Dorval is a suburban city located on the island of Montreal in southwestern Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1667, it is one of the oldest cities in Canada and North America.

 

As of 2021, Dorval has a population of 19,302 and a population density of 923.0/km2. The city has the largest surface area on Montreal's west side. Still, it is among the least densely populated, as approximately 60% of its land is occupied by the Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.

 

Dorval is home to the headquarters of Aéroports de Montréal, the Greater Montreal airport authority. The city's main airport, Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, serves over 18 million passengers annually.

 

The Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys operates French-language public schools in Dorval, while the Lester B. Pearson School Board oversees English-language public schools. Notable residents include NHL ice hockey player Jason Demers.

 

Dorval offers recreational facilities, including aquatic centers, arenas, bike paths, sports fields, parks, and a golf club. The city also hosts cultural events and has public artworks.

 

History of Dorval, Quebec, Canada

Dorval, Quebec, has a rich history dating back over 350 years. The area was first settled in 1667 when Sulpician priests from Ville-Marie (Montreal) established a mission called "Gentilly." The mission was later renamed "La Présentation de la Vierge Marie" and "Dorval."

 

In 1685, the mission property was bought by Agathe St-Père and her fiancé Pierre Le Gardeur de Repentigny. In 1691, Jean Bouchard d'Orval, a semi-retired fur trader, took possession of the land. The area remained predominantly rural and agricultural for nearly two centuries.

 

The arrival of the Grand Trunk Railway in 1855 and the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1890 significantly changed Dorval. The railways attracted wealthier families seeking summer homes near Montreal. Dