Caroline Lachapelle

Coro, a total free spirit who loves just about everything in life! Nature energizes me, and traveling transforms me.

I try to convey all of this in my writing: enjoy the read!

If you’re like me, you might have thought (naively?) that there wasn’t really anywhere “out in nature” in Laval where you could enjoy winter sports ? Think again! Laval may be less mountainous than the Laurentians, but the region is full of green spaces just waiting to be discovered.

Photo credit: Caroline Lachapelle

3 locations, 3 atmospheres

I’m sure you’re already familiar with the famous Rivière-des-Milles-Îles Park, right? Summer or winter, it’s definitely one of my favorite places to enjoy the waterfront and recharge my batteries. Although it’s THE perfect spot for water sports during the summer season, the peaceful atmosphere in winter invites you to sit back for a few moments or go for a walk along the hiking trails.

The new facilities are actually great! The Café de l’Archipel is the perfect place to enjoy a nice hot drink after taking a stroll around the park.

Photo credit: Caroline Lachapelle

Papineau Woods

If you've never been to Bois Papineau, located in the Duvernay area of Laval, here’s a friendly reminder to check it out. This 53-acre green space is open to everyone, and you can park for free on-site. Not only will you see magnificent trees with their imposing presence, but you’ll also have the chance to observe wildlife in complete tranquility—over 100 different bird species and about twenty mammals have been recorded there! Several kilometers of trails (6.9 to be exact) offer hikers the chance to spend long hours fully immersed in nature. After a good snowfall, it feels like you’re in an enchanted setting. Some of the narrower trails really gave us the impression of being somewhere else entirely—it’s absolutely beautiful.

Photo credit: Caroline Lachapelle

The Runners of Boisés

Cross-country skiing is making a big comeback this season, and Laval offers a network of SUPER well-maintained trails. Les Coureurs de boisés is a spot that’s not very well known to the general public, but it’s been around for years. We LOVE the simplicity of the trails, which give beginners and intermediate skiers the chance to practice classic technique or double poling. No ravines in sight—we promise you won’t dislocate your knee!

Photo credit: Caroline Lachapelle

A tasty suggestion…

All this exercise is great, but your body needs some fuel to keep going! I’ve got you covered—you absolutely have to try La Bête à Pain. A charming bakery-turned-restaurant, straight out of Pinterest? Yes, please! This place is my favorite in the whole city: the food is divine (of course, the BREAD is just incredible), the decor is perfect, and the staff are incredibly kind! I highly recommend trying the gravlax salmon toast…it’s a delight.

We hope we’ve helped you discover a few of Laval’s lesser-known spots—at least virtually. It certainly makes you want to bundle up and head out to enjoy the last few weeks of winter.

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