It all started over a beer…

A Brief History
by Tourisme Laval

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What do a woman with a master’s degree in international business and a chemical engineer have in common? The answer may surprise you: an unconditional passion for craft beers. In fact, Marilène Barale and her partner, Guillaume Ouimet, are true beer geeks ( avid beer lovers or beer enthusiasts), so much so that they decided to share their expertise and bring their project to life by opening a Quebec craft microbrewery in Laval: Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs.

The couple describes Les Insulaires, a microbrewery located in the Pont-Viau neighborhood, as a welcoming spot where people come together for culinary and social experiences—a place inspired by beer gardens and tropical vibes. “We wanted to create a place where time and worries never seem to reach, a bit like a desert island,” explains Marilène. In addition to offering 24 varieties of draft beer, a selection of privately imported wines, and cocktails, Les Insulaires also serves bistro-style meals.

Since opening in the winter of 2018, customers have been flocking to the restaurant. “When we bought the building that would become Les Insulaires, we wanted to revitalize the area, create a destination, develop traditions, and offer a place where people from the neighborhood could gather. And I think we’re on the right track. We already have regular customers, and you can feel people’s enthusiasm for the microbrewery,” adds Marilène.

Photo credit: Olivier Bourget

The Laval Beer Festival, a must-attend event
In addition to Les Insulaires, Marilène is also the founder of the Laval Beer Festival. Launched in 2014, this major event showcases Quebec and local brews, as well as offering a wide range of culinary, musical, and family-friendly activities. “When we launched this festival, our primary goal was to introduce people to the world of beer, educate them, and share our passion. We wanted to create an event that would stand the test of time and be accessible to families. Today, we’re proud to see that more and more beer geeks are coming back every year and that 10% of our customers are tourists,” the businesswoman notes.

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 chat with the brewers. It’s also a community-building event where you can participate in food-and-beer pairing workshops, have fun in the Family Zone, and enjoy live music performances in the evening.

A Woman Who Loves a Challenge
By founding the Beer Festival and embarking on the Insulaires adventure, Marilène Barale turned her back on the traditional 9-to-5 and chose an unconventional path instead. “I couldn’t see myself working in an office. I wanted to create, to contribute to my city’s development. And since I thrive on projects and challenges, I’m in the right place!” concludes Marilène.

Did you know?

• The owners rolled up their sleeves and set up an online store offering canned beer and takeout menus.
• The owners of Les Insulaires met at a microbrewery in Montreal
• Children are welcome at Les Insulaires
• The owners' favorite: La Dérive beer, a New England IPA
• The Laval Beer Festival attracts 30,000 visitors, 10% of whom are tourists
• More than 400 beers are available to sample at the Beer Festival
• There is a Family Zone at the Beer Festival with inflatable games and a face-painting area