Eat Your Way Around the Island: Local Flavors and Agritourism in Laval

Just a stone’s throw from city life, discover Laval’s rural charm! It’s simple: either let regional specialties come to you, deliciously prepared and served in one of our renowned restaurants, or set out to explore our island along the country roads.

Although Laval is the third-largest city in Quebec, with more than 400,000 residents, it’s unique in that it borders the countryside very closely. Yes, it’s almost like a well-kept secret: 30% of its territory is designated as agricultural land. Does that surprise you? You have to see it to believe it, so come check it out!

Take to the open road

Laval is home to more than 120 farms and about 50 farm stands. There, you’ll discover a wide variety of fruits and vegetables (some available for pick-your-own), cheese, honey, wine, cider, beer, and, of course, very popular homemade products! And for good reason: breads, salad dressings, pies, marinades, jams, cakes, and potato fritters cooked in maple syrup. A special shout-out here to the Marineau Farm , which successfully crafts this traditional dessert as well as other treats to take home—they’ll help you cherish the memories of your Laval countryside getaway.

How about a day in the countryside without even leaving Laval? Here are our top picks. First, treat yourself to some goat cheese from the Fromagerie du Vieux-Saint-François in the northeast of the island. Then head west. Along the way, depending on the harvest season—from June to November—you’ll be able to pick fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, tomatoes—yes, remember that tomatoes are fruits!—and vegetables (squash, pumpkins, bell peppers, eggplants, onions, hot peppers, etc.).

You'll be spoiled for choice between the F. Turcot & Sons Farm, the Vaillancourt Farm (a local institution for nearly 200 years!), the Forget Farm, where kids can have fun in the giant corn maze starting in August—and you can even pick sunflowers there! The corn mazeat Marineau Farm is sure to charm young and old alike. Also, starting at the end of summer, the Gibouleau Orchard welcomes you for apple picking.

Oh, there are other stops to make, including at the Ferme Jeunes au travail, which employs young adults aged 16 to 35 with the goal of helping them develop their personal, social, and professional skills. You can support them by buying fresh produce straight from the fields or prepared foods (marinades, etc.)—and even handmade furniture, if you have room in your luggage!

Picnic at the Farm

For a culinary adventure that’s out of the ordinary, head to Agneaux de Laval! Simply reserve a gazebo that can accommodate up to 15 people and choose from a selection of hot or cold meal options. Grain-fed chicken, smoked pork ribs, bacon, farm-fresh eggs, leg of lamb, and seasonal vegetables take center stage.

To enjoy the pleasures of the countryside in an urban setting, check out the directory of Saveurs de Laval or theagritourism offerings on our website. Like a treasure map, plan your own gourmet tour that will take you to local farmers and even wineries. You can use this itinerary.

If your exploration has made you thirsty, all the better! You’ll have the chance to taste wines, ciders, or beers proudly produced in Laval at the Château Taillefer Lafon and at the Insulaires microbrewery, or even at our Laval restaurants that feature them on their menus.

People who are passionate about their work

Just like the farmers in the Laval area,chefs and restaurant owners are passionate people who love to share their stories. It’s always a pleasure to have a little chat with them when you have the chance to meet them! Since we can’t introduce you to all of them, we’re featuring a few here.

Among the restaurant owners, the longest-serving is undoubtedly Richard Bastien, chef and owner of LeMitoyen. Renowned for his refined cuisine that showcases regional ingredients, his restaurant has been located in a historic house in the Sainte-Dorothée neighborhood since 1977.

We’re also very proud of Chef Marc-André Royal, a Laval native who owns a restaurant and three La Bête à Pain bakeries and pastry shops in Montreal and Laval. La Bête à Pain in Laval is also a restaurant known for its delicious weekday lunches and weekend brunches, a gourmet food shop, and a catering service. Fun fact: the business operates within the circular economy by supplying unsold bread to the Oshlag microbrewery in Montreal, which turns it into a beer called Miettes! A similar initiative has been underway since June 2022 with the Silo microbrewery, which launched a new bread beer called Gros-Sault.

One chef who simply cannot be overlooked, given his immense contribution to the reputation of the hotel dining industry, is Éric Robidoux, who oversees the kitchens at the Sheraton Laval and the Hilton Laval. If Laval residents and visitors to Laval dine at the restaurant without staying at the hotel, it’s largely thanks to the reputation of the restaurant La Piazza at the Sheraton Laval that draws food connoisseurs!