Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Laval

"Located in Old Montreal and potentially the #1 Montreal tourist attraction, the dazzling interior of the Notre-Dame Basilica alone makes this church worth a visit. Built in 1656, this is Montreal’s oldest Catholic church (there are a lot of them in the city). The church is most famous for its colorful interior, full of stained glass depicting the history of Montreal as a city."

"After visiting the Notre-Dame Basilica, make your way over to Place Jacques-Cartier. This is one of the most popular squares in Montreal and a great place to people watch. Here you’ll find Parisian-style “terraces”, stalls selling handmade goods, cute shops, and street artists."

"Start your day at the beautiful St. Joseph’s Oratory near the south end of the Park du Mont-Royal, located a short walk from the Côte-des-Neiges metro. If you want, you’re close to Montreal’s largest cemetery. I’m a weirdo and enjoy visiting cemeteries when I travel (I find them quite peaceful and a lovely place to walk)."

"If you’re up for a little history and culture, St Joseph’s Oratory is on the far side of Mount Royal. This beautiful basilica is Canada’s largest church, and it has one of the largest domes in the entire world. Don’t walk here from Mount Royal’s chalet, it’s far. Go back down, then bike or walk over."

"Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral is a Baroque Revival structure befitting of its royal-sounding name. It is a highlight of Montreal’s best architecture thanks to its replication of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Its style represented a major break from the Gothic Revival style of architecture that was popular in Montreal at the time."

"Why: Another classic church from Montreal's downtown core, Mary, Queen of the World Basilica was build in the late 1800s and renamed in 1955 by Pope Benedict XV."

"The beautiful domed tower of the historic Marche Bonsecours is one of the most recognizable buildings in Old Montreal. It shares the same name as the nearby church. In the past, this building has served as a public market, a concert hall, Montreal's city hall and even the Parliament of Lower Canada."

"If you want to buy fashionable clothing items and accessories from a beautiful and historic-looking fashion store then you can visit Marché Bonsecours. This is a historic and majestic building in old Montreal. This is one of the most recognisable buildings in the city of Montreal."

"The Bonsecours Market is built in the Palladian style (an architectural style based on ancient Greek and Roman architecture). It was completed in 1847. The building has a beautiful facade but it only has a few souvenir shops and restaurants inside."

"Christ Church Cathedral is a diverse and accepting community that values the rich spiritual talents that individuals of different ethnic origins, ages, life experiences, and sexual orientations contribute. They are grateful for the equal ministry of men and women. At the Cathedral, you will find a group of individuals who strive to love God with an open heart, an inquiring mind, a growing soul, and fervent strength in daily prayer, worship, silence, study, and music, as well as to love their neighbors as themselves, transforming lives as followers of Christ and seeking social justice, in fellowship, pastoral care, and stewardship of all that God has entrusted to us."

"Built in 1859 on St. Catherine’s Street (now a commercial hub), this Neo-Gothic structure still stands today as anAnglicanGothic Revivalcathedral, with religious services led by the Anglican Diocese of Montreal. The choir is nothing short of angelic, with performances taking place every Sunday. Recommended by local insider Tess Boissonneault"

"Montréal's Old Port has morphed into a park and fun zone paralleling the mighty St Lawrence River for 2.5km and punctuated by four grand quais. Locals and visitors alike come here for strolling, cycling and in-line skating. Cruise boats, ferries, jet boats and speedboats all depart for tours from various docks. In winter, you can cut a fine figure on an outdoor ice-skating rink."

"The first, and my favourite area of the city, is Old Montreal and the Old Port. There are often events going on in this area, at the Old Port, and it’s great place for walking and eating out. This itinerary can be done in any order, depending on what time you want to start your day, or are arriving in Montreal."

"Plus, after eating at La Banquise you’re basically already in one of Montreal’s lovely green spaces, Parc la Fontaine, where you can rent boats on a small lake or just sit and people watch. I also really loved cycling around the neighborhood here, with its cute alleyways and houses. I used the network of Bixi bikes during my stay in Montreal, which is extremely convenient and affordable, and definitely my favorite way of getting around the city (weather permitting)"

"Follow this pretty street lined with trees and Victorian homes to Parc Lafontaine. This is one of Montreal’s nicest parks with lots of trees, a man-made lake (skating in the winter), ducks and many spots to sit and people watch."

"The space that houses The Museum of Jewish Montreal has both a museum and a lunch counter. The museum part looks at the impact that Jewish communities had on Montreal, especially in the Plateau area where it’s located. Fletcher’s invites visitors to try traditional Jewish food and learn about its history while you savour the flavours of the community."

"Planning a fun-filled family adventure to Montreal anytime soon?. Be sure to make a food trip itinerary, aside from a list of places to see and activities to try. One restaurant that should be in your food crawl agenda is Cora."

"Plus, after eating at La Banquise you’re basically already in one of Montreal’s lovely green spaces, Parc la Fontaine, where you can rent boats on a small lake or just sit and people watch. I also really loved cycling around the neighborhood here, with its cute alleyways and houses. I used the network of Bixi bikes during my stay in Montreal, which is extremely convenient and affordable, and definitely my favorite way of getting around the city (weather permitting)"

"Follow this pretty street lined with trees and Victorian homes to Parc Lafontaine. This is one of Montreal’s nicest parks with lots of trees, a man-made lake (skating in the winter), ducks and many spots to sit and people watch."

"Des Rapides Park is a thirty-hectare urban park in Montreal known for its migratory bird sanctuary. Bird watchers have found over two hundred species including the largest colony of great blue herons in Quebec and duck lovers will rejoice at the thousands that migrate during winter. As visitors walk around, they can admire majestic views of the St. Lawrence River and the Lachine Rapids."

"Des Rapides Park is the best spot to view the Lachine Rapids. On a nice day, spend some time laying out in the sun and taking in the wildlife watching opportunities. This is very much a local park and where you’ll find the second largest heron colony in Quebec, as well as 225 bird species, 66 fish species, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals."