Laval, Quebec is an excellent destination for a family vacation. From one of a kind activities to good food and a family-friendly environment, it’s perfect for vacationing families. 
After spending a few days in Laval, I can easily proclaim that we love Laval! In fact, before we got home I was already planning our return trip. It’s one of those places with all kinds of things to do. In the morning you can be fishing and later on the same day doing a moonwalk! It’s like the entire city was built around having fun.
It’s super easy to get to Laval, it neighbors Montreal where there is a major airport.
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Fun Things to do in Laval
There is an abundance of things to do in Laval, including many one of a kind experiences. We were only there a few days and we fished, moonwalked, had a bbq on a boat, and so much more.
Top Dopico’s BBQ Donut
Top Dopico’s BBQ Donut
Never have we ever ridden in a donut boat and had a BBQ, but now we have. I gotta say it is rare these days when we have a totally unexpected or completely new experience. Having a BBQ on a donut boat was fantastic and a completely new concept to me. Top Dopico’s BBQ Donut located in Parc-des-Plaines.
On your way there pick up food to cook at Agneaux de Laval. There you can buy fine and delicate meats, clover honey and ready-to-serve products, including sausages, pâtés, meat pies, quiches, and more.
Top Dopico’s BBQ Donut
Paddleboarding or Kayaking at Aventure Mille-Îles
Aventure Mille-Îles is an outdoor recreation center located in an enchanting site on the Mille Îles River in Laval where you can practice a wide variety of activities, including canoeing, kayaking, row boats, and board paddling.
Cosmodome
Visiting the Cosmodome is a must and one of the most awesome things we’ve ever done. Why? Because you can be an astronaut for a day! I always wanted to go to space camp as a kid and finally, after all these years got a little taste of it.
The Cosmodome has a variety of exhibits like a scaled reproduction of the Solar system. Underneath each of the planets is a representation of the planet’s ecosystem. There are video games where you can participate in interactive missions like fixing the Hubble telescope.
Most importantly, they have simulators. You can see what it’s like to have no gravity, walk on the moon, move around the space station, and more! The simulators are affordable too, about $10 each. Do all of them!
Skyventure
Skyventure is an indoor skydiving facility and it’s super fun. This was Jonah’s first time successfully indoor skydiving. The last time we tried he was too young. My other two were so jealous he got to do this. I recommend this for children 9 and up.
Nearby you will find indoor boogie boarding/surfing at Maeva Surf.
Go Fishing
Head to Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles where you can rent fishing gear and a canoe. If you do not know how to fish they offer lessons. There’s an education area inside you can walk through to learn about the local rivers and what they are doing to protect them. They provide all the gear including bait, fishing rods, and lifejackets.
Clip’n’Climb
Clip n’ climb offers a new fun experience for the whole family, with 34 climbing themed walls of various difficulty levels.
Escape Room
The Escaparium in Laval has the most elaborate escape rooms and it’s definitely worth doing. We did the “Bernie Block Scenario” inside a little house built of nothing but blocks. Their suggested age is 6 and up.
The owners, a local husband and wife, have 4 locations around this area. The one we visited opened this year. The Escaparium has four games, 2 VR (virtual reality) arenas for 12 and up, and during the fall months, they have a haunted house.
It’s likely that this will eventually be the biggest escape place in the world. I got a peek at what they are adding and I think they will easily accomplish this goal. I can spoil it, but what I saw was insane!
Pick Blueberries at Ferme Marineau
There happen to be several blueberry farms offering u-pick in the summer and tulips in the spring. I recommend going to Marineau Farm. Marineau Farm is one of the oldest in Laval and is run by a fourth- generation of farmers. I found their blueberry plants quite interesting. They plant them in containers above ground to keep them alive through the winter.
Where to Eat in Laval
In Laval, it’s easy to find delicious maple products, poutine, and top-notch seafood coming from the regions along the coast. Restaurants sourcing from local producers are sure to wow you with flavors because they certainly wowed us.
Cafe Signet
Cafe Signet
This is a local coffee shop that specializes in helping people with mental illness back on their feet by teaching them a skill. All employees have some type of ailments like anxiety, bipolar, or schizophrenia.
They’ve taken people that were lonely or suffering and give them something to do. They help them grow, build self-confidence, learn skills that they can leave with and get a job at another restaurant. They eventually go on to acquire a regular job, a long term way to get them off welfare.
Everything is made fresh in house like salads, sandwiches, poke bowls with tuna. Whenever possible they use local products. Kids 12 and under eat free every day with a paying adult.
Open for breakfast and lunch, even on Mondays when everyone else is closed.
From September to June they have musical events including brunch with music.
La Bête à pain
This peaceful bakery is an ideal place for a lovely breakfast. It’s a 50-seat restaurant that serves a seasonal contemporary cuisine prepared with quality products. The place also sells ready-to-serve dishes, pastries, donuts and viennoiseries for takeout. Located at 1969, Autoroute des Laurentides, Laval, H7S 2M5.
Resto À Domicile
It’s a casual atmosphere with board games, ping-pong, corn hole aka bean bag toss game, and hockey table.
Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs
Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs
Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs is an upscale brewpub. They serve great local beers and comfort meals like poutine, at affordable prices. It’s pretty loud, so if you wear hearing aids you will not be able to have a good conversation. Located at 275, boulevard de la Concorde Est, Laval, Québec, H7G 2E5.
Juliette & Chocolat
Juliette & Chocolat is a great place for dessert. They serve chocolate in all its states: as gooey brownies, delectable pastries, intense shots, bite-sized pralines, fondues decorated with fresh fruit, and of course on crepes. A true paradise for chocoholics young and old! Located at 525, promenade du Centropolis Laval, QC H7T 0A3.
Where to Stay in Laval
Sheraton Laval: This Sheraton is only 20 or so minutes from the Montreal airport in a great part of Laval and they have large rooms laid out well for families. They do not have a free breakfast, but there is a breakfast buffet for a fee. They have an indoor pool, hot tub, and a steam room. It’s always nice to let kids burn off some energy swimming!
Conclusion
Laval is the perfect place for a family getaway. I can’t wait to bring the kids back here and find even more things to do and places to eat. While you are there make sure you have a BBQ on a donut boat, experience anti-gravity at the Cosmodome and eat local!
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