Izabelle Bernier aka Iza Bee

Mon Côté Laval
by Tourisme Laval

From barbershops and corner restaurants to public markets, neighborhood microbreweries and trippy activities, discover the favorites of proud Lavallois who love their suburbs.

Take a leap into their world and explore their "Laval side" in reading and video.

Are you ready to discover Laval's hidden treasures?

Editor-in-chief for Narcity Québec, Izabelle Bernier, aka Izabelle Bee, is a true Laval native. She's passionate about her job, which introduces her to a host of unique activities, places and people all over Quebec.

Tell me about your role as editor at Narcity Québec
I'm a lifelong resident of Laval and the Editor-in-Chief of Narcity Québec. I'm a very curious person, and my schedule is busier than the number of hours in the day!

What's your hidden treasure in Laval?
Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs. I love this neighborhood bar, because the atmosphere is warm and cozy, and the decor is amazing. Here, we hear each other talk, and they take the time to suggest products that correspond to our tastes and image. We really feel like VIP customers. If you come alone, you can sit at the bar and Yan, the friendly barman, will advise you and help you discover new products, because at Les Insulaires, there's always something new!

Did you know that they have 16 beers brewed on site and 24 keg lines? For someone like me who likes to explore and discover, it's simply perfect. And what about the food? The beef tartare is exquisite and the poutine Les Insulaires is excellent. It's the ideal place for a 5@7 with friends, because in addition to chatting, you can play board games... and there's parking!

Photo credit: Olivier Bourget

Do you come here often?
Since we opened in November, I've been here four times, but that's understandable! I work a lot and don't get out much in winter... but this is still the microbrewery where I've spent the most time in recent months!

How did you hear about Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs?
I met Marilène, the owner, at the Festival des bières de Laval, of which she is the founder. At the time, I was writing an article about the Festival, which I love, by the way. When I heard that Marilène and her partner Guillaume were opening Les Insulaires, I wasn't surprised. It was actually quite logical. Marilène is a passionate woman, and her passion shines through in all her projects. The staff at Les Insulaires are just as passionate. It's a great team, and you'll never see an employee looking at their cell phone during working hours!

Photo credit: Olivier Bourget

What would you say to someone who's never been to Les Insulaires?
It's an unpretentious, trendy, warm, charming and cozy neighborhood microbrewery.

Photo credit: Olivier Bourget

If you had to introduce Laval to a foreigner in a few words, you'd say?
It's the suburbs of Montreal. It's the opposite of the big city. It's warm, safe and easy to get around by car. There's still that spirit of neighborliness. We have a downtown, but we also have nature.

Some highlights:

• Editor-in-chief by day, she coaches the UQAM Citadins cheerleading team and the RND Élite Allstars de Bois-des-Fillion team by night.
• To complete her already busy schedule, she works as a barmaid one evening a week.
• A sign of destiny? His parents met at the Brasserie Futuriste, now occupied by Les Insulaires.
• His favourite island dish: beef tartare
• His favourite beer: Porter
• Children are welcome at Les Insulaires.