{ "schema_version": "1.0", "generator_version": "2026-05-11-v223-metadata-version-polish", "generated_at": "2026-05-12T01:08:36.619630", "generator": { "function": "get_record_from_intelligence", "version": "2026-05-11-v223-metadata-version-polish", "template": "standard", "article_tone": "normal", "additional_search": "n/a", "research_quality": "limited" }, "geonameid": "6050610", "name": "Laval", "alternate_names": [ { "name": "CALAV", "lang": "unlc", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laval,_Quebec", "lang": "link", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "af", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "ca", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "de", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "en", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "fr", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "pl", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "pt", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "sv", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Lavalis", "lang": "lt", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Lavalo", "lang": "eo", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Λαβάλ", "lang": "el", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Лавал", "lang": "bg", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Лавал", "lang": "sr", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Лаваль", "lang": "be", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Лаваль", "lang": "ru", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Лаваль", "lang": "uk", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "לאוואל", "lang": "he", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "لافال", "lang": "ar", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "لاوال، کبک", "lang": "fa", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "لاول", "lang": "pnb", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "ラヴァル", "lang": "ja", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "拉瓦勒", "lang": "yue", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "拉瓦勒", "lang": "zh", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false } ], "local_names": [ { "name": "CALAV", "lang": "unlc", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "af", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "ca", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "de", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "fr", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "pl", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "pt", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Laval", "lang": "sv", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Lavalis", "lang": "lt", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Lavalo", "lang": "eo", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Λαβάλ", "lang": "el", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false }, { "name": "Лавал", "lang": "bg", "isPreferredName": false, "isShortName": false } ], "region": "Quebec", "country": "Canada", "country_code": "CA", "page_url": "https://worldtownguide.com/settlements/laval-quebec-ca.html", "json_url": "https://worldtownguide.com/data/settlements/laval-quebec-ca.json", "same_as": [ "https://www.geonames.org/6050610", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laval%2C_Quebec" ], "coordinates": { "latitude": 45.56995, "longitude": -73.692 }, "population": 438366, "population_note": "", "elevation_m": 34, "timezone": "America/Toronto", "summary": "Laval sits just north of Montreal, separated from the island city by the Rivière des Prairies, and for anyone arriving by bridge from the south, the transition feels almost seamless — a sprawling, confident suburban city that has long since outgrown the label of bedroom community.\n\nFirst Impressions and Setting\n\nWhat strikes most arrivals is the sheer scale of the place. Laval occupies an island of its own — Île Jésus — entirely surrounded by water, with the Rivière des Prairies to the south and the Rivière des Mille Îles to the north. The land is flat and low-lying, the kind of terrain that makes distant skylines visible from a long way off. The cityscape is predominantly low- to mid-rise, built out rather than up, with wide commercial boulevards, residential neighbourhoods that blend seamlessly into one another, and pockets of greenery along the riverbanks. Winters are cold and serious. Summers are warm and genuinely pleasant.\n\nHistory, Identity and Local Stories\n\nLaval as a unified city is relatively young — it was created in 1965 through the merger of fourteen separate municipalities on Île Jésus, a consolidation that was controversial at the time but ultimately gave the island a single administrative identity. Before that, the territory had been inhabited and settled for centuries, with a history rooted in French colonial agriculture along the St. Lawrence lowlands. The city takes its name from François de Laval, the first Roman Catholic bishop of Quebec, whose influence over New France was considerable. That layered past — Indigenous presence, French settlement, centuries of agricultural life, then rapid twentieth-century suburbanisation — gives Laval an identity that is neither purely historic nor purely modern, but something still working itself out.