laval’s large arena and event venue. It is home to the Laval Rocket, the American Hockey League team affiliated with the Montreal Canadiens, and it also hosts concerts and family shows.
A Rocket game is a lively local experience, more intimate and often more relaxed than a major league night, with a crowd that knows its team. If no game fits your dates, check the Place Bell calendar for concerts and special events during your stay.
Discover the Maison des Arts and Salle Andre-Mathieu
Culture in Laval has a clear address around Boulevard de la Concorde Ouest and Boulevard de l’Avenir. The Maison des Arts de Laval presents exhibitions and performances, while the nearby Salle Andre-Mathieu hosts concerts, comedy and theatre, including performances by the Orchestre symphonique de Laval.
For visitors, this means an evening in Laval does not have to mean returning to Montreal. Check both programs when you plan your trip. A small exhibition in the afternoon and a concert in the evening can change how a whole day feels.
What to do in laval by neighborhood
Laval was formed in 1965 from fourteen former municipalities, and that history still shows. Each district keeps its own center, its own main street and its own mood. Understanding that map is the key to deciding what to do in laval without driving back and forth all day.
Sainte-Rose and Fabreville: heritage and the north river
Sainte-Rose, in the north, is the district to choose for heritage, river views and a village feeling. Start in Vieux Sainte-Rose, walk toward Berge des Baigneurs, the riverfront park area locals love for views, fresh air and seasonal activities.
Fabreville, just west, is more residential, with parks and local life rather than big attractions. Together, these districts suit a morning of walking, paddling and lunch by the water.
When people imagine what to do in laval in summer, this northern edge is usually the picture they have in mind. Green banks, calm water and old streets sit only minutes from busier boulevards.
Chomedey: food, diversity and everyday Laval
Chomedey, in the southwest, is one of the most populated and diverse parts of Laval. It is where many visitors taste the real everyday city, through bakeries, restaurants and shops that reflect the many communities who live here.
Greek, Middle Eastern, Italian, Asian and many other cuisines sit side by side along its main arteries. If food matters to you, leave Chomedey time and no fixed plan. Walk, look at menus and follow local recommendations.
Chomedey is also practical. Hotels, services and major roads make it a useful base, and it connects easily toward Montreal and toward the center of Laval.
Centre and Laval-des-Rapides: culture, metro and Centropolis
The central districts concentrate many visitor landmarks. Centropolis brings restaurants, entertainment and terraces together in one walkable pocket. Nearby, the Cosmodome, CF Carrefour Laval and Place Bell form a triangle that can fill a full day.
Laval-des-Rapides, further south by the Riviere des Prairies, is one of the oldest urban districts and home to metro stations that link Laval to Montreal. The College Montmorency area and the Maison des Arts give this part of the city a student and cultural energy.
If you arrive without a car, base yourself near this central and southern corridor. It gives you the easiest access to transit, shows and the main attractions.
Sainte-Dorothee and Laval-sur-le-Lac: quiet west and green escapes
The west of the island feels calmer. Sainte-Dorothee was long known for farming, and its old center around its historic church, built in the 19th century, still keeps a village reference point amid newer streets.
Laval-sur-le-Lac, at the western tip, was founded as a resort style area for Montrealers and keeps a green, riverside character. These districts suit drives, bike rides and visitors who prefer quiet streets and water views to shopping and shows.
Agritourism also belongs to this side of Laval and to its northern farms. Local farms such as Ferme Marineau and Ferme Forget, highlighted by Tourisme Laval, attract visitors for picking, tasting and seasonal activities. Check each farm directly for what is offered during your visit.
Duvernay and Saint-Vincent-de-Paul: parks and local history in the east
The east is greener and more residential, anchored for visitors by the Centre de la nature. Saint-Vincent-de-Paul is one of the oldest parts of Laval, with a village history along the Riviere des Prairies.
Duvernay offers neighborhood parks, river access and a slower rhythm. This is not the Laval of big venues. It is the Laval of walks, community spaces and afternoons that do not need a ticket.
Including the east in your plan balances a trip. After the busy center, a morning here reminds you that Laval is still an island of neighborhoods, not a single downtown.
Rivers and parks: the calm side of what to do in laval
Nature is not an extra in Laval. It is half the city. Two rivers border the island, large parks break up the districts and many streets end in green space or water. Any serious list of what to do in laval should protect time outdoors.
Start with water. The Riviere des Mille Iles to the north feels wilder, with islands and marshes protected by the park in Sainte-Rose. The Riviere des Prairies to the south is more urban, with bridges to Montreal, riverfront parks and views back toward the larger city.
Between the rivers, look for neighborhood green spaces and trails that locals use daily. Bois and local parks across Laval offer walking and cycling in warmer months and snow activities in winter. You do not need a famous name for a good hour outside.
