Laval occupies the entire Île Jésus. A compelling introduction to exploring the area is the Cosmodôme, which opened in 1994 and is Canada’s only institution devoted entirely to the comprehensive presentation of space science.
Urban Forest, Wetlands and Protected Nature
Bois de l’Équerre is one of Laval’s last major urban forests. Trees and wetlands are part of this forest area. Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles offers a different natural highlight: it is the largest protected wildlife area in the metropolitan region. The view thus ranges from urban forest to a protected area whose significance extends across the metropolitan region.
Centre de la nature de Laval brings together gardens, a pond, a farm, a tropical plant greenhouse and an observatory. In summer, it offers five kilometres of walking trails. Alongside the trails, visitors can explore a variety of features: gardens, a farm, tropical plants and an observatory. The five kilometres are a seasonal offering available in summer.
Science from Different Perspectives
The Cosmodôme features three interactive virtual missions. Health is another scientific focus: the permanent exhibition “4,3,2,1... Santé!” at Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier takes visitors through four levels—molecules and cells, individuals, populations and the planet. This structure spans the subject from small biological units through individuals and groups to a planetary scale.
Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier is aimed at the general public, particularly young people. Exhibitions, science workshops and educational activities present health sciences in a fun and interactive way. The museum therefore explores its subject not only through its permanent exhibition, but also through a variety of ways of sharing knowledge.
In the Sainte-Rose district, C.I.EAU focuses on water in the city. Visitors will find interactive content, virtual reality and challenges there. The permanent exhibition “Le chemin de l’eau: de la rivière à la rivière” invites visitors to explore ten themes tracing the path of water in an urban setting. While the Musée de la santé exhibition explores different scales of health, C.I.EAU focuses on water and its journey through the city.
Houses, Districts and History
Maison André-Benjamin-Papineau was built as a stone house in 1820 and is associated with André-Benjamin Papineau and his influential family. The house offers an immersive exploration of Laval and Québec heritage. Information panels, artifacts, and video and audio presentations introduce various aspects of everyday life in the 19th century. You can encounter the past through both the house’s connection to Papineau and insights into everyday life at the time.
Route du patrimoine offers a different perspective, presenting the history and architecture of Laval’s Vieux-Sainte-Rose, Vieux-Saint-Vincent-de-Paul and Vieux-Saint-Martin districts. You can explore the route using the Parcourir Laval mobile app or by joining guided historical and theatrical Virées patrimoniales tours. The two approaches have distinct focuses: Maison Papineau highlights a historic house and aspects of 19th-century daily life, while the route explores the history and architecture of three districts.
The Rallye des Rivières route loops around Île de Laval and includes stops at historic sites and river access points. Unlike Route du patrimoine, which focuses on three districts and their architecture, it connects its themes with a loop around the island and stops at historic places and along the river.
Discover more destinations: Laval, Beauharnois-Salaberry, D'autray, Rivière-Du-Loup, Avignon, Pierre-De Saurel, Les Collines-De-L'outaouais, Robert-Cliche.
View the broader travel overview: Quebec.