\n\nDaily Life, Economy and Culture\n\nLaval is, above all, a place where people live. It is the third-largest city in Quebec by population, after Montreal and Quebec City, and the scale of its everyday life reflects that: shopping centres, schools, healthcare facilities, and community infrastructure serve a large and diverse population. The city has attracted significant immigration in recent decades and today has substantial communities with roots across the world, particularly from South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. French is the official language and dominates public and commercial life, though you will hear many languages spoken depending on where you go.\n\nThe local economy is closely linked to Montreal but Laval has developed its own commercial and industrial base. The public transit system, operated by the Société de transport de Laval, connects residents across the island and into Montreal via the regional metro network, which was extended to serve Laval in the 2000s — a development that significantly changed how residents commute and travel.\n\nWhat Visitors Notice\n\nVisitors coming from Montreal often remark on how quickly the built environment shifts once you cross the river — more space, more parking, more of a sense that the car remains central to daily movement, though this has been changing incrementally with transit investment. The riverbanks of the Rivière des Prairies and the Rivière des Mille Îles offer green corridors and some access to waterfront landscapes that can feel surprisingly quiet given the urban density nearby. The island's relatively flat topography means cycling is physically easy, though infrastructure varies. Commercial strips along major arteries hold the standard mix of large retailers, restaurants, and services that reflect a prosperous suburban city. Neighbourhood feel changes considerably depending on which part of the island you are in.\n\nGetting There and Around\n\nLaval is connected to Montreal by several bridges and by the Montreal Metro, specifically the Orange Line, which serves stations in the southern part of the city. This makes car-free travel between central Montreal and Laval genuinely practical for many journeys. The Société de transport de Laval operates a bus network across the island, with routes designed to connect neighbourhoods to metro stations and commercial centres. For those arriving by car, Laval is accessible via major highways that cross the island as part of the broader Montreal regional road network. Montreal-Trudeau International Airport is the nearest major airport, located in Montreal to the southwest; visitors should check current transport links and travel times, as these vary significantly by route and time of day.\n\nPractical Notes\n\nLaval operates on Eastern Time, which it shares with Montreal and the broader Quebec region. The city is French-speaking by law and culture, and while many residents in diverse neighbourhoods may speak English or other languages, engaging in French — or at least attempting to — is appreciated and often makes daily interactions easier. Healthcare, education, and municipal services are all provided within the city. Visitors planning travel during June and July 2026 should be aware that Canada is co-hosting the FIFA World Cup that year, which may affect accommodation availability and transport capacity across the Greater Montreal region; checking official sources and booking well in advance is advisable. Both the US State Department and the UK Foreign Office currently advise normal precautions for travel to Canada, with no specific concerns raised for Laval or the Montreal region.\n\nTravel advisories for Canada are at their standard baseline level. For the most current advice, consult the US State Department at travel.state.gov or the UK FCDO at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada.\n\nInformation on Laval's local neighbourhoods, cultural venues, markets, and community events is limited in the sources available for this guide. If you live in or know Laval well, contributions from people with direct local knowledge would make this article significantly more useful for others. Practical details that change quickly — transit fares, local services, specific venue hours — should always be verified locally before your visit.\n\n---\n\nFrequently Asked Questions\n\nWhat is the population of Laval, Quebec?\nLaval had a population of approximately 438,366 at the time of the most recent verified data, with census figures from 2021 recording 443,192 residents.\n\nWhat timezone is Laval in?\nLaval is in the America/Toronto timezone, also known as Eastern Time (ET).\n\nHow high above sea level is Laval?\nLaval sits at approximately 34 metres above sea level.\n\nWhere exactly is Laval located?