BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN LAVAL

Top urban and riverside bike paths

Laval is a cyclist’s dream if you enjoy a blend of city and nature. Thanks to smart urban planning and proximity to water, you can cruise beside rivers, dip into leafy parks, or weave through quiet neighborhoods—all without leaving the island. These routes are perfect if you're easing into your bike holiday or want a relaxing day ride.

Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles trail

Start your ride with one of Laval’s top gems—Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. This green oasis runs along the northern edge of the island and features a well-paved, 15-kilometre bike path. You'll cruise past wetlands, small islands, and observation decks that are perfect for a snack stop. Birdwatchers will love it, too. Keep your camera handy!

Bois-de-Boulogne to Viau Bridge loop

This 20 km urban loop takes you from Laval into Montreal and back via two scenic bridges: the Viau Bridge and Papineau-Leblanc Bridge. Start at Bois-de-Boulogne Park, head east through Pont-Viau, cross into Ahuntsic, then return over the Viau Bridge. Expect riverside views, murals, and a solid mix of city life and nature. Bonus: lots of café options along the way.

• Start/End: Bois-de-Boulogne Park

• Distance: ~20 km

• Best Stop: Café Saint-Henri (for espresso & croissants)

• Skill Level: Easy to moderate

Parc Bernard-Landry shortcut ride

Short on time? Head over to Parc Bernard-Landry in Chomedey. This compact but lovely park offers a scenic 3 km inner loop, surrounded by water, wildflowers, and shady benches. It’s a great warm-up ride or a spot for a post-lunch cruise. Family-friendly and flat, this path is a favorite for locals who just want to pedal and chill.

Best nature and cross-island rides

Looking to stretch your legs and see Laval’s natural side? These longer routes take you into forests, along hidden trails, and through lesser-known green corridors. Perfect for riders seeking a little solitude, a lot of scenery, and that magical feeling of being somewhere else—without leaving the city.

Laval Cross-Island Route (east to west)

This 32-kilometre route cuts across Laval from the eastern edge near Auteuil to the western limits of Sainte-Dorothée. You’ll follow a mix of paved paths, signed bike lanes, and quiet streets. Highlights include Parc de Lausanne, Parc Saint-Victor, and sections along the Rivière des Prairies. There’s a good mix of shade and sun, and plenty of water refill points.

Sainte-Rose heritage ride

Start in the charming district of Sainte-Rose and loop through some of Laval’s most historic and scenic zones. This 18 km ride offers cobblestone streets, old churches, and quiet bike-friendly boulevards. Stop at Maison des Arts or grab a bite at a riverside bistro. This route has a bit of everything—local charm, smooth pavement, and gorgeous light in the golden hours.

• Start: Sainte-Rose train station

• Distance: ~18 km loop

• Stop: Maison des Arts for culture + coffee

• Best Time: Early evening for sunset vibes

Parc de la Cité-de-la-Santé ride

A great mid-range nature ride, this 12-kilometre loop circles the Parc de la Cité-de-la-Santé and nearby residential greenways. It's quiet, relatively flat, and offers long patches of peaceful tree cover. You might even spot deer early in the morning. It’s not super technical—just you, your bike, and a whole lot of nature.

Bring a snack and soak it in. Laval's got more forest riding than most folks realize.

Tips for riding in Laval

Whether you're visiting for the weekend or planning a week-long tour, these local tips will help you ride smarter and safer in Laval. The city is bike-friendly, but a little prep goes a long way when exploring new territory.

Stay on the Route Verte

Quebec’s Route Verte runs through Laval and connects many of the trails listed here. Look for the green bike signs and follow the signage—they're consistent and reliable. If you're unfamiliar with the area, sticking to Route Verte sections can make navigating much easier.

Bike rentals and repairs

If you’re not bringing your own bike, check out Vélo 2000 in Sainte-Rose or Cycles Campus in Chomedey. Both offer rentals, helmets, and basic repair tools. Need something fast while on the road? Some of Laval’s larger parks have public bike repair stations—just look for the tool posts near major trailheads.

Food, rest stops, and essentials

Laval has lots of great food stops near the trails—from riverside pizzerias to local ice cream joints. Some of our favorites: Fromagerie Victoria (near Saint-François), La Crèmerie Pineault in Sainte-Rose, and Boulangerie Guay for picnic-worthy pastries. Make sure you carry water, especially on hot summer days, and always check your tire pressure before heading out.

• Bring a power bank for GPS apps

• Always lock your bike when stopping

• Use Google Maps or Komoot for route planning

• Take breaks in parks with restrooms (like Parc Bernard-Landry)

Above all, enjoy the ride. Laval may surprise you with how much cycling magic it packs into its leafy island layout.