Add This Adventurous Laval Weekend to Your Montreal Trip
Last Updated on December 23, 2025
From kayaking and indoor skydiving to local dining and strawberry fields, here’s how to spend an active weekend in Laval, just across the river from Montreal.
If you’re already in Montreal and want to extend your trip with adventurous activities – without going far – Laval really delivers. It’s close enough to feel like a natural extension of the city, but the energy is totally different. Instead of museum-hopping or strolling through markets, you’ll spend your time kayaking calm rivers, skydiving indoors, solving world-class escape rooms, and winding down with local beer and solid food.
I added Laval to the end of a recent Quebec trip, and it ended up being one of the most active – and unexpected – parts of the whole visit! Everything is easy to reach, and you can stack experiences without spending half your day in transit. There’s a local food angle worth exploring, from farm stops to brewery kitchens, plus the internationally-recognized Escaparium.
If you’re someone who likes your weekends full, this is a good one to tag onto a trip that might otherwise lean museum-heavy. Think of it as Montreal’s adrenaline-charged neighbor.
I’ve also included a single-day Laval itinerary if you’re short on time but don’t want to miss Laval’s top attractions. It’s easy to tag on to your Montreal itinerary.
My trip was hosted by Tourisme Laval, but all opinions, recommendations, and experiences shared here are entirely my own.
In This Weekend in Laval Itinerary
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Getting There and Around
The closest airport to Laval is Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
Laval is Quebec’s third largest city, located just north of Montreal and easy to get to, especially by car. From most neighborhoods in the city, it’s a 25–35 minute drive, depending on traffic. The route is straightforward, and most major attractions offer free or low-cost parking. If you don’t have a car, you can still make the trip work with a bit of planning.
The Montreal Metro connects directly to Laval with three stations on the orange line: Cartier, De la Concorde, and Montmorency. From any of these, you can grab a local bus or use ride-share to get to nearby activities.
Rent a car: Expedia | Discover Cars
If you’re visiting in spring or summer, rental bicycles and electric scooters make short distances easier. Laval has an expanding network of multi-use bike paths, especially along the river. Just check ahead for designated docking areas and cycle paths.
For a weekend like this one, a car will save time and make the trip easier, especially if you’re packing your schedule or plan to stay into the evening. But if you’re keeping your plans clustered, public transit, ride-shares, and scooters are manageable options also.
Laval Itinerary Day 1: Farm Stop, Kayaking, and a Classy but Chill Dinner
This first day is all about getting outdoors without going far! The pace is relaxed, but there’s enough built in to feel like a real break from the city.
Mid-Morning: “Pick Your Own” Farm Visit and a Picnic at Ferme Forget
To kick off your Laval trip, head to Ferme Forget (pronounced “fehrm for-zhay” for us English-speakers), about 20 minutes from Downtown Laval. This farm has been owned by generations of the Forget family and is now open to the public from spring through October, with different activities depending on the season. During the summer, you can pick your own strawberries and other produce, cut your own flowers, and explore a mini-farm with animals.
One of the best ways to enjoy the stop is to create your own picnic from the farm store, which stocks freshly made sandwiches, salads, pastries, and cold drinks. Don’t miss the homemade fruit slushies and strawberry donuts (worth the entire trip, in my opinion!).
There’s plenty of outdoor space to sit and eat right on the property, so it makes for a comfortable, no-rush lunch spot. Kids of all ages will also love the mini-farm which features a llama, goats, ducks, and other animals.
Later in the season, the farm adds a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and tractor rides for the fall.
The mini-farm, self-service picnic area, and farm store visit are free, while pick-your-own experiences and fall activities require payment.
No reservation is needed, but it’s best to check the farm’s social media or website before your visit. They post regular updates on what’s on the calendar and what’s available for picking.
🌐 Website: Ferme Forget 📱Facebook: La Ferme Forget
📍 Address: 7901 Av. Marcel-Villeneuve, Laval, QC H7A 0H9, Canada
Afternoon: Kayaking at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
Next, get ready for kayaking at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, where you can paddle the river and quiet channels that wind through small islands, marshes, and inlets. It’s calm and beginner-friendly, but still feels like you’re getting out into nature.
Single and tandem kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are available to rent in three-hour increments. I’d recommend going with a single kayak if you’re new to paddling. The tandem kayaks looked easier to me, but it turns out to be easier to fly solo even for newbies!
Before or after your paddle, take a few minutes to visit the onsite museum and interpretation center. It’s small but well-done, with exhibits on local history as well as the river’s ecosystem, wildlife, and the environmental work being done in the region. It’s included with your rental and gives helpful context to what you’ll see on the water.
