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Laval, Quebec

Laval is a city and administrative region in southwestern Quebec, Canada, located north of Montreal on Île Jésus.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Laval is a city and administrative region in southwestern Quebec, Canada, located north of Montreal on Île Jésus. It is the third-largest city in Quebec and one of the largest suburbs in the Greater Montreal area. The city was incorporated in 1965 through the merger of 14 municipalities.

Geography

Laval occupies most of Île Jésus and is bordered by the Rivière des Prairies to the south and the Rivière des Mille Îles to the north. Its position places it directly north of Montreal within the Greater Montreal area.

History

The modern city of Laval was incorporated in 1965 after the merger of 14 municipalities. The name honours François de Laval, a key figure in early Quebec history.

Demographics

In the 2021 census, Laval had a population of 438,366. It ranks as the third-largest city in Quebec and one of Canada’s largest cities by population.

Administration

Laval is both a city and one of Quebec’s 17 administrative regions. This gives it a distinct regional role within the province’s local government structure.

Key facts

  • Laval is located north of Montreal, separated from Île de Montréal by the Rivière des Prairies.
  • It occupies Île Jésus and nearby islands in the Rivière des Prairies.
  • Laval was created in 1965 by amalgamating 14 municipalities.
  • It is the third-most populous city in Quebec and the thirteenth-largest city in Canada.
  • The city is named for François de Laval, the first Roman Catholic bishop of Quebec.
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Canadian context

Laval is one of Quebec’s major urban centres and a large suburb of Montreal, making it relevant to Canadian readers interested in population centres, regional governance, and Greater Montreal.

Frequently asked questions

What is Laval, Quebec?
Laval is a city and administrative region in Quebec, Canada, located directly north of Montreal.
When was Laval incorporated?
Laval was incorporated in 1965 after the merger of 14 municipalities.
How big is Laval by population?
Its population was 438,366 in the 2021 census.
Why is Laval important?
It is the third-largest city in Quebec and a major suburb of the Montreal metropolitan area.
Where is Laval located?
It is on Île Jésus, between the Rivière des Prairies and the Rivière des Mille Îles.

References

  1. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/laval
    Supports: Incorporation in 1965, merger of 14 municipalities, location on Île Jésus, population, and naming after François de Laval.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laval,_Quebec
    Supports: General description, location north of Montreal, population ranking in Quebec and Canada.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Laval-Quebec
    Supports: Geographic location on Île Jésus and separation from Montreal and the mainland by the Rivière des Prairies and Rivière des Mille Îles.