Discover Laval: Nature, Space Exploration and Heritage

Laval encompasses the entire Île Jésus. The island offers a variety of discoveries: the Cosmodôme explores space science, museums focus on health and water, and urban forests, protected natural areas and gardens each have their own appeal. You can also explore the history of its neighbourhoods in different ways. As you plan your stay, you can decide whether to focus mainly on science, historic sites or nature experiences.

Discover space exploration and health

Opened in 1994, the Cosmodôme de Laval is Canada’s only institution dedicated entirely to promoting space science. Three interactive virtual missions add an experiential element. Space enthusiasts will find a different focus here than in the exhibitions on health and the environment.

The Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier is open to the general public, especially young people. Exhibitions, scientific workshops and educational activities present health sciences in a fun, interactive way. The permanent exhibition “4,3,2,1... Santé!” looks at health on four levels: from molecules and cells to individuals and populations, and finally the planet. It thus spans the micro level and broader contexts.

The Centre d’interprétation de l’eau (C.I.EAU) also offers interactive content, virtual reality and challenges for visitors. Its permanent exhibition, “Le chemin de l’eau: de la rivière à la rivière,” takes visitors through ten themes that trace the path of water in an urban environment. The two museums offer different ways to explore science: one focuses on health, the other on water in the city.

History and architecture of the neighbourhoods

The Maison André-Benjamin-Papineau was built as a stone house in 1820 and is associated with André-Benjamin Papineau and his influential family. Information panels, artefacts, and video and audio presentations offer insights into various aspects of everyday life in the 19th century. Exploring the house also provides a way to engage with Laval and Quebec heritage.

If you’re interested in the history and architecture of the neighbourhoods, you can explore the Route du patrimoine in the Vieux-Sainte-Rose, Vieux-Saint-Vincent-de-Paul and Vieux-Saint-Martin areas. Options include the Parcourir Laval mobile app or guided historical and theatrical Virées patrimoniales. These formats offer different ways to discover the past: you can follow the route with the app or join a tour.

Urban forests, protected areas and gardens

Bois de l’Équerre is one of Laval’s last large urban forests and includes trees and wetlands. If you’d like to experience the landscape on your trip in addition to visiting museums and exploring history, this offers a different focus. Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles is the largest protected wildlife area in the metropolitan region.

The Centre de la nature de Laval brings together gardens, a pond, a farm, a tropical plant greenhouse and an observatory. In summer, five kilometres of walking paths are available. This seasonal detail is relevant when planning a summer visit; the paths mentioned are part of the Centre de la Nature and say nothing about other places.

Another way to discover Laval is the Route Rallye des Rivières. It circles Île de Laval and includes stops at historic sites and river access points. The route brings together different visitor interests, so you don’t have to limit yourself to a single theme.

Shape your stay around your interests

When choosing a vacation rental in Laval, you can start by considering which of these themes you’d like to shape your stay: space exploration and health, history and architecture, or nature and water. The Route du patrimoine and the Rallye des Rivières each offer a distinct way to experience different aspects of the destination. If you’d rather focus your trip on a particular exhibition or on nature experiences, choosing a theme can help you plan your days in Laval.

You can reach the namesake place at the next higher level via Laval. Other destinations at the same level are Le Haut-Saint-Laurent, Bellechasse, Acton Regional County Municipality, Montcalm, Les Appalaches Regional County Municipality, Les Laurentides and La Région-Sherbrookoise.

For the broader travel overview: Quebec.