Best History Museum in Laval

"The rundown: Marguerite Bourgeoys was Montreal’s first teacher. She opened a school in 1658 for the few young children living in Ville-Marie (now Montreal), returned to France to recruit teachers, then expanded the school to accommodate more students. While her story is interesting, it’s admittedly not the primary reason to stop by."

"Why: Synonymous with the Old Port skyline, this museum and chapel work together to share a piece of Montreal history with all who visit. Apparently, when Leonard Cohen sings, "And the sun pours down like honey of our Lady of the Harbour," in his song Suzanne, he's singing about the female statue overlooking the chapel."

"The Stewart Museum is housed in Montreal’s biggest military history site: the arsenal of the British military depot located in Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène. Built in the 19th century, the fort is now home to a comprehensive collection of some 27,000 artifacts, archival documents and rare books related to the European history of North America, from the establishment of New France to the present day. The museum also offers a superb view of the city, from the top of its glass tower and from the fort’s inner courtyard."

"Here you can find the La Ronde amusement park, Stewart museum and the Biosphere as well as more great views of the city. As you head back to Montreal over the Jacques Cartier bridge, take some pictures of the city and the St. Lawrence from this great vantage point."

"Appropriately located in Old Montreal in an old fire station building, Centre d’Histoire de Montreal gives you a good overview of everything you would ever want to know about the history of Montreal. At the museum, there are three floors of permanent and temporary exhibits that take you through the city’s history from the 1600s to present day."

"The Centre d’histoire de Montréal focuses on the events and figures that shaped Montréal’s fascinating path; the Scandal!. Vice, Crime and Morality in Montréal exhibition is dedicated to the city’s once thriving illegal cabarets."

"At more than 100 years of age, this former fire station could tell a story or two. Note that the architecture is a lot different from the other buildings in Montréal."

"The Maison Saint-Gabriel Museum focuses on Montreal’s French colonial roots, collecting artefacts showcasing the heritage of the settlers of what was then called New France. Now a designated historic site of Canada, the Maison Saint-Gabriel is set in a small farmhouse and grounds overseen by the sisters of Congregation of Notre Dame, a religious community founded by Marguerite Bourgeoys in Montreal in 1658. The farmhouse and barn, restored in the 1960s, now showcase over 15,000 artefacts and offer a glimpse into daily domestic life in 17th- and 18th-century New France."

"Dedicated to illustrating the story of the first settlers of New France in the 17th century, the Maison Saint-Gabriel Museum aims to preserve the heritage, history, and artifacts of the original pioneers. The museum itself is housed in a 300-year-old farmhouse that, once an original building of the settlers, is now a National Historic Site. Exhibits within the museum include interpretive information and artifact exhibits describing the life and habits of these first settlers, showcasing their personal stories, farming techniques, the old school house, and a church."

"Located in lesser-known Pointe-Saint-Charles neighbourhood, Maison Saint-Gabriel is one of the finest remaining examples of New France architecture; it is dedicated to preserving the history and artefacts of the settlers who put down roots there in the mid-1600s."

"The Ecomusée du fier monde, a history and community museum, emphasizes Montreal’s “grassroots and working-class” culture. Its goal is “reinforcing the connection between the museum and its social surroundings and environment.” Interestingly, the Écomusée is housed in what used to be the Généreux public bathhouse, and as such, it is a notable example of 1920s architecture. These recommendations were updated on June 2, 2020 to keep your travel plans fresh."

"Housed inside a former public bath built in the 1920s, this history and community museum focuses on the Industrial Revolution and working-class citizens who once populated the neighbourhood."

"Why: Previously the Bain Généreux, this building shares features from the Art Deco and Beaux-Arts eras and is now the Écomusée du fier monde, a cultural hub in the south end of the Plateau."

"The space that houses The Museum of Jewish Montreal has both a museum and a lunch counter. The museum part looks at the impact that Jewish communities had on Montreal, especially in the Plateau area where it’s located. Fletcher’s invites visitors to try traditional Jewish food and learn about its history while you savour the flavours of the community."

"Restaurant LOV is a fan favourite of the vegan community here in Montreal, thanks to its beautiful decor and good menu. L-O-V stands for Local-Organic-Vegan, all of which are bonus points for us. The menu features a diverse array of cuisines, with influences from all over the world – from burgers and fries to steamed buns and Kimchi poutine."

"Restaurant Vegano was the first vegan Italian food to make a showcase in Montreal, and we are very grateful for it. Not only do they serve a great menu of veggie-based recreations on favourite Italian classics, but also some dishes with more diverse inspirations. If you’re looking for a delicious vegan cake to bring to a celebration, you can put in an order for one of their impressive and delicious looking cakes."

"They’re a restaurant, a grocery store and a caterer of dishes and take-out meals that are 100% Italian prepared. In addition, they know how important providing you more options when it comes to food selection, they also offer homemade vegan cakes that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Each week, they introduce a new market with a fresh menu."