\nLaval is at approximately 45.57 degrees north, 73.69 degrees west, on Île Jésus north of Montreal in southwest Quebec, Canada.", "images": [ { "url": "https://worldtownguide.com/images/settlements/laval-quebec-ca.jpg", "original_url": "https://worldtownguide.com/images/settlements-originals/laval-quebec-ca-20260512T010751Z-da73e521.jpg", "srcset": "https://worldtownguide.com/images/settlements/laval-quebec-ca-640.jpg 640w, https://worldtownguide.com/images/settlements/laval-quebec-ca.jpg 800w", "source": "dalle", "title": "Laval cityscape", "credit": "AI-generated representative image created from settlement descriptions; not a verified photograph of this settlement. Scroll images used on this site" } ], "nearby": [ { "geonameid": "6110747", "name": "Pont-Viau", "country": "Canada", "population": 14187, "has_page": false, "page_url": null }, { "geonameid": "5882725", "name": "Ahuntsic-Cartierville", "country": "Canada", "population": 135336, "has_page": false, "page_url": null }, { "geonameid": "5944526", "name": "Duvernay", "country": "Canada", "population": 37460, "has_page": false, "page_url": null }, { "geonameid": "6173004", "name": "Val-des-Arbres", "country": "Canada", "population": 40974, "has_page": false, "page_url": null }, { "geonameid": "5917781", "name": "Cartierville", "country": "Canada", "population": 34667, "has_page": false, "page_url": null }, { "geonameid": "6137970", "name": "Saint-Elzéar", "country": "Canada", "population": 1057, "has_page": false, "page_url": null } ], "weather": { "temp": 7.9, "desc": "Partly cloudy", "icon": "⛅", "wind": 7.4, "humidity": 55 }, "faqs": [ { "question": "Is Laval worth visiting?", "answer": "Laval is worth considering when its main sights, local character and transport links match the trip you are planning. Use the practical sections above to judge whether Laval, Quebec, Canada fits your route." }, { "question": "What should first-time visitors know about Laval?", "answer": "First-time visitors should check the transport, seasonal and practical sections above, then decide whether Laval suits the pace and style of trip they want." }, { "question": "How do visitors get around Laval?", "answer": "Use the transport section to decide whether Laval works best by train, bus, car, ferry or local taxi, then confirm current routes and fares with the official operators before travelling." }, { "question": "When is the best time to visit Laval?", "answer": "For Laval, use the seasonal notes in the guide to choose between better weather, lower crowds and local events, then check current conditions close to travel." } ], "sources": [ "GeoNames (population, coordinates, elevation, timezone)", "Open-Meteo (weather snapshot)", "OpenStreetMap (map)", "Additional article research sources (linked below)" ], "research_sources": [ { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laval, Quebec", "title": "Wikipedia", "type": "wikipedia", "relevance": "" }, { "url": "https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada", "title": "UK FCDO travel advice", "type": "official_advisory", "relevance": "World Cup 2026 Canada is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup which takes place between 11 June and 19 July . If you are planning to travel to Canada during these times, see the World Cup page for more information. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advice on..." }, { "url": "https://travel.state.gov/content/tsg_aem/us/en/home/international-travel/travel-advisories/destination.can.html", "title": "US State Department travel advisory", "type": "official_advisory", "relevance": "Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions" }, { "url": "https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/canada-travel-advisory.html", "title": "US State Department country advisory reference", "type": "official_advisory_reference", "relevance": "Canada has official travel advisory context. 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You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advice on...", "warning_text": "World Cup 2026 Canada is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup which takes place between 11 June and 19 July . If you are planning to travel to Canada during these times, see the World Cup page for more information. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram", "restricted_travel_text": "World Cup 2026 Canada is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup which takes place between 11 June and 19 July . If you are planning to travel to Canada during these times, see the World Cup page for more information. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram", "cause": "official_warning", "has_against_all_travel": false, "has_against_essential_travel": false, "countrywide_warning": false, "parts": [ { "title": "Warnings and insurance", "slug": "warnings-and-insurance", "body": "World Cup 2026 Canada is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup which takes place between 11 June and 19 July . If you are planning to travel to Canada during these times, see the World Cup page for more information. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram" } ] }, "uk_url": "https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada", "advisory_applies_to_city": "unknown", "advisory_cause": "official_warning", "official_advisory_summary": "World Cup 2026 Canada is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup which takes place between 11 June and 19 July . If you are planning to travel to Canada during these times, see the World Cup page for more information. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advice on...", "advisory_severity": "normal", "advisory_reference": { "country_code": "CA", "country_name": "Canada", "generated_at": "2026-05-09T20:22:31.017019+00:00", "assessment": { "applies_to_city": "unknown", "applicable_rules": [], "regional_restrictions_only": false, "overall": { "uk_level": "Normal precautions", "us_level": "Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions", "primary_risk_categories": [], "neutral_summary": "Both UK and US advisories indicate normal travel conditions for Canada with standard precautions recommended. 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