Plan for 3-4 hours total, including rental time and the museum.
🎒What to bring: Water shoes or sandals, a change of clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and a lock if you want to use a locker. Also bring a waterproof pouch for your phone or plan to rent a dry-bag on site for an additional fee. My spot for a dinner pick is closeby, so save time by using the facilities here to change.
🌐 Website: https://www.parc-mille-iles.qc.ca/en/
📍 Address: 345 Bd Sainte-Rose, Laval, QC H7L 1M7, Canada
Evening: Dinner at Boating Club (Vieux-Sainte-Rose)
For dinner, make your way to the Boating Club, set along the Rivière des Mille Îles just a short walk from the park. It’s housed in a historic building with a quiet dining room and a patio that’s ideal for warm evenings.
The menu features seasonal Quebec dishes, seafood, trendy cocktails, and a thoughtful wine list. Service is paced and the atmosphere feels like a step away from the rest of the city.
Reservations are recommended, especially for outdoor seating. Also, be sure to get the fried gnocchi — we all agreed it was the standout dish of the meal!
🌐 Website: Le Boating Club
📍 Address: 30 Bd du Curé-Labelle, Laval, QC H7L 2Y9, Canada
Laval Itinerary Day 2: Indoor Thrills, Local Food, and a Rooftop or Casual Dinner
This second day itinerary keeps the momentum going with a mix of indoor experiences and local food! Everything is close together, so there’s no wasted time in transit. You’ll finish the weekend with options: end it with a polished dinner by the river or keep it casual with a beer flight and comfort food..
Morning: iFLY Laval – Indoor Skydiving
Start the day with indoor skydiving at iFLY Laval. After a quick orientation and gear fitting, you’ll step into a vertical wind tunnel with a guide who helps you float (and stay stable) mid-air. Each flight lasts about a minute, and you can add on additional experiences like a high-flight with the instructor and a flight with a virtual-reality headset that simulates a wingsuit experience (my favorite part!).
Expect to spend around 2 hours start to finish and be sure to arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled time. Book in advance, especially on weekends, and wear comfortable clothes and lace-up shoes.
🌐 Website: iFly Montreal
📍 Address: 2700 Ave du Cosmodôme, Laval, QC H7T 2X1, Canada
Brunch/Lunch: Les Enfants Terribles – Midday at Centropolis
Walk or drive a few minutes over to Centropolis, Laval’s open-air shopping and food district, and grab a meal at Les Enfants Terribles. This casual bistro offers indoor and patio seating and menu with Quebec comfort staples like burgers, tartares, and seasonal salads, with a few playful twists.
🌐 Website: Les Enfants Terribles
📍 Address: 200 Prom. Du Centropolis, Laval, QC H7T 2Z6, Canada
After Lunch: Escape Room at Escaparium Laval
Next up is Escaparium Laval, which offers immersive escape rooms far beyond your standard puzzle room setup. This is one of the top-rated escape room venues anywhere, with detailed set design, lighting, sound, live actors, and storytelling that competes on a global level.
Escaparium offers rooms with a variety of themes, from classic mystery to theatrical sci-fi, and even some for younger visitors. You’ll need a group for this: all require at least 3-4 players per booking, and must be reserved in advance.
Two standout rooms here have received international recognition:
- Magnifico, currently rated the #1 escape room in the world, blends elaborate stagecraft with a magic-themed storyline and physical surprises.
- The Forgotten Cathedral, ranked #3 globally, drops you into an ancient setting with layered puzzles, atmospheric lighting, and multi-room progression to save your guide and escape from a haunted cathedral. I got to do this one, which was deliciously spooky, with plenty of jump scares and Indiana Jones-level puzzles spread through its multi-room setup.
The best rooms here are so elaborate that they have closing credits! This was the most unexpected part of my trip, since I didn’t expect this quality of production: it really was like starring in your own adventure movie.
🌐 Website: Escaparium Laval
📍 Address: 5545 Bd des Rossignols, Laval, QC H7L 5Z1, Canada
Afternoon: Explore Centropolis or Take a Break
After lunch, spend a bit of time walking through Centropolis. It’s designed for wandering, with public art, fountains, and easy access to snacks and coffee if you want something small between meals. If you’re up for one last activity, Putting Edge (indoor glow-in-the-dark mini-golf) is just a short walk away. You can also catch a movie or visit the Cosmodôme educational space center with exhibits and interactive missions in simulated lunar gravity.
You can also treat this as downtime: head back to your hotel and rest yourself before dinner.