"The menu changes weekly so no guarantees their avocado mac and cheese, egg-free omelet pizza, or vegan spaghetti carbonara will be available next time you pass by, but do expect clever twists on a cuisine that's admittedly tricky to veganize. Remember to bring your own wine."

"Address: 4581 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4E4Phone: (514) 843-5652Hours: Mon-Tue 5pm-9:30pm, Wed-Thu 11:30am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-10:30pm, Sun 11am-9:30pmWebsite: http://lolarosa.ca/en/. With three locations in Montreal and an extensive menu, Lola Rosa is a solid choice for any vegetable lover visiting or living in the city. Though the diverse menu primarily caters towards vegetarians, there are a few options for strict vegans."

"With four locations, including one at the foot of Mount Royal and another in Old Montreal, Lola Rosa is a vegan-friendly vegetarian haven of comfort food pleasing even voracious carnivores with burritos, lasagna, burgers, and stews prominent on the menu."

"Always super friendly but due to COVID has shut down for long periods of time. Really miss coming in and grabbing ..."

"Summit Woods Park is a great place to go for a hike if you don’t want to get off the island. It’s an ideal spot for people who want to reward their dog with smells, greens, and a challenging trek. The forest is absolutely mesmerizing, worthy enough to make you question whether or not you’re even still in Montreal."

"Located at the southern end of the green line of the metro, this park’s a humongous tribute to English gardens that were common in the 19th century. With tens of thousands of trees, wide open greenspaces, paths and ponds spread out over 200 acres, one visit is rarely ever enough to feel like you’ve experienced the park in its entirety. That’s twice as true when it comes to winters when it becomes a huge wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating and tobogganing throughout."

"Angrignon Park is a large park that covers nearly 100 hectares of land. The part is inspired by nineteenth-century gardens that feature lush greenery and diverse flora with over thousands of tree and plant species. The park’s large area is a perfect place for children and pets to run around and enjoy the park’s open fields and fresh air."

"Angrignon Park happens to be a favorite and top-rated park in the city. Loved by many Montrealers, it is a top contender for the best park in Montreal. Angrignon is one of the best for many reasons."

"One of the best parks in Montreal, Jarry Parc isn’t one to be missed. A pool, a pond, and sports complexes as well as a large open area for other activities!. Jarry Park is one of the best and most frequented of all the parks in Montreal, this constantly packed park has everything you want."

"Jarry Park is a beautiful urban park located in the east-end of Montreal. It’s a great spot for basketball and soccer and has plenty of coffee outlets and restaurants to keep you quenched and well fed during your stay. It’s also oozing with history."

"What is it: Much loved by its neighbours, the Tavern on the Square is a Westmount institution for a lot of reasons. While the latest and trendiest spots in town are worthwhile, it’s classic like Tavern on the Square that give them a run for their money. There’s a comfort of being close to the city’s core, the developed dishes of chef Stephen Leslie, and service is regularly impeccable."

"To say the building blocks of Syrian cuisine’s meze and main courses—earthbound fruits and vegetables, nuts and honey, grains and legumes, lamb and sheep, herbs and oils—are ‘elevated’ at chef-owner Fuad Alneirabeie’s Damas runs dangerously close to being a disservice. The food here is amazingly fresh, robust and colorful, and the décor both plush and ornate. All of it conducts a mode of transportation for visiting diners to be whisked away on a culinary silk road."

"Damas is a delightful Syrian-Persian restaurant opened in its current Outremont location in 2015 by chef and owner Fuad Alnirabie. The beautiful Middle Eastern restaurant is decked out in lush decor and offers seating on an intimate 40-seat outdoor terrace during the warmer months. Excellent traditional entrees include delicacies such as moujadarra, fattet makdous, bamia, and samke harra."

"Damas is one of Montreal’s biggest comeback stories: After a fire gutted it in 2015, it was reborn in Outremont and became better than ever. Six years later, and its spread of mezzes to hefty char-grilled mains replete with Syrian flavours of sumac and Aleppo peppers are an almost guaranteed winner for any palate."

"Jack Rouge resto-club, on Saint-Laurent boulevard and formerly known as La Porte Rouge/Jack Rose, partnered up with chef Jean-Philippe Saint-Denis (formerly at Kitchen Galerie Poisson) to jazz up the food offer at the revamped version of this Montreal nightlight institution. Offering a renewed classic bistro menu, inspired by chef’s classics and inspirations, it is now possible to enjoy a great dinner followed by a night of drinks, dance and fun at the exact same spot. Who said the “supperclub” was dead?"

"Jack Rouge offers a warm and friendly atmosphere in a new design with tropical inspirations. Trendy place for professionals, where you can choose from a wide range of daring house cocktails and a range of privately imported wines. An ideal destination for your happy hour, cocktail parties, dinners with colleagues, or weekend brunches."

"A post shared by La Porte Rouge (@barlaporterouge) on Dec 31, 2018 at 12:34pm PST. Enjoy dancing the night away in this red-lit night club featuring a full bar, DJ’s, and a stage for live performances by local musicians. Enjoy drinks inside or outdoors on their streetside patio during the warmer summer months."