February 02, 2026

Winter Olympic Sports in Laval

Tourisme Laval Video Tourisme Laval L" with the Family

As Olympic fever sweeps the globe, Laval invites you tojoin in the festivities withouthaving to cross the Atlantic. The facilities available all over the destination are aa great excuse to introduce your little athletes to a range ofathletic sports. By creating more opportunities to move and try new things, the cold season becomes a playground ripe for personal growth and shared enjoyment. It’s a great way to discover winter—and perhaps a new passion.

Why diversify?

According to a large-scale study, nearly 72% of adult athletes of international caliber were not at the same level during their junior years. This finding is significant in that it shows that these future athletes explored a wide variety of sports rather than committing to a single sport at a very early age. Multisport participation therefore appears to be a better practice than early specialization. This is a trend also observed in fields such as science and music. This approach, centered on enjoyment, curiosity, and discovery, finds a natural home in Laval, where winter invites people of all ages to try new experiences.

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing is a great way to get some exercise outdoors without leaving the city. In Laval, the trails offer a variety of routes that allow beginners to take their first steps and experienced skiers to find their rhythm.

At the Nature Center, a loop of a few kilometers of groomed trails is just what you need to stretch your legs after school or work. For those who prefer to venture deeper into the forest, the Bois Duvernay offers more than 25 km of groomed trails. Every outing then becomes a chance to breathe in the crisp air, admire the snow-covered trees, and experience winter in a whole new way.

Skate

Ice skating is a winter staple. In Laval, there are plenty of opportunities to lace up your skates, making it easy to fit into your daily routine. On the ice, children learn quickly, adults rediscover their skills, and everyone gets swept up in the rhythm.

The outdoor ice rinks are plentiful; there are more than fifty of them across the island. They welcome people of all ages, often for free, and allow everyone to enjoy the winter. To make the experience easier, some parks even offer skate rentals. This is particularly true of Bernard-Landry Park, where skates are available for children, teens, and adults, as well as Émile Park.

Several sites are also equipped with practice bars, which are ideal for beginners. Chopin Park, Curé-Coursol Park, Coccinelles Park, Légaré Park, Val-des-Arbres Park, Isabelle Park, Bernard-Landry Park, Émile Park, La Berge aux Quatre-Vents, La Berge du Garrot, Jolibourg Park, Champfleury Park, Lausanne Park, Dumas Park, Prince-Rupert Park, and the Nature Center have the necessary equipment.

Luge

Sledding turns a few minutes of sliding downhill into bursts of laughter. It’s a fun and social activity, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

At the Nature Center, the “La Montagne” area offers several runs and even tube rentals. Curé-Coursol, Jolibourg, Bernard-Landry, and Légaré parks, meanwhile, offer sled mat rentals for a hassle-free outing. Some facilities are also designed for people with limited mobility, so that everyone can enjoy them. Bois de la Source, the Garrot riverbank, and the Centre de la nature offer adapted sleds at no cost.

Hockey

In Laval, we know our hockey. Whether you want to score a goal like a Victoire forward or make a pass like the Rocket’s defensemen, we have everything you need. At the Guimond Complex or at Place Bell, time slots are reserved for those who want to play without a league or referee, just for fun. Several municipal rinks also offer ice time depending on the neighbourhood and schedule.

Get moving everywhere

Thanks to Circonflexe Ready to Move, trying new activities has never been easier. The platform provides free access to sports and recreational equipment through a network of service points located throughout the region. This project aims to reduce the barriers that prevent people from engaging in regular physical activity. You can now travel light and pick up what you need directly at one of the service points to fully enjoy the winter.

Experiencing Winter in Laval

In Laval, participating in winter Olympic sports is both easy and accessible. The parks and facilities are well-maintained and family-friendly. You can strap on your skis for an hour, skate after school, go sledding down a hill, or play hockey whenever you like—even during your business trips.

Beyond just physical activity, these moments give us a chance to spend time together, discover new experiences, and embrace winter with joy. This winter, sometimes all it takes is an afternoon on the ice or in the snow to enjoy a little taste of the Olympics right in your own backyard.