Season changes the advice completely. In summer, plan water first and indoor stops in the hotter part of the day. In fall, choose Sainte-Rose and the Centre de la nature for color and cooler walks.
In winter, embrace the season rather than fighting it. Dress in layers, shorten outdoor blocks, add skating or snowshoeing where offered and warm up with a museum, a mall or a long lunch. In spring, rivers and gardens wake up again and the city feels local and unhurried.
That seasonal thinking is what separates a good answer to what to do in laval from a generic list. The same place can be a paddling base in July, a color walk in October and a quiet snowy park in January.
Birdwatchers and families should give the Mille Iles river extra time. Herons, turtles and other wildlife are part of its reputation, and interpretation at the park helps children notice what they might otherwise paddle past. Bring patience, stay on marked routes and respect protected areas.
Cyclists will also find Laval friendly for exploring by district. Ride a short loop in one neighborhood rather than trying to cross the whole island in one go. Stop for food, look at the river and keep the ride part of the visit, not a race across it.
Family days and rainy days: what to do in laval with kids
Families often find Laval easier than a larger city center. Parking is simpler, distances are shorter and many top attractions were designed with children in mind. When parents ask what to do in laval, the family answer is reassuringly concrete.
The Cosmodome leads the list for school age children. Its missions and simulators give them a role to play, not just exhibits to read. Book the experience that fits your children’s ages and energy, and do not add three other major stops on the same day.
Parc de la Riviere-des-Mille-Iles works for families who need movement. Paddling together, spotting wildlife and walking by the river burn energy in a way a museum cannot. Pack snacks, water and a change of clothes for younger paddlers.
The Centre de la nature suits multi generation groups. Grandparents can walk at their own pace while children explore open space. It is also a smart picnic choice when you want a low cost, low stress middle of the day.
On a rainy day, build a center Laval loop. Start at the Cosmodome, continue to CF Carrefour Laval for lunch and shopping, then check for a family show or a game at Place Bell or a performance at the Maison des Arts. Rain stops being a problem when your stops sit close together.
Indoor play and activity centers also feature in Tourisme Laval suggestions for the city, from climbing to flight and water experiences. Offerings change, so verify the exact activity and age rules on the operator site before promising it to children.
Pacing matters more than the number of stops. One major attraction, one outdoor break and one good meal usually make a better family day in Laval than five rushed visits. Leave room for the stop a child actually wants to repeat.
Culture, shows and evenings in Laval
Evenings answer a different version of what to do in laval. After the parks close and the river quiets down, the city shifts to restaurants, arenas and performance halls.
Begin with dinner in Centropolis or Chomedey. Centropolis concentrates choices in one area, which helps groups who cannot agree. Terraces and late opening restaurants make it easy to stretch the evening without a new drive.
Then choose your main event. A Laval Rocket game at Place Bell brings noise, local pride and a true Quebec hockey atmosphere. A concert or comedy night at Salle Andre-Mathieu feels more classic. An exhibition opening or a smaller performance at the Maison des Arts suits a calmer cultural evening.
Local festivals and seasonal events add another layer throughout the year, in parks and in the center. Tourisme Laval lists current events, markets and celebrations, and summer brings outdoor energy to the Centre de la nature and to Centropolis. Check the calendar for your exact dates rather than counting on a specific festival.
Couples will find a simple romantic formula here. Walk in Vieux Sainte-Rose in the late afternoon, watch the light on the Riviere des Mille Iles, then dine in the old village or in Centropolis and finish with a show. It is quieter than a big city date and often more personal.
Friends on a group trip can reverse the order. Start with an activity, climbing, paddling or a game, share a long dinner and finish in Centropolis. Laval works well for groups because you can stay together without the logistics of downtown crowds.
If you only have one day in Laval
A single day can still show you the real city if you choose by area and do not zigzag. Here is a realistic version of what to do in laval in one day.
Morning: head north to Sainte-Rose. Arrive early enough to walk the old village while it is quiet, see the church and the heritage streets and reach the river at Berge des Baigneurs or at Parc de la Riviere-des-Mille-Iles.
If the season and weather allow, add a short paddle or a riverside walk. If not, take your time in the village, visit a cafe and enjoy the calm that makes Sainte-Rose special. Do not rush this part. It is the soul of the day.
Midday: eat in Sainte-Rose or drive toward the center for lunch in Centropolis. Use lunch to rest and decide between your two afternoon options, science and family fun at the Cosmodome or green space at the Centre de la nature.
Afternoon: choose one, not both, if your day is short. Families and space fans should pick the Cosmodome. Travelers who prefer outdoors and local life should pick the Centre de la nature and a walk. Shoppers can replace either with CF Carrefour Laval.
