Author: maria

Categories
Daily

Laval Today. Feb. 16, 2026

Laval, Quebec: Thoughts of the Day

Good morning, Laval! ☕

Let’s take a moment to reflect, without rushing.

We hope Sunday was calm, because the week begins with many important news stories. Between decisions that shape our collective future, Olympic performances that make us proud, and a community that comes together in adversity, there’s a lot to digest this morning. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started.

📰 Main Story
Canada says goodbye to American military dependence — in 10 years

Ottawa has just drawn a line in the sand: in a decade, Canada will no longer rely on the US for 75% of its military acquisitions. That’s the announced goal as the country has just signed its participation in the European SAFE program, becoming the first non-European country to participate. This program of 150 billion euros offers advantageous loans for the purchase of military equipment. Defense Minister David McGuinty formalized the membership on Saturday in Munich, where Prime Minister Mark Carney was supposed to travel before canceling his trip due to the shooting at Tumbler Ridge. Entry fee? 16 million Canadian dollars. A small price for a big ambition of sovereignty.

⚡ Highlights

  • No Quebecers in the men’s hockey team
    No player from Quebec will be part of the Canadian men’s hockey team at the Milan-Cortina Games. That stings a little.
  • Kingsbury wins gold
    Mikaël Kingsbury won the Olympic gold medal in parallel moguls, becoming the first Olympic champion in this discipline. “I really wanted this one,” he said. We understand you, Mikaël.
  • Air Transat cuts Florida
    No more flights to Florida this summer for Air Transat. The company is completely canceling its summer 2026 flights due to a 30% decrease in travel between Canada and the US. Canadians are increasingly choosing the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America.
  • Goodbye visas for China
    Canadians no longer need a visa to travel to China. The announcement was made after Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing in January.
  • Hollywood vs ByteDance
    Hollywood organizations accuse Seedance 2.0, ByteDance’s AI video generator, of massive copyright violations. The tool uses actors’ faces and voices without permission. For now, it’s only available in China.
  • Four dead in snowmobile accidents
    Black Saturday in Quebec: four people died in as many snowmobile accidents. The SQ has launched investigations.
  • Tom Wilson fights at the Games
    Tom Wilson was ejected after fighting with Frenchman Pierre Crinon, who had elbowed Nathan MacKinnon. Canada won 10-2, Wilson completed a rare Gordie Howe hat trick, and everyone appreciates that he defends his teammates.

🏠 Local Stories

  • Charles Milliard takes over the PLQ
    On Sunday in Trois-Rivières, about 600 caucus members welcomed the new leader of the Quebec Liberal Party in a festive atmosphere. The pharmacist and former president of the FCCQ wants “to turn the page on the Rodriguez era.” His promises include: a telemedicine platform accessible 7 days a week, 100,000 homes per year, and a reduction in the tax burden for SMEs. He also promises a government of integrity and transparency, after recent scandals and the resignation of Pablo Rodriguez in December.
  • Pereira and Michaud win bronze
    Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud finished third in the short program for pairs figure skating on Sunday with a personal record of 74.80 points. The free program is today. The 2024 world champions, Deanna Stellato-Dudek (42 years old, the oldest Canadian Olympian this year) and Maxime Deschamps, finished 14th after a fall.
  • Insurers tighten the screws
    At least 1.5 million Canadian households — that is, 10% — can no longer get flood insurance. Insurers are raising rates and reducing coverage.
  • Accusations of obstruction in Parliament
    The Liberals have accused the Conservatives of obstruction more than 100 times in three weeks. The atmosphere in Ottawa is tense.

💙 Favorite Story

  • Tumbler Ridge flooded with global solidarity
    After the shooting that left 8 dead and 3 seriously injured at a school in Tumbler Ridge, thousands of dollars are pouring in from around the world to support families and first responders. Wendy Trueit, co-owner of Twisted Seasons Bistro, offers free meals — a school in Vancouver even offered to pay to feed everyone when classes resume. Combined GoFundMe campaigns have raised over a million dollars. And Maya Gebala, 12 years old, seriously injured, is showing signs of improvement: she has been transferred from palliative care to intensive care. Her family now calls for support for other affected families. Human kindness still exists.

📝 In Brief
Have a good week, Laval. Take care of yourself, take care of your loved ones, see you again tomorrow. ☀️

EXCERPT:

Ottawa announces its intention to eliminate its dependence on the United States in matters of defense within 10 years, as Canada becomes the first non-European country to join the European SAFE program, a fund of 150 billion euros for the purchase of military equipment.

Categories
Laval Travel Practical Tips Quebec Tourism Transportation Uncategorized Visitor Guides

How to Get to Laval From Anywhere: Your Complete Travel Guide

From airports to local taxis, here’s how to reach Laval and explore Quebec’s rising city.

Laval, Quebec’s second-largest city, sits just north of Montreal across the Rivière des Prairies. Known for its vibrant neighborhoods, thriving business districts, and family-friendly attractions, Laval is more than a suburb, it’s a destination in its own right. Whether you’re traveling for work, leisure, or to visit family, getting to Laval is straightforward once you know your options. This guide explores every major way to reach Laval: by air, train, bus, car, and local transport. Along the way, we’ll highlight practical tips, border requirements, and trusted transport services to make your journey seamless.

✈️ Arriving by Air

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

Although Laval doesn’t have its own international airport, Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) is the primary gateway for travelers. Located about 25 km from Laval, YUL connects the region to the world.

