Just across the River de la Prairie in North Montreal lies Quebec's third largest city. One area of Laval is accessible by a new subway link but a car is necessary to see most of the attractions that cannot be found in Montreal.
Laval is really an amalgamation of 14 municipalities. The so called downtown contains Carrefour Laval, Quebec's largest shopping center and home of a third Simon's location. Restaurant circle, "Centropolis" is nearby.
The Ste. Rose district is the oldest and has the best outdoor attractions: golf, Mille Ile Park for kayaking, canoeing and fishing enthusiasts and fine restaurants and inns.
From the Mille Ile (1000 Islands) River, it's possible via kayak or canoe to drift under Celine Dion's driveway and view here massive estate.
Several of the 80 islands have recreation trails so pulling up your kayak or canoe is a great way to see the landscape up close.
Sport fishing fans will love the $50.00, all inclusive half day fishing package with maps to the best spots.
On the bank of the Mille Ile River sits Canada's best outdoor nordic spa deal. Starting at $30.00 per day, visitors alternate between the large steam and dry sauna rooms to the outdoor cold water plunge pools before resting in the ultra comfortable loungers on the river bank or one of the many hammocks spread throughout the trees.
Feeling sociable? Head to the wooden deck loungers surrounding the warm water whirlpools for the requisite 15-20 minute relaxing time before repeating the nordic cleansing and de-toxifying treatment. Free 10 minute mini massages available.
Visit Spa le Finlandais
450-971-0005.
Throughout most of the year on Thursday evenings, take advantage of "The Chefs Passport". For just $99.00 per diner, participants enjoy four courses at four different restaurants in the historic and trendy Ste. Rose district.
Enjoy foie gras, duck confit, tender veal, and specially prepared soups, salads and desserts. Best of all, each course is accompanied by a specially selected good quality wine.
Tourisme Laval: T: 1.877.465-2825.
One of only five such centers in the world, the Cosmodome Space Science Center and Space Camp contains an exact replica of the space shuttle, "Endeavor". Nearby, are various simulators, the most popular one allows participants to leap long distances, and experience a "real" moon walk.
Five exhibits including the solar system, early rockets, satellites and an impressive space school with futuristic looking bunks complete the operations.
A state of the art theater suitable for classroom instruction, film screenings and corporate presentations is the pride of Laval's Cosmodome.