Facts for Kids

Laval is a city in Quebec, Canada, just north of Montreal! 🌎

With a population of around 440,000 people, it’s the third-largest city in Quebec. Laval is known for its beautiful parks, schools, and the famous Centropolis area, where you can shop, dine, and even watch movies! 🎬

Did you know? Laval gets its name from the famous Bishop François de Laval, who was the first Bishop of New France! The city is also home to many families and fun activities, making it a wonderful place to live and visit! 🎉

Laval has many ways for people to get around! 🚍

The city is well connected by bus transportation through the STM (Société de transport de Montréal). 🚌

People can also use the Laval Metro system to easily travel to nearby Montreal. Furthermore, Laval is easy to access by car, with major highways like Autoroute 15 and Autoroute 440 running through it. 🚗

Biking is also popular, with lovely bike paths along the rivers. 🛤

️ Walking is another way to explore parks and neighborhoods. Overall, getting around Laval is simple and fun! 🚶

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Laval has a rich and exciting history! 🏰

The city was founded in 1965, but the area has been inhabited for thousands of years! 🗺

️ The first European settlers arrived in the 1600s, and in 1859, the area became a village called "Laval-des-Rapides." In 1965, the village became a city, named after Bishop François de Laval! People moved to Laval for its beautiful nature and rivers 🌊. The city's history is full of farms, churches, and schools that grew over time, becoming the vibrant place we see today!

Laval has many exciting landmarks for everyone to explore! 🏰

One of the most famous places is the Cosmodome, where you can learn about space and even take a simulated ride into it! 🚀

Another cool spot is the Centre de la Nature, a beautiful park with walking trails, animals, and a lake. 🦢

Kids love visiting the Laval Aquarium, home to many colorful fish and sea creatures! 🐠

Other notable landmarks include the Laval Symphony Orchestra and several old churches, like the Basilica of Sainte-Rose. Whether you're there for nature or culture, there’s something fun for everyone!

Laval loves sports! ⚽

The city has many teams and recreational leagues for everyone to join, from soccer to hockey! The Laval Rocket, a professional ice hockey team, plays in the AHL and wows fans with great games! 🏒

Kids can also participate in sports programs like swimming, gymnastics, and basketball. 🎾

Apart from sports, there are fun events, too, like the annual "Festival International de Pique-Nique" where families can enjoy tasty food in the park! 🍔

With so many activities, everyone can enjoy being active and having fun together! 🎈

Laval boasts a strong economy with different types of businesses! 💼

Many people work in retail, health care, and technology. Companies like Papeteries de Genestre and Nortel have offices here. Laval is also famous for its shopping centers, like Carrefour Laval, where families can find everything they need! 🛍

️ The city has about 20,000 businesses and provides many jobs for its residents. Additionally, tourism brings visitors wanting to enjoy its parks, restaurants, and museums! 💖

With all this activity, Laval continues to grow and thrive!

Laval is located in southern Quebec, right next to the famous Montreal Island! 🌆

It is surrounded by rivers: the Rivière des Prairies in the north and the Rivière de la Petite Rivière in the south. Laval has lots of green spaces and parks where children can play! 🍃

The climate is cold in winter (with snow ❄️) and warm in summer (with sunny days ☀️). The average temperature in January can be as low as -10°C (14°F), while in July, it might reach 25°C (77°F)! 🌡

️ This makes Laval perfect for winter fun and summer adventures!

Laval has a vibrant culture! 🎉

The city hosts various cultural events and fairs throughout the year, like the Laval International Film Festival. Visitors can enjoy art galleries, theaters, and music performances that represent different cultures! 🎶

There are also exciting recreational facilities, such as parks, pools, and sports centers! 🏊

Kids can go to swim lessons, sports practices, and fun camps! Additionally, everyone loves the beautiful Centropolis area, where they can enjoy outdoor concerts and delicious food! 🌈

It’s a great time for all!

Laval has a city government that helps keep everything running smoothly! 🏛

️ The mayor, who is elected by citizens, makes important decisions. The current mayor is Stéphane Boyer! 🗳

️ The city council consists of elected representatives who listen to what residents want and need! They discuss topics like parks, public safety, education, and the environment. 🏞

️ Laval is part of the larger Quebec province, which has its own government, too! Overall, the government works hard to make Laval a safe, friendly, and beautiful city for everyone! 😊

Laval has many educational institutions, ensuring kids get a great education! 📚

There are over 100 primary and secondary schools in the city, both public and private. The city is served by the Commission scolaire de Laval and the English Laval School Board. High school students often attend Laval Senior Academy. 🏫

For post-secondary education, students can attend Cégep Montmorency, which offers fun programs like art and science! 🎨

Education is essential in Laval, making it possible for everyone to learn and succeed!

Laval is home to a diverse community! 🌍

About 440,000 people live there, and they come from many different backgrounds. In fact, more than 100 languages are spoken in Laval! Some of the most common languages include French, English, and Spanish. The city is made up of families, children, and seniors, creating a lively atmosphere! 👪

About 22% of the population is under 15 years old. This means there are lots of kids to make friends with! Laval also has a growing number of new citizens who make the city their home each year!