When Laval rhymes with winter outing!

Caroline Lachapelle

 A very curly coro who loves too many things in life! Nature energizes me, travel transforms me.

I try to give you all this in my writings: happy reading!

If you're like me, you may have thought (naively?) that there weren't any places "in the wild" enough for winter sports in Laval? Think again! Laval may be less mountainous than the Laurentians, but the region is full of green spots worth discovering.

Photo credit: Caroline Lachapelle

3 locations, 3 atmospheres

I'm not telling you anything new if I tell you about the famous Parc de la Rivière-des-Milles-Îlesisn't it? Summer or winter, it's definitely one of my favorite places to enjoy the water's edge and recharge my batteries. Although it's the perfect spot for water sports in summer, the peaceful atmosphere in winter invites you to take a break or go for a walk on the hiking trails.

The new facilities are just great! The Café de l'Archipel is the perfect place for a hot drink after a stroll around the park.

Photo credit: Caroline Lachapelle

Papineau Woods

If you've never been to Papineau Woodslocated in Laval's Duvernay sector, this is your friendly reminder to check it out. This 53-acre green space is accessible to all, and parking is free. Not only will you see some magnificent trees, but you'll also have the chance to observe wildlife in complete tranquillity - over 100 different bird species and some twenty mammals have been recorded here! Several kilometers of trails (6.9 to be precise) offer walkers the chance to spend long hours in total immersion in nature. After a good dusting of snow, you'd think you were in an enchanted setting. Some of the narrower trails really gave us the impression of being elsewhere, and that's a thing of beauty.

Photo credit: Caroline Lachapelle

Les Coureurs de Boisés

Cross-country skiing is making a big comeback this season, and Laval has a SUPER well-groomed network of trails. Les Coureurs de boisés is a little-known site, but has been around for years. We LOVE the simplicity of the trails, which give beginners and intermediates a chance to practice classic technique or double pushes. There's no ravine in sight, and we promise you won't dislocate a knee!

Photo credit: Caroline Lachapelle

Gourmet suggestion...

That's all well and good, but the body needs a little nourishment to keep it going! I got you, you absolutely must try La Bête à Pain. A coquette bakery version of a restaurant, a la Pinterest? Yes please ! This place is my favorite in the whole city: the food is divine (of course, the PAIN is just incredible), the decor is par-fection, but the staff are also remarkably kind! I highly recommend you try the salmon gravlax tartine... it's a delight.

I hope I've given you a virtual glimpse of some of Laval's lesser-known spots. It certainly makes you want to put on your warm clothes and enjoy the last few weeks of winter.

#lavalcmaintenant