No choice but to keep pedaling: must-visit bike stops in Laval

Every time I hop on my bike, I treat myself. I love cycling. Sometimes I ride without really knowing where I’m going, and along the way, I make wonderful discoveries. Other times, I ride toward a specific destination. I’ll admit that with kids, that’s the option I prefer. When you reach a goal, it’s a chance to celebrate your efforts.

Recently, my twin sister Annick and I went for a stroll through the streets of Laval. We started on Riviera Street, near the Arthur-Sauvé Bridge, and took the bike path, which led us along Sainte-Rose and Mille-Îles Boulevards. Along the way, we admired the beautiful scenery and discovered some great spots to take a well-deserved break.

At La Boîte à Fleurs

At La Boîte à Fleurs, there’s more than just flowers! There’s also the Espace Gourmet, where you can enjoy coffee, chocolate, pastries, cheese, salads, and sandwiches on the indoor or outdoor terrace. If you have panniers on your bike, you can even have a lunch box prepared for a picnic. As for us, we enjoyed an iced coffee.

At Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park

The Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park is a place that never ceases to charm me. I love observing nature—the flowering marshes, the lush vegetation, and all its inhabitants, including various species of birds and fish. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot beavers and turtles.

Needless to say, it’s perfect for a picnic (with a lunch purchased at La Boîte à Fleurs), to enjoy a snack and a few sips of water while observing the flora and fauna, or even to set out on an exploration—on foot, by canoe, by kayak, or by rabaska. Did you know that of the 101 islands in the river, about twenty are accessible from the park?

At one of the 8 rest stops

Enjoy the six pop-up spaces scattered throughout Laval. These comfortable public spaces are perfect for taking a break during the warmer months. Visit the rest stop located along your route.

1. Émile-Nelligan Library, Laval-des-Rapides neighborhood
2. Berge aux Quatre-Vents, Laval-Ouest neighborhood
3. Public plaza at the De la Concorde metro station, Laval-des-Rapides neighborhood
4. The waterfront of the former Commodore Marina, Pont-Viau neighborhood
5. Pie-X New Area Park, Chomedey neighborhood
6. Site adjacent to the Community Center, Pont-Viau neighborhood

Finish off the meal with some ice cream

After a long bike ride, reward yourself with a refreshing snack. You’ll likely come across several ice cream shops along the way. I especially recommend the Pineault Creamery for its twisted cones filled with up to three flavors of soft-serve ice cream. If you’re a gelato lover, you absolutely must try the gelato at Dolce & Santella , which offers over 24 flavors.