10 Things You Can Do in Laval Street in Gatineau
Six minutes from Ottawa, at the heart of downtown Gatineau, Laval Street is a vibrant and eclectic area brimming with trendy cafes, historic pubs, and delightful restaurants.
The street is perfect for any type of visit — a quick stroll, a nice family dinner, or an afternoon coffee with friends.
Laval Street is surrounded by must-see landmarks, including the Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau Park, and other scenic places.
I frequent Laval Street with my family to go on food adventures and see the other sites accessible in the area. So I wanted to share the fun things you can do here.
1. Enjoy a meal at a restaurant.
Laval Street is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from. From traditional French food to modern cuisine, there is a meal to satisfy your cravings.
When I go on a food crawl at Laval Street, I like tasting some local flavors. Sometimes, I indulge in some poutine to satisfy my cravings for messy, yet delicious food.
Here are some of my go-to restaurants on Laval Street:
Table 51
Contact Number: 1 450-781-8851
Website: table51.com
Must-order Menu Items: Key Lime Pie, Crispy Shrimp Burger, Deep Fried Oreos, Steak with Mac and Cheese
Price Range: $$ (Average)
Table 51 has definitely been worth the money. This modern Canadian restaurant with a beautiful interior and luxurious ambiance has a menu that features a variety of dishes, including burgers, steaks, seafood, and pasta.
You can bring your family and friends here for a quick lunch, leisurely dinner, or late-night bite to eat. If you opt for a nightcap, Table 51 also has a full bar with a wide selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.
Poulet Rouge
Location: 3035 Boul. Le Carrefour porte 7, Laval
Contact Number: (579) 640-6454
Website: poulet-rouge.ca
Must-order Menu Items: Volcano Grilled BBQ Chicken Fillet, Shisha Grilled BBQ Chicken Fillet, Veggie Bowl, Petite Poutine
Price Range: $ (Cheap)
Poulet Rouge is a fast-casual restaurant that serves customizable grilled chicken bowls made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. It offers a variety of chicken fillets, sauces, grains, and vegetables for you to create a bowl that’s perfect for your taste.
What sets this restaurant apart is the impeccable customer service. On every visit, the staff was all helpful and friendly.
Le Mitoyen
Location: 652 Rue de la Place Publique, Laval
Contact Number: +1 450-663-9623
Website: http://restaurantlemitoyen.com/
Must-order Menu Items: Foie Gras Ravioli, Scallops and Shrimp Salad, Lamb Rack, Strawberry Shortcake
Price Range: $$ (Average)
Le Mitoyen offers the best French cuisine experience and has been a culinary destination for locals and visitors alike for over 45 years. The menu features a variety of classic dishes, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
If you’re visiting for a drink, pick from the wine list that features Old Country wines, with some from the United States, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the Czech Republic. The prices are very reasonable with choices between $50-$60 and wines by the glass.
2. Shop at the Promenades Gatineau.
Location: 1100 Bd Maloney O, Gatineau
Mobile Number: +1 819-568-1158
Website: https://lespromenades.com/
Les Promenades Gatineau is a shopper’s paradise with over 155 stores, including many key fashion players.
Aside from stores and boutiques, Les Promenades has a fun and exciting entertainment area that features a cinema, bowling alley, arcade laser tag, and VR center. There’s also a great selection of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy food afterward.
3. Take a trip to the past at the Canadian Museum of History.
Location: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Mobile Number: 819-776-7000
Website: https://www.historymuseum.ca/
Admission Fee: Adult: $22, Senior: $20. Student: $17, Child(2-12):$15
Located just off Laval Street, this world-renowned museum tells the story of Canada from its earliest beginnings to the present day using over three million artifacts in its collection.
The major exhibitions of the museum include the First People’s Hall which features indigenous peoples, and the Canadian History Hall which shows the history of the country from early settlers and explorers.
The museum is also a child-friendly place with exhibitions that are intended to delight and engage younger audiences. This includes the Children’s Museum and the Canadian Storybook Theatre among others.
4. Watch a movie at the Canadian Museum of History Theatre.
Location: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Mobile Number: 819-776-7000
Website: https://www.historymuseum.ca/
Admission Fee: Adult: $22, Senior: $20. Student: $17, Child(2-12):$15
If you’re strolling down Laval Street and craving a cinematic adventure, look no further than the Canadian Museum of History’s CINÉ+. This is a state-of-the-art theater with larger-than-life images and an immersive sound system.
