The best walks and hikes around Laval

Laval offers a wide selection of hiking opportunities, with over 320 routes recorded on komoot. These trails cater to various skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging excursions, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Laval's hiking trails wind through diverse landscapes, including extensive wetlands, dense woodlands, and scenic riverbanks along the Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and Rivière des Prairies. You'll encounter varied terrain, from boardwalks in marshy areas to forest paths and open meadows, often allowing you to forget you're in an urban center.

Yes, Laval has several parks ideal for families. The Centre de la Nature offers over five kilometers of well-maintained trails through forests, ponds, and gardens, with additional attractions like farm animals. Bois de l'Équerre also features an easy, accessible section suitable for people with limited mobility, making it great for families.

For dog owners, Bois de l'Équerre is a great option as dogs on a leash are welcome. This forest offers nearly 13 kilometers of trails through diverse scenery, including tall trees, wetlands, and meadows, providing ample space for you and your canine companion to explore.

You can find trails featuring waterfalls in parks like Parc des Prairies and Parc Bernard-Landry. Both parks offer relaxing environments with streams and waterfalls, providing picturesque spots for walks and physical activity.

Yes, many routes in and around Laval are designed as loops, perfect for a round trip. Examples include the Bois des Gravelles — loop from Port-Brillet, Along the Vicoin valley — loop around Saint-Berthevin, and Bois de l'Huisserie — loop from Laval, offering varied distances and difficulties.

Laval's natural areas are rich in biodiversity. At Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park, you might spot 245 species of birds, turtles, and various fish. Bois de l'Équerre is excellent for birdwatching, with 160 bird species observed, and other wildlife. Throughout the region's parks, you can often see ducks, turtles, and various bird species, especially in areas with water features.

The hiking routes in Laval are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 500 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful natural settings, and the variety of landscapes, from riverine views to dense woodlands.

Yes, Laval and its surroundings offer several interesting landmarks. You can explore the Museum of the Old Castle of Laval, or visit the impressive Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. For natural history, the Saulges Caves and Prehistory Museum are also nearby.

Laval offers enjoyable hiking experiences throughout the seasons. Spring and summer provide lush greenery and active wildlife, while autumn is particularly stunning with vibrant fall colors. You can find more inspiration for enjoying the autumn colors on the Tourisme Laval website.

Laval is home to several significant woodlands. Bois de l'Équerre is a large forest with nearly 13 kilometers of trails, known for its diverse scenery and birdwatching opportunities. Boisé Papineau, a two-hundred-year-old beech forest, offers remarkable beauty, and Bois de La Source also provides marked trails for observing flora and fauna.

While specific public transport routes to every trailhead are not detailed, many of Laval's major parks and green spaces, such as Centre de la Nature and Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park, are generally accessible within the urban area, often with public transport options nearby. It is advisable to check local transit schedules for specific park access.