Communities and Neighbourhoods in Laval, QC

Laval is an island community that originally consisted of fourteen different townships before they were amalgamated in 1965. There exist huge differences in language, architecture, cultural background, and attractions between the constituent towns of Laval, so we have created this guide to help you recognize them. It can be particularly helpful if you're looking for the Laval equivalent of Willowdale real estate or you're wondering where the majority of the Anglophones live so you won't have to learn as much French. Whatever it is, you can probably find it in our community section.

AUTEUIL - this is a small neighborhood southeast of the river that buts up against the forested area containing the St. Francois Golf Course. Like many neighborhoods in Laval, its focus is on single family homes rather than midtown Toronto condominiums-style accommodation.

DAVERNAY - there are several small parks and the Nature Center in this neighborhood, along with a lot of riverside frontage on the Prairies River.

CHOMEDEY - this is a large neighborhood that was one of the principal towns on the island before the merger. Its city hall became the city hall for all of Laval post amalgamation. The community is hemmed in by the Prairies River and a series of highways. Culturally, Chomedey residents have more in common with residents of 110 Bloor than with the rest of Laval, as they tend to be Anglophones, and there are also many Greeks.

FABREVILLE - this neighborhood is south of the Riviere des Mille-Isles and is convenient to several golf courses.

ILES LAVAL - are a series of islands in the Prairies River just offshore of the main island that contains most of Laval. If you live here, you need to own a car because there is no bus service on these islands.

LAVAL DES RAPIDS - is a neighborhood along the Prairies River near the rapids. It contains Prairie Park and borders on an industrial park.

LAVAL OUEST - is a largely forested neighborhood containing the UFO golf course and several major highways.

LAVAL-SUR-LE-LAC - is a small neighborhood convenient to several parks and golf courses. Its homes tend to be spacious and its streets leafy. It is one of the richest neighborhoods in Quebec, with an average income of $325,000 per year. No blue collar workers here, unless they're coming to install contemporary bathroom vanities.

PONT-VIAU - is named for the bridge over the Mille-Isles River, which forms its southeastern boundary. It is directly across from Cartierville in Montreal.

SAINTE-DORTHEE - this neighborhood used to be known for its forests and farmland but in the past few years has become the home of new suburban developments and big box malls. There are chain stores like Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire as well as hundreds of small boutiques. A cable car connects it with the Ile Bizard district of Montreal.

SAINTE-ROSE - this area is known for its historic churches, fine restaurants, and old houses. A commuter train to Montreal leaves from here.

SAINT-FRANCOIS - is one of the few places in Laval where agriculture still dominates. There are also some smallish developments of single family bungalows. This neighborhood has the second highest percentage of minorities behind Chomedey.

SAINT-VINCENT-DE-PAUL - this small neighborhood is adjacent to the Nature Center and is connected to the borough of Montreal North by the Pie IX Bridge. Industrial Park East is also in this neighborhood.

VIMONT - is one of the more built up areas, and a likely place to find a place to live if you feel comfortable in Mississauga condominiums. The main hospital is here as is a commuter train station and two hockey arenas.