🌐 Website: Centropolis
📍 Address: 1799 Av. Pierre-Péladeau, Laval, QC H7T 2Y5, Canada
Evening Option 1: Dinner at Terrasse Cielo
If you want to end your weekend on an upscale note, plan on dinner at Terrasse Cielo, a rooftop restaurant that offers some of the best open-air dining in Laval. It’s perched above Marriott Courtyard Laval and has clear views out over the surrounding area. The menu leans Mediterranean, with fresh seafood, share plates, grilled mains, and seasonal cocktails in a polished but unfussy setting.
Try to time your reservation around sunset if you can. On clear evenings, the light over the city is worth lingering for.
Tip: Make a reservation in advance, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
🌐 Website: Terrasse Cielo
📍 Address: 500 Rue Lucien-Paiement, Laval, QC H7N 0H6, Canada
Evening Option 2: Dinner + Beer Tasting at Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs (Casual)
If you’re looking for a more laid-back way to end the weekend, head to Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs, located a short drive from Centropolis in Laval’s Duvernay area. The restaurant’s name means “The Islanders,” a nod to residents of Laval (which is actually an island).
It’s a comfortable, welcoming space with house-brewed beers, a solid food menu, and a casual vibe.
Not sure what to order? Just tell the staff what styles you usually go for, and they’ll put together a flight based on your preferences.
The menu covers both full meals and easy share plates. Choose from entrees like fish and chips, a well-done smashburger, or beef or salmon tartare. If you’re sharing, the poutine islanders, topped with beef rib braised in beer sauce, is hard to skip. They also offer loaded nachos and a full apéritif platter if you’re grazing over drinks.
🌐 Website: Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs
📍 Address: 275 Blvd. de la Concorde E, Laval, QC H7G 2E5, Canada
If You Only Have One Day in Laval
If you’re short on time but still want to experience Laval’s more active side, you can fit a lot into a single-day Laval itinerary without it feeling too rushed. Here’s how to structure it.
Morning: Kayak at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
Start early with a morning paddle through the river’s channels and inlets. Book a single kayak for easier steering. You’ll get quiet stretches of water, forest views, and an easy entry point into Laval’s outdoors. Stop by the small museum on-site before or after your paddle — it’s included with your rental and worth a quick visit.
Midday: Lunch and Farm Stop at Ferme Forget
After paddling, drive to Ferme Forget for lunch and a walk through the fields. Depending on the season, you can pick strawberries, flowers, or other produce, plus grab a picnic from the farm store, which sells ready-to-eat salads, sandwiches, baked goods, and cold drinks. Don’t forget to say hi to the animals at the mini-farm, too!
Afternoon: iFLY Laval or Escaparium (Pick One)
You’ll have time for one major activity in the afternoon, so choose based on your group size and what kind of energy you’re looking for:
- iFLY Laval for indoor skydiving that’s quick, adventurous, and unlike anything else nearby
- Escaparium for a more team-based, immersive escape room experience (requires 3-4 people)
Both need to be booked ahead, and each takes around 90-120 minutes, including check-in.
Optional Dinner: Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs
If you’re staying for dinner or heading back to Montreal after traffic dies down, stop at Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs for a beer tasting and casual meal. They’ll help you build a flight based on your preferences, and the food menu has options like fish and chips, tartare, a smashburger, or loaded poutine with pulled beef. It’s a low-key way to end the day without feeling like you need to dress up.
Where to Stay, If You Don’t Head Back to Montreal Right Away
If you’re planning to stretch this itinerary into a full overnight, staying in Laval saves time and keeps things simple, especially if you’re booking early morning activities or want to have dinner without watching the clock. Most key stops are spread across the city, so a central location with parking and easy access by car makes a big difference.
Courtyard by Marriott Laval
This is where I stayed, and it made a convenient base for everything on the itinerary. It’s close to Centropolis, Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, and a short drive from Escaparium and iFLY. Rooms are comfortable and modern, there’s free parking, and the lobby space is useful if you want a place to regroup between outings. It also has a small gym and restaurant options. Great for couples, families, or small groups traveling together.
Sheraton Laval Hotel
Located right next to Carrefour Laval (a major shopping center), the Sheraton Laval offers full-service amenities. There’s an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. It’s a good choice if you want more hotel services or are combining this trip with shopping or downtime. Also well-located for getting to Centropolis and other central stops.
Hôtel Ô Laval
For something smaller and more affordable, Hôtel Ô Laval is a clean, no-frills option with free parking and updated rooms. It’s further east, but still within reasonable driving distance to all major activities. Best suited for travelers who just need a quiet place to sleep and don’t plan to spend much time in the hotel itself.