Evening: finish in the center. Dinner in Centropolis, then a game at Place Bell or a show at Salle Andre-Mathieu or the Maison des Arts if the program fits. If nothing is on, a relaxed dinner and a drive back through Sainte-Rose still close the day well.
With two days, split the city in two. Keep day one for the north and the center as above. Use day two for the east and west, Centre de la nature, Sainte-Dorothee and a farm or riverside stop in season, plus the Montreal link described below.
Many visitors pair Laval with Montreal, and that pairing makes sense. If you are planning both, read our guide to what to do in Montreal and give each city its own day rather than treating Laval as a two hour detour.
Travel days are also about the people with you. A slower Laval day can balance a busy Montreal schedule, in the same way a relationship needs both excitement and rest, a theme we explore in how to know if a man truly loves you.
Where to eat and practical tips for visiting Laval
Laval counts hundreds of restaurants, and the best strategy is to eat by neighborhood. Tourisme Laval describes a table that mixes local flavors and cuisines from elsewhere, and any walk through Chomedey or Centropolis confirms it.
In Centropolis and the center, expect the widest concentration in one place, Italian, Asian, grill, casual terraces and places suited to groups and families. It is the easiest choice before a game or a show, when timing matters.
In Vieux Sainte-Rose, look for smaller restaurants and cafes that fit the village mood, including addresses in historic houses noted by Tourisme Laval for Italian cuisine and terraces in summer. Reserve or arrive early on sunny weekends, when the district fills with walkers.
In Chomedey, follow diversity. Bakeries, family restaurants and community favorites line the main boulevards. This is the district for a generous lunch, pastries to take away and cuisines you may not find in the center.
For local and seasonal food, watch for Quebec products, maple in spring and farm visits in summer and fall. Farms around Laval offer picking and tasting in season, but products and opening vary, so check the farm directly before you drive out.
Getting around is the main practical decision. A car makes Laval simplest, because districts spread across a large island and many attractions sit near major boulevards and highways. Parking is available at major venues and centers, but always confirm rules and event day conditions on the venue site.
Without a car, use the metro link to Montreal and local buses. Laval is served by metro stations on the Montreal side network, including Montmorency, De la Concorde and Cartier, and by the Societe de transport de Laval bus network across the city. Plan the exact route before you leave, especially in the evening after a show.
The best time to visit depends on your goal. Summer is best for paddling, terraces and festivals. Fall is best for village walks and park color. Winter is best for a true Quebec mix of snow outdoors and warm indoor culture. Spring is quieter and good for museums, food and a first look without summer crowds.
Avoid three common mistakes. First, do not try to see every district in one day. Second, do not skip Sainte-Rose, it holds the history that explains the city. Third, do not assume Laval is only a place to sleep near Montreal. Visitors who make that assumption miss the river, the Cosmodome and the evenings that make the city memorable.
For official listings, current events and itineraries, check Tourisme Laval before your trip. Programs, seasonal activities and farm openings change, and the official tourism site is the safest place to confirm them.
Final thought: the best answer to what to do in laval is a mix, one river, one neighborhood walk, one major attraction and one good table. With that mix, Laval stops being a name on the highway and becomes a place you actually remember.
FAQ
What is Laval best known for?
Laval is best known as the island city just north of Montreal, for the Cosmodome space science centre, for Centropolis and CF Carrefour Laval, for Place Bell and the Laval Rocket and for nature on the Riviere des Mille Iles. It mixes suburban calm, family attractions and real access to rivers and parks.
How many days do you need and what to do in laval if you have a weekend?
One full day covers Sainte-Rose, one major attraction and an evening in the center. A weekend is better. It lets you add the Centre de la nature, a farm or a second neighborhood and a show without rushing. Most first time visitors are happy with one to two days focused on what to do in laval itself, plus separate time for Montreal.
Is Laval worth visiting on its own or only with Montreal?
Laval is worth visiting on its own for families, for nature lovers and for travelers who want a calmer base with its own attractions. It is also an excellent complement to Montreal. Visit both if you can, but do not reduce Laval to a hotel zone. Its river, old village and venues justify dedicated time.
What are the best free and low effort things to do in Laval?
Walking in Vieux Sainte-Rose, enjoying river views at Berge des Baigneurs, strolling in the Centre de la nature and exploring neighborhood parks are among the best low effort options. They show the local side of the city and help you balance paid attractions with simple time outside.
When is the best time of year to visit Laval?
Summer offers the fullest program, paddling on the Mille Iles river, terraces and outdoor events. Fall is ideal for walks and colors, winter for snow activities combined with museums and shows and spring for a quieter visit. The right season is the one that matches the activities at the top of your list.