  • Global connections: Direct flights from major hubs like New York, Toronto, Paris, London, and Mexico City.
  • Domestic routes: Frequent service from Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Halifax.
  • Seasonal flights: Caribbean and European destinations during peak travel months.

Getting to Laval From YUL

  • STM 747 Bus: Runs to downtown Montreal, where you can transfer to the metro system toward Laval.
  • Taxi: A flat rate applies to downtown Montreal, but taxis to Laval are metered. Coop Laval is a trusted option, with experienced drivers who know the city well.
  • Uber: Available, but many travelers find the service inconsistent. Drivers are often transient and less familiar with Laval’s neighborhoods compared to traditional taxi professionals.
  • Private Chauffeur Service: Premium SUVs and sedans are available for those who prefer maximum comfort and reliability.

🚆 Arriving by Train

VIA Rail

  • From Toronto: The Toronto–Montreal corridor is one of VIA Rail’s busiest routes, taking about 5 hours.
  • From Ottawa: A quick 2-hour ride.
  • From Quebec City: Just over 3 hours.

Amtrak

  • Adirondack Line: Runs daily from New York City to Montreal, passing through the scenic Hudson Valley and Adirondacks. Travel time is about 10 hours.

Getting to Laval by Train

Trains arrive at Gare Centrale (Central Station) in downtown Montreal. From there:

  • Metro: Take the orange line north to Cartier, Montmorency, or other Laval stations.
  • Taxi: Coop Laval taxis are available for direct service.
  • Taximo App: A modern alternative, adopted by Taxi Laval drivers, allowing you to book rides easily.

🚌 Arriving by Bus

Greyhound & FlixBus

  • From U.S. cities: New York, Boston, Burlington.
  • From Canadian cities: Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec City.

Orléans Express

  • Regional service: Connects Montreal with Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, and other towns.

Drop-Off Points

Most buses arrive at Montreal Bus Terminal (Berri-UQAM). From there:

  • Metro: Connect to the orange line toward Laval.
  • Taxi/Taximo: Coop Laval or Taxi Laval drivers can take you directly to your destination.

🚗 Arriving by Car

Driving to Laval is convenient, with major highways linking the city to Montreal and beyond.

From Toronto

  • Route: Highway 401 east to Highway 20 in Quebec, then cross into Laval via Autoroute 15 or 13.
  • Distance: About 540 km (5–6 hours).

From Ottawa

  • Route: Highway 417 east to Highway 40, then cross into Laval.
  • Distance: About 200 km (2 hours).

From New York City

  • Route: I-87 north to the Canadian border, then Highway 15 to Montreal and onward to Laval.
  • Distance: About 600 km (6–7 hours).

From Boston

  • Route: I-89 north to the Canadian border, then Highway 133/10 toward Montreal, crossing into Laval.
  • Distance: About 500 km (5–6 hours).

🚇 Getting Around Laval

Laval has its own transit system, STL (Société de transport de Laval), which integrates with Montreal’s STM.

  • Metro: The orange line extends into Laval with stations like Cartier, Montmorency, and De la Concorde.
  • STL Bus: Extensive routes across Laval’s neighborhoods.
  • Taxi Services: Coop Laval offers reliable, professional drivers. Taxi Laval, accessible via the Taximo app, provides a modern booking experience.
  • Uber: Available, but less consistent compared to local taxi services.

🌍 International Travelers

From Europe

  • Direct flights: Paris, London, Frankfurt, Madrid, Rome.
  • Travel time: 6–8 hours depending on departure city.

From Asia

  • Direct flights: Tokyo, Shanghai, and seasonal service from Seoul.
  • Travel time: 12–14 hours.

From Latin America

  • Direct flights: Mexico City, Cancún, São Paulo (seasonal).

🛂 Border & Entry Requirements

  • Canada/U.S. border: Passport required.
  • International travelers: Check if you need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or visa.
  • COVID-19: As of late 2025, most restrictions have eased, but always verify before traveling.

🗺️ Sample Itineraries

Weekend Getaway From Toronto

  • Day 1: Morning train to Montreal, metro to Laval, dinner in Centropolis.
  • Day 2: Explore Cosmodome, shop at Carrefour Laval, enjoy nightlife.
  • Day 3: Taxi or Taximo ride to the station for return trip.

Business Trip From New York

  • Day 1: Morning flight to YUL, chauffeur pickup to Laval, meetings downtown.
  • Day 2: Conference at Place Bell, evening dinner in Sainte-Dorothée.
  • Day 3: Chauffeur ride to YUL for return flight.

🧳 Travel Tips

  • Language: French is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD).
  • Weather: Winters are cold and snowy; summers are warm and lively.
  • Packing: Bring layers in winter, light clothes in summer.

📌 Final Thoughts

Laval is accessible by air, train, bus, or car, and once you arrive, you’ll find a city rich in culture, cuisine, and family-friendly attractions. For local transport, seasoned taxi drivers offer reliability and knowledge that ride-share apps often lack.

For those who demand the very best, mtlprimelimos.com stands out as the premier chauffeur service in the Greater Montreal region, with a fleet of SUVs and sedans driven by some of the most experienced professionals in Montreal and Laval. For travelers seeking dependable taxi service, Coop Laval is a trusted choice, while the Taximo app, adopted by Taxi Laval drivers, offers a modern and convenient way to book rides.

Laval is waiting. All that’s left is for you to plan your journey.