Top 10 Things To Do, Activities 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."

"Named for Saint George, the patron saint of England and inspired by that country's 13th-century religious architecture, St George's features prominent pinnacles and pointed arches, along with stained-glass windows, wooden carvings, a double hammer-beam ceiling and a column-free interior. The magnificent ceiling beams look grand and awe-inspiring, and the Lady Chapel on the east side of the main altar adds to the effect. Opened in 1843 to accommodate the overflow of worshipers from the Christ Church Cathedral, the church boasts tapestry that finds its origins in Westminster Abbey, London, and was used during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation."

"Named for the patron saint of England, St. George’s Anglican Church was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1990, 120 years after it was completed. The carved sandstone exterior was fashioned in the English Gothic revival style, complete with plenty of wonderful pointed arches that you’ll find everywhere — the windows, the entrance, the bell tower, and throughout the interior as well. The inside is a gorgeous study of traditional English woodwork, including the fantastic ceiling beams, among the largest in the world."

"St George’s Anglican Church strives to actively testify to the faith that is given to each of us as we open our hearts and minds to God, and to share this unreservedly with people who live, work, and study in downtown Montreal via the transformative love of Jesus and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. As stewards of Christ, they want to improve the worship and Christian education to reach out to the church and the community around us, and to help families and people cope with the many problems of modern life."

"Another spot to enjoy nature that’s not too far from Montreal, Bois-de-Liesse Nature Park is one of the best places to immerse yourself in local wildlife and the peacefulness of Montreal suburbs. The nature park features a black maple forest that is over a century old, as well as eight miles of hiking trails, five miles of bike trails, birdwatching opportunities (bring binoculars), and picnic areas. Best Outdoor Areas that are a Close Drive from Montreal"

"If you're walking in these 400 acres of old-growth hardwood and silver birch forests surrounded by picturesque streams, don't be surprised if you run into a fox while meandering along Bois-de-Liesse Park's trails. This out-of-the-way park is one of Montreal's best-kept secrets, located a bit outside of the city center not far from the airport. The easiest way to get there is by car, as it's only a 20-minute drive from downtown Montreal."

"This nature preserve in the northwestern section of the Island of Montreal offers visitors a peaceful look at local plants and wildlife. The Parc Nature du Bois-de-Liesse, with its majestic hardwood forest, is a unique conservation park in an urban landscape. Its diverse ecosystem is home to a number of plants and animals that you can observe, including the American beaver, the map turtle and the flowering rush."

"Located along the Riviere des Prairies, at the very heart of the history of Sault-au-Recollet, the park offers historical elements, such as the site des Moulins ruins, the Maison du Pressoir and the Maison du Meunier. While picnicking, hiking or bike riding, discover the overflow dam waterfall of the Riviere-des-Prairies electric power station. Above all, don't forget your binoculars which you can use to observe the shorebirds, among other species."

"With over 300 years of history, this is one of Montreal’s most historical parks to wander around. Nature Park of Île-de-la-Visitation used to be the home of Canada’s first industrial site, which you can still explore through the park’s old windmill and apple press. The park features over five miles of walking paths, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities, including quite a few different species of shore birds."

"This park in “Montreal North” is beautiful park on the river bank. It’ a nice dog walking spot with lots of little trails that are uncrowded. And it’s perfect in the winter for cross country skiing."

"Residents of the city of Westmount are extremely proud of this large greenspace, and are quick to credit it as the most beautiful park in Montreal thanks to gorgeous landscaping and planning. The park is home to the Westmount Public Library, a soccer field and tennis courts available for the sportive public to take advantage of during pleasant weather. It also features public ping pong tables, as well as built-in chess tables to enjoy a quiet game (pieces not included)."

"That’s saying a lot because the park is competing with mansions, the oratory, and Eugenie Bouchard. Westmount Park’s 26 acres is home to the newly renovated pool, a massive playground, a football/soccer field, tennis courts, gorgeous gardens, a charming dog park, climbable trees and a pond with a mini waterfall. It may be Montreal’s second biggest park, but it’s arguably number one in popularity."

"Westmont Park is one of the nicest and well-kept parks in Montreal. This green space has some outdoor gym equipment, a rec center, an outdoor pool, fountain and so much more. It is a great place for jogging, dog walking, or just sitting under a tree and comtemplating life’s biggest questions."

"It's hard not to over-order from their fantastic pizza menu but for one person-even a very hungry one, the small pizza is more than enough. Affordable, flavorful and completely satisfying, Amelio's is a tried-and-true standby in the McGill University area on Milton Street. Popular with students, loud and heavy on the super-casual atmosphere, it's not a great date night option."

"A stylish establishment adjacent to the Jean-Talon market, this restaurant is an oasis amid the surrounding bustle (the terrasse offers great people watching). It’s a fairly classic affair with antipasti, minestrone, and house-made cavatelli on the menu; the polpo, octopus, is particularly recommended. Closed Sundays (except for private events)."

"Barley has an adorable ambiance and its cereal coffees have been breaking the internet ever since its opening. This amazing spot offers a ton of social media-worthy menu items. And best of all, it's dog-friendly, so your four-legged bestie can get in on the shoot!"

"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."

"One of the most family-friendly malls on this list, this shopping centre at the western end of the Green Line makes a point out of catering a lot to parents and their little ones. Even if you’re not interested in features like stroller rentals and breastfeeding rooms, you’ll be finding your most essential needs met in terms of clothing, shoes, sports equipment, home furnishings, vinyl, video games—heck, you can even fill your car’s tank at this mall. Given its distance from Downtown Montreal, you’ll likely find that the line-ups here are a bit more manageable than the big name spots that see the most foot traffic."

"Carrefour Angrignon is a Canadian shopping centre in the Montreal borough of LaSalle in Quebec. Popular stores include Sears, Zellers, Staples,…"

"If you’re looking for something special to wear to an event, then Les Cours is your best bet. Not only does it house high-end apparel boutiques like DKNY and Harry Rosen, but there’s local boutiques specializing in haute couture in the mix as well. It’s a great place to prep all round with its spas and beauty facilities available, including hair removal specialists, pedicures and manicures, hair salons and more."

"An upscale shopping center, Les Cours Mont-Royal has been converted from the former Mount Royal Hotel. Located in Downtown Montreal, this shopping center will change the way you look at the whole shopping experience. The architectural elements of Les Cours Mont-Royal will blow your mind."