It all started over a beer...

A brief history
by Tourisme Laval

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What do a Master's in International Business Management and a chemical engineer have in common? The surprising answer: an unconditional passion for microbrewery beers. Indeed, Marilène Barale and her husband, Guillaume Ouimet, are true beer geeks , so much so that they decided to share their expertise and make a reality of their project to open a Quebec craft microbrewery in Laval: Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs.

The couple describe Les Insulaires, a microbrewery located in the Pont-Viau district, as a gathering place for gustatory and social encounters, a place inspired by biergartens and tropical trends. "We wanted to create a place where time and worries never manage to get to, a bit like a desert island," explains Marilène. In addition to 24 varieties of cask beer, a selection of privately imported wines and cocktails, Les Insulaires also offers bistro-style meals.

Since opening "in the winter of 2018, the clientele is already in full swing. "When we bought the building that would become Les Insulaires, we wanted to energize the area, create a destination, develop traditions and offer a place where local people could gather. And I think we're on the right track. We've already got regular customers and we can feel people's enthusiasm for the microbrewery," adds Marilène.

Photo credit: Olivier Bourget

The Festival des bières de Laval, a not-to-be-missed event
In addition to Les Insulaires, Marilène is also the instigator of the Festival des bières de Laval. Created in 2014, this large-scale event showcases Quebec and local brewing products, in addition to featuring a significant culinary, musical and family offering. "When we launched this festival, the goal was first and foremost to introduce people to the world of brewing, educate them and share our passion. We wanted to create an event that would endure over time, and that would be accessible to families. Today, we're proud to say that more and more beer geeks are coming back every year, and that 10% of our clientele are tourists," emphasizes the businesswoman.

The Laval Beer Festival brings together 85 exhibitors, including 40 Quebec microbreweries from all regions of the province. It's a unique opportunity to meet and talk with brewers. It's also a unifying event where you can take part in food and beer pairing workshops, have fun in the Family Zone, and enjoy live music in the evening.

A woman of challenges
In creating the Festival des bières and embarking on the Insulaires adventure, Marilène Barale gave up the traditional 9@5 and opted instead for an atypical career path. "I couldn't see myself working in an office. I wanted to create, to contribute to the development of my city. And since I thrive on projects and challenges, I've got what it takes!" concludes Marilène.

Did you know?

• The owners rolled up their sleeves and set up an online store with canned beers and takeaway menus.
• The owners of Les Insulaires met at a microbrewery in Montreal
• Children welcome at Les Insulaires
• The owners' favorite: La Dérive beer, a New England IPA
• Laval Beer Festival attracts 30,000 visitors, including 10% tourists
• Over 400 beers to taste at the Festival des bières
• There's a Family Zone at the Beer Festival with inflatable games and a face-painting corner.