The Best Things to Do in Laval, Quebec

Opened in 1994, the Cosmodome is the only institution in Canada entirely dedicated to public ‘edutainment’ in space sciences. Through three interactive exhibits, visitors can directly experience aspects of space exploration. For example, it offers space shuttle tours, training simulators, a life-sized space shuttle cockpit on display and virtual missions. There is also a real lunar rock on display.

The Armand-Frappier Museum’s mission is to promote the understanding of scientific issues related to human health by offering educational activities including weekend workshops, day camps and other interactive multimedia and digital productions. Accompanied by experts and animators, visitors can gain new insight into the workings of the human body through exhibitions or in the laboratory.

The Centre de la Nature is the largest park in Laval, encompassing 50 hectares (124 acres) of parkland. Open year-round, the park offers a refuge for nature lovers or anyone wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life in and around the city. Experience a mix of activities, including cross-country skiing, tobogganing, skating, hiking, picnicking and fishing. The Centre de la Nature is also home to numerous farm animals that visitors can interact with.

SkyVenture Montreal is an indoor skydiving center offering a safe and thrilling way to skydive without having to get on a plane and leap out into the open sky. The venue houses a glass-paneled wind tunnel that compresses air and blasts it out at 50kph to 300kph (31mph to 186mph). This is enough wind to allow visitors to float in the chamber – creating the sensation of freefalling through the sky. SkyVenture’s supervised ‘flights’ can also accommodate those with reduced mobility.

Established in 2013, iSaute Laval consists of a warehouse of 20,000 square feet (1,858sqm) that has been transformed into an extreme trampoline park. Nowadays, the venue contains 10,000 square feet (929sqm) of interconnected trampolines that offer a variety of fun indoor diversions for all ages. There is a section for classic jumping, trampoline basketball and dodgeball courts, climbing structures, laser mazes, virtual reality games and more.

Although the storied downtown venue has unfortunately shut down due to the pandemic, the nearby Laval location of House of Jazz remains open (with the added benefit of free parking). Since 1981, House of Jazz has been a landmark of live entertainment in Montreal, bringing in big national and international names. Dig into their extensive wine list, and choose from their steakhouse menu as you enjoy a lively night in Laval.

If you’re not in the mood for jazz, then you can head over to the Laval Symphony Orchestra instead. The orchestra has been running since 1984 and is led by Alain Trudel, one of Canada’s leading conductors. There are 53 musicians in the orchestra and one resident composer. Throughout the year, you can experience unique and beautiful music here while enjoying a relaxing evening out. Other types of concerts and performances are also held at the venue, so be sure to check out the schedule. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.

Open to the public since 2006, Château Taillefer Lafon is home to one of the largest vineyards in Quebec. Enjoy a tour of the beautiful grounds, and taste some of its most distinctive wines. Focusing on the cultivation of local flavors, the Château produces white, rosé and red wines, as well as sparkling and fortified white wines. It also produces a memorable ice cider. Finish off your leisurely tour by purchasing a bottle or two to take home with you.