Laval, Quebec, is a city that beautifully blends history and modernity. Located in the southwest of the province, north of Montreal, Laval is the largest suburb of Montreal and the third-largest city in Quebec. As of 2021, it is the thirteenth largest city in Canada, boasting a population of 443,192.
Laval is geographically unique, separated from the mainland to the north by the Rivière des Mille Îles, and from the Island of Montreal to the south by the Rivière des Prairies. The city occupies all of Île Jésus as well as the Îles Laval. Laval is bordered on the south by Montreal, on the north by Les Moulins Regional County Municipality and by Thérèse-De Blainville Regional County Municipality, and on the west by Deux-Montagnes Regional County Municipality across the Rivière des Mille Îles.
The first European settlers in Laval were Jesuits, who were granted a seigneury there in 1636. Agriculture first appeared in Laval in 1670, and in 1675, François de Montmorency-Laval gained control of the seigneury. The city began to grow throughout the following years because its proximity to Montreal made it an ideal suburb. Laval was named after the first owner of Île Jésus, François de Montmorency-Laval, the first Roman Catholic Bishop of Quebec.
Laval experiences a four-season humid continental climate (Koppen: Dfb) with very warm summers and very cold winters. The city receives adequate precipitation year-round, though more so during summer and early fall.
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Laval had a population of 438,366 living in 169,785 of its 176,115 total private dwellings. The city has a diverse population, with French being the sole mother tongue of 60.8% of the population.
Laval offers a variety of attractions for tourists and locals alike. From historical sites to modern entertainment venues, there's something for everyone in Laval.
Laval is well-connected with a network of highways and provincial routes. The city is served by Highways A-13, A-15, A-19, A-25, and A-440, as well as Provincial routes Route 117, Route 125, Route 148, and Route 335.
Laval's public transit system includes the Montreal Metro, commuter rail, and bus services. The Montreal Metro was extended to Laval in 2007, with three stations: Cartier, De La Concorde, and Montmorency. The Exo public transit agency's Saint-Jérôme commuter train line connects Laval to downtown Montreal. The Société de transport de Laval (STL) provides local bus service in Laval.
Laval is twinned with several cities around the world, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
In addition to its sister cities, Laval also cooperates with several other cities, promoting friendship and cooperation on a global scale.
