The Filion Family, aka The Immersia Gang

My Laval
by Tourisme Laval

From the barbershop to the local restaurants, the public market, the neighborhood microbrewery, and the exciting local scene, discover the favorite spots of proud Laval residents who are passionate about their neighborhood.

Take a peek into their world and explore their “Laval side” through articles and videos.

Hidden treasures, discoveries—are you ready to explore Laval?

The Filion family consists of four cousins and their spouses, all proud residents of Laval and passionate about escape rooms. In the fall of 2016, they founded Immersia, a family-run business that offers immersive gaming experiences.

The Filion clan… tell me about yourselves?
We can definitely call ourselves a clan—we’re very close-knit! Let me introduce us. First, there’s me, Roseline Filion, head of social media and public relations at Immersia, but better known as a two-time Olympic medalist in diving: my brother Maxime, who handles marketing; my cousin Marilyn, in operations; her partner Stéphane Gilbert, in artistic direction; my other cousin Roxane, head of finance, but also a singer and backup vocalist on the show En direct de l’univers; and her partner Stéphan Côté, head of technology development, though he’s better known as an actor, among other roles, on the show District 31.

We’re also big fans of escape rooms. We’ve taken part in over a hundred escape rooms all over the world, and we still do it just for fun!

What’s your hidden gem in Laval?
The Oregon Bar à vin restaurant. It really is a hidden gem, since it’s located—or rather, tucked away—in a small shopping center on Curé-Labelle Boulevard, at the entrance to Sainte-Rose. It’s a real find (which Marilyn discovered, since she lives just a stone’s throw from the restaurant). A small neighborhood bistro that literally rivals Montreal’s trendiest spots.

The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, and the owners are young and genuinely curious people who love introducing us to new seasonal dishes and wines. In fact, the name “Oregon” isn’t a coincidence—it refers to the major wine-growing region in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Needless to say, their wine list is incredible!

What brings you to Oregon?
Forour brainstorming sessions. This is where we gather, over a good bottle of wine (and a great meal, of course!), to brainstorm and develop our storylines. The setting is perfect for creativity. The “mansion-style” decor inspires us.

We love coming here because the menu is well-curated and there’s something for everyone. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and sophistication. The cooking is precise and refined, yet simple at the same time. Plus, you can share the dishes. Perfect for a group like us!

It’s really the kind of cozy neighborhood spot we love. It feels like we’re on the Plateau-Mont-Royal, but with parking! Unfortunately, with our busy schedules, we don’t get to come here often enough!

If you had to describe Oregon to someone, what would you say?
Don’t let the exterior fool you! You’ll discover a truly unique restaurant there.

If you had to describe Laval to a visitor in just a few words, what would you say?
We grew up here. This is home. Come on over—you’re invited! You’ll see: Laval is family-friendly, welcoming, and offers the benefits of wide-open green spaces. It’s also Montreal’s cool, trendy little sister… with free parking to boot!

Some highlights:

• Oregon offers sulfite-free wines… say goodbye to hangovers!
• Roseline loves escape rooms so much that the very day after her last competition at the Rio Olympics, she headed to Escape 60, an escape room located a 20-minute walk from the pool.
• One of the Filion family’s favorite dishes in Oregon is salted cod risotto.