Discover LavalCentre de la Nature de Laval

Centre de la Nature de Laval: What to Do in the City’s Largest Urban Park

 

Centre de la Nature is Laval’s most visited green space. Developed in a former quarry, it combines a lake, gardens, a farm and large grassy areas, open year-round and enjoyed by both Laval residents and visitors to the region. It is also one of the few urban parks in Quebec where you can skate in winter and attend outdoor shows in summer, all on the same site.

 

 

What You’ll Find There

 

• The lake, the heart of the site, which becomes a natural skating rink in winter
• The farm, with its animals, especially popular with families
• The greenhouses and gardens, landscaped and in bloom during the season
• The large lawns and hill, ideal for picnics, sledding and gatherings
• The walking trails, accessible year-round

 

 

Centre de la Nature in Summer

 

Walking, picnics, blooming gardens and visits to the farm. The site also hosts outdoor shows and events throughout the warmer months, including celebrations for Quebec’s National Holiday on June 24, one of Laval’s major annual gatherings.

 

 

Centre de la Nature in Winter

 

The frozen lake becomes an outdoor skating rink, one of the most popular on Montreal’s North Shore. The hill is used for sledding, while the trails can be explored on snowshoes or on foot. It is a free and easily accessible winter outing, just a few minutes from Motel Newstar.

 

 

Practical Information

 

• Address: 901 avenue du Parc, Laval
• Access: approximately 10 minutes from Motel Newstar Laval via des Laurentides Boulevard
• Parking: open year-round from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Admission rates: free for residents upon presentation of proof of residence. For non-residents, rates are $6 for 3 hours or $9 for the day.
• Public transit: served by Société de transport de Laval via the Orange Line – Cartier or Montmorency station, followed by bus 58 (from Cartier metro) or bus 48 (from Cartier metro)

 

 

What Else to Do Nearby

 

Centre de la Nature can easily be combined with other Laval attractions: Place Bell for a show or a Laval Rocket game, the Cosmodome for a family outing, Centropolis for cinemas and restaurants, and Carrefour Laval for shopping.

 

Things to Do in Laval

 

 

Where to Stay Near Centre de la Nature

 

Motel Newstar Laval, on des Laurentides Boulevard, is about 10 minutes from the park. Free parking is available directly in front of your room, with direct outdoor access — especially convenient if you are travelling with a dog that can also enjoy the trails.

 

Book Your Stay in Laval

 

 

Practical Questions

 

Is Centre de la Nature open year-round?

Yes, the park is accessible in every season, with activities that change throughout the year.

 

 

Can you skate there in winter?

Yes, the frozen lake is used as an outdoor skating rink. The lake rink is generally open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For hockey, the hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Skate rentals (starting at $9 for 3 hours) and skate sharpening are available on site at the rental chalet (brown cabin).

 

 

Are there animals to see?

Yes, the site includes a farm with animals, which is especially popular with families.

 

 

How far is it from Motel Newstar Laval?

Approximately 10 minutes by car via des Laurentides Boulevard.

 

Sources: Ville de Laval, Tourisme Laval.