Visit Laval in Indiana Jones mode

Laval, modern and innovative, was not born yesterday. Its origins date back to 1636, when Île Jésus was given to the Jesuit Fathers. Fortunately, the past has bequeathed us a wealth of artifacts, photos, anecdotes and documents to explore with the mobile app. Browse Laval. Inspired by this initiative, here's a tour of five attractions that have been a fixture in the heart of these old quarters for over thirty years.

It's all "L", where we think big

"Twelve piastres a month", that's how much it cost the first Laval-des-Rapides municipal council to rent the hall in which to hold its meetings. The year was 1912, a town with a rural feel, but whose leaders were thinking big and modern! Thanks to their vision, citizens soon had access to a water and sewer system.

Closer to home, in 1986, it was in this same district that the Maison des arts de Laval opened its doors, a place dedicated to the arts, as you'd expect! If the building's architecture is worth a look, it's above all its programming that's worth the detour. Take advantage of your little historic trip to jump into culture with both feet, and experience an evening that will remain engraved in your memory for a long time to come.

Standing up in Laval since 1871

Sainte-Dorothée was once known for its agricultural side. Boosted by the success of its market gardening, the small municipality prospered and its center grew. Church, stores and inns sprang up in its center, much to the delight of its inhabitants.

Built in 1871, the church of Sainte-Dorothée still stands tall and proud. A building of historic value worth visiting. And while you're there, you might as well take a few extra steps and head for the restaurant Le Mitoyenrated 4 diamonds by the CAA. Seated in a country-style setting, you can enjoy refined dishes prepared according to market arrivals. In the region for over 40 years, its gourmet cuisine is synonymous with value for money.

THE vacation destination for Montrealers!

Early ^20th century, Sainte-Rose was THE destination of choice for vacationers, especially those from Montreal. Families rented or bought cottages. People flocked here in droves, but why? Because of the beautiful green spaces, fresh air and... inviting beaches!

The Sainte-Rose district has lost none of its charm of yesteryear. The beauty of its architecture, nature and riverbanks remains intact. But a visit to the district wouldn't be complete without a stop at Amato. Located in an ancestral house built in 1895, the restaurant is renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine (since 2004), its heavenly terrace (in summer, we hear you!) and its wine cellar (in all seasons).

Laval, avant-garde since 1856

The area now known as Chomedey was originally the parish of parish of Saint-Martin. In 1856, with only forty or so houses in the village, a surprising bylaw (the first of its kind) was passed. To protect the population, horses were required to run at a slow trot throughout the village, to prevent racing.

Such avant-gardism was perhaps a precursor to the installation of Cosmodome de Laval in Chomedey, decades later. Inaugurated in 1994 (soon to be 30 years old!), this facility dedicated to the dissemination of space science is now positioned in Canada as a true museum institution in this field. Join the thousands of people who visit us every year, and take the opportunity to discover the pleasures of science and the cosmos.

Institutions that defy time

Did you know that the construction of Collège Laval and the church of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul church dates back to 1854, shortly followed by the penitentiary, which opened in 1873? A built heritage that can still be admired today.

One of the most enduring institutions in the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul district is Le Vieux Four. With its 40 years of experience behind the tie, it's THE PLACE to eat an excellent pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. Your taste buds won't be able to resist.