Book Hôtel Ô Laval: Expedia
Le St-Martin Hotel & Suites Laval
This locally owned hotel offers a quieter alternative to chain options, with the added benefit of suite options that include kitchenettes, a useful feature for families or longer stays. Rooms are spacious, and the property includes an indoor pool, hot tub, and gym. It’s located a short drive from Centropolis and most major attractions, with free parking onsite.
Book Le St-Martin Hotel & Suites Laval: Expedia
Planning Tips
Laval is easy to visit, but a few small details can make your weekend run more smoothly – especially if you’re trying to fit everything into two days!
Best Time to Go
June through early fall is ideal for this itinerary. That’s when kayaking is in full swing, U-pick farms are open, and most restaurants have patio seating. If you’re planning around weather, both iFLY and Escaparium are solid backups: they’re fully indoors and not weather-dependent.
Booking Ahead
Reserve your spots for iFLY and Escaparium ahead of time, especially on weekends or holidays. Laval gets busier in the summer, and same-day spots can be limited at the more hands-on activities.
Getting Around
A car is the easiest way to get between stops. Most locations are 10 to 20 minutes apart. If you’re not driving, Laval’s bus system and Metro access can work with some advance route planning. Lime scooters and bikeshares are available in some areas during warmer months, and bike paths are expanding but still limited outside central Laval.
Uber is also available as a ridesharing option.
Rent a car: Expedia | Discover Cars
What to Bring
Pack activewear and bring along a change of clothes for kayaking. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, and shoes that can get wet. If you’re doing the farm stop, bring a cooler bag if you plan to take berries, produce, or baked goods with you for an off-site picnic.
Laval Holidays and Festivals to Know
If you’re planning a visit around a specific season, Laval hosts several local festivals worth timing your trip around, especially if you’re interested in beer, wine, and spirits.
Summer Holidays
If you’re visiting in late June, La Fête nationale du Québec (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day) is one of the biggest public events of the year! Laval hosts musical performances, food and drink stands, and family activities in the Centre de la nature park. It’s busy but festive, and worth planning around if you want to experience Quebec’s cultural holiday at a community scale. I got to attend this year and loved the music and friendly atmosphere!
Note: Some businesses also adjust hours, so confirm opening times if you’re visiting then.
🌐 Website: Laval.ca (use your browser to translate if the English language version isn’t updated)
In July, the Fête des vins et spiritueux de Laval is held indoors at Centropolis. This one focuses on Quebec-made wines, liqueurs, and small-batch spirits. Expect tasting stations, cocktail demos, and vendors selling regional specialties. Entry is ticketed and includes tasting credits.
🌐 Website: Fête des vins et spiritueux de Laval
Also in July, the Festival des bières de Laval takes over the Centre de la nature with more than 40 Quebec microbreweries, cider producers, and distilleries. It’s one of the region’s biggest craft beer events, with live music, food trucks, and outdoor tastings. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly during the day, but leans more festive in the evening. Bring a tasting glass or pick one up at the entrance.
🌐 Website: Festival des bières de Laval
Fall and Winter Festivals
In early September through October, several farms and local markets host autumn events across Laval’s agricultural zones. Places like Ferme Forget host tastings, U-pick produce, and seasonal activities like a corn maze and hayrides. Activities vary by location, so it’s best to check with each participating farm.
In mid-December, Laval hosts its annual Marché de Noël at the Centre de la nature. Spread over a weekend, it features local artisans and food producers selling handmade goods, seasonal treats, and Quebec-made gifts. The setting includes live performances, kid-friendly activities, and food trucks. It’s outdoors, so dress for the weather. Admission is free, and parking is available but limited on busy days.
🌐 Website: Marché de Noël
Laval also celebrates winter with Laval en Blanc, a January festival at the Centre de la nature that features ice sculptures, snow activities, local food stands, and outdoor concerts. It often includes Quebec-made alcoholic drinks like mulled wine or hot cider, alongside standard winter fare.
🌐 Website: Laval en Blanc
Find more information on local events in Laval here.
Turns Out, Laval Knows How to Weekend!
From live music and energy of Quebec Day to a next-level escape room at Escaparium, Laval delivered way more than just a quick break from Montreal. It was active without being hectic, full of good food, and adventurous in all the best ways.
Whether you’re paddling through quiet waterways or piecing your way out of a cathedral-themed puzzle room, there’s so much to discover here. Turns out, Laval really does know how to weekend!
Have you booked your Laval trip yet? Message me on Instagram to let me know!
Looking for more outdoor adventures? Grab my culture lover’s guide to Quebec City, my itinerary for Lanaudiere-Mauricie the Authentic Quebec, 3 days in Montreal, or unique things to do in Montreal guide.
