5 Family-Friendly Bike Paths Near Laval
It’s starting to feel like summer, the season for vacations, long warm evenings and family bike rides. The many urban bike networks offer the chance to enjoy the outdoors close to home. Here are 5 family-friendly bikeways near Laval.
1. La Seigneurie des Plaines bike path
An interregional project open since 2020, the La Seigneurie des Plaines bike path spans 21 km and runs through three municipalities: Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Blainville and Terrebonne. Cyclists use this trail both for getting around and recreational rides on weekends and summer evenings. Most of the route is paved. But the section between the second and eighth kilometres has a gravel surface.
Thanks to this bike path, the P’tit Train du Nord now links up with the TransTerrebonne route. As a result, you can extend the ride if you want to go farther than the path’s 21 kilometres.
The Halte Desjardins, located beside the bike path, features picnic tables, access to drinking water and bike rentals. In addition, you’ll encounter several parks along the way where you can take a break. It’s a splendid ride for immersing yourself in nature—without leaving town!
2. La Vagabonde
Don’t forget swimsuits, beach towels and a picnic for this family-friendly ride! The La Vagabonde bicycle route passes through the cities of Saint-Eustache, Deux-Montagnes, Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, Oka and Saint-Placide. Since it goes through the municipality of Oka, you can make your family adventure even more fun with a stop at Oka National Park for some relaxation on the beach.
This path is particularly charming because it runs along the Rivière des Mille-Îles and Lac des Deux-Montagnes, offering many beautiful viewpoints along the way. The paved, safe route has 50 kilometres of bikeways for all skill levels. The stretch between Saint-Eustache and Oka is best suited for riding with children. In addition, the many parking areas beside the bike path make it easily accessible.
3. P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park
The famous P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park is highly renowned, and for good reason! Crossing the Laurentians from Mont-Laurier to Bois-des-Filion, this bike path lets you rack up the kilometres and enjoy nature.
The Mirabel section is a pleasant family ride. As it passes through farmland, this paved stretch of the P’tit Train du Nord features charming rustic landscapes. And if you’re feeling energetic and want to extend the ride, the P’tit Train du Nord offers many additional kilometres.
Photo Parc linéraire Le P'tit Train du Nord
4. Route Verte
The Route Verte is the largest bike network in North America. And you’ll find its 4,300 sprawling kilometres of bikeways right here in Quebec. Spanning the province, the Route Verte includes 30 kilometres in Laval. The Route Verte crosses the island from north to south and east to west, making it ideal for both sustainable mobility and weekend rides.
The Route Verte runs through several boroughs and offers beautiful views of the rivière des Mille-Îles and rivière des Prairies. You can also ride to Montreal via the wooden bridge on Perry Island. The Route Verte is a perfect route for discovering (and rediscovering!) Laval by bike.
5. Centre de la nature
This urban park covers 50 hectares in the heart of Laval. The Centre de la nature is a free park that offers not only a small bike course for your little ones but also many activities, including a farm, tropical greenhouses, walking trails and playground equipment. In addition to the loop inside the park, a bike path also skirts the beautifully developed green space.
The Centre de la nature is a wonderful place for families with young children who want to do multiple outdoor activities in one place. You can also have a picnic there, and the park’s tall, mature trees will keep you out of the sun on hot days.