CINÉ+ showcases a wide range of enlightening documentary films, from intimate portraits of cultural icons to sweeping epics that explore the human condition. And the best part is the screenings are included with your museum admission.
5. Stroll through Jacques-Cartier Park.
Location: Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec
Mobile Number: +1 613-239-5000
Admission Fee: Free
Named after the French explorer who first explored the Ottawa River in the 16th century, the Jacques-Cartier Park is a popular spot for events and festivals throughout the year, including Canada Day and Winterlude.
But even when there’s nothing special going on, Jacques-Cartier Park is still a must-see. The park is always beautifully maintained, with clean trails, picnic areas, and boating launches.
On a warm summer day, the park bustles with activities — families soak in the sun, couples stroll hand-in-hand, and cyclists ride their bikes around. While in the wintertime, the park transforms into a wonderland of snow and ice.
6. Try your luck at the Casino du Lac-Leamy.
Location: 1 Casino Boulevard Gatineau
Mobile Number: 819-772-2100
Website: http://www.casinolacleamy.ca
Casinos are not always for gambling, they can also be for fun and food! At Casino du Lac-Leamy, you get both.
If you want to try your luck, Casino du Lac-Lamy has a wide selection of slot machines and gaming tables, including Texas Hold’em Poker. You might also want to experience the unique thrills of the Zone, a multigame area with live hosts and interactive terminals.
After you’ve tested your luck, dance the night away in the ALÉA nightclub or Bar 7, both of which offer stunning views of the gaming area. Then, linger over a delicious meal at one of the casino’s restaurants and cafés.
And don’t forget to catch a show at the plush Théâtre du Casino, where you can applaud singers, dancers, and other performers from around the world.
7. Take a boat tour of the Ottawa River.
Location: 2 Rideau Street Ottawa
Mobile Number: 819-246-3855
Website: https://www.ottawaboatcruise.com/tour/rideau-canal-cruise
A boat tour of the Ottawa River offers a different perspective of Laval Street. You can ride along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rideau Canal, an engineering marvel and a testament to the region’s rich history and heritage.
Your tour guide will narrate the cruise, highlighting the many historic sites, from the iconic Parliament Buildings to the picturesque Dow’s Lake.
As you cruise, take in the sights of lush greeneries, charming buildings, and a bustling city. You can snap some photos of the many iconic landmarks along the way.
8. Visit the Canadian War Museum.
Location: 1 Vimy Pl
Mobile Number: +1 800-555-5621
Website: https://www.warmuseum.ca/
At the Canadian War Museum, you can step into the country’s rich military history. Known for its symbolic architecture, the museum is a place to delve into the conflicts that shaped Canada.
From pre-contact warfare to the Cold War, the exhibitions offer a comprehensive look at our military heritage. Through artifacts, stories, artwork, and photos, visitors can learn about the sacrifices made by Canadians in times of conflict.
The museum’s architecture incorporates energy-efficient features, recycled materials, and a green roof where poppies grow in the summer. An interesting fact about the design is that its windows spell out “Lest We Forget” in Morse Code.
9. Relax at Patra Thai Massage.
Location: 42 Rue Papineau
Mobile Number: 819-923-6945
Website: patrathaimassages.ca
After a busy day exploring Laval Street, treat yourself to some relaxation at a local spa. You can indulge in a massage or facial and unwind in a peaceful setting.
Whether you’re seeking a soothing thermal experience to ease your aching muscles, a massage to unknot your back, or a well-deserved body treatment to pamper your skin, there is a spa at Laval Street for you.
One of the top-rated spas in this area is Patra Thai Massage, which offers Thai massage, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and hot stone massage. The spa has experienced therapists who can tailor the massage to your needs.
10. Explore the Gatineau Park.
Location: 33 Chem. Scott, Chelsea
Mobile Number: 613-239-5000
Website: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park
Admission Fee: Free
The Gatineau Park is a natural playground that offers activities such as hiking or biking, paddling, or cross-country skiing in the winter. The stunning views from the park’s scenic lookouts are a must-see.
Gatineau Park is divided into several sectors, each with its own unique character. The Mackenzie King Estate sector, for example, is home to the former summer retreat of Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.
Other popular areas include Pink Lake, Meech Lake, and Champlain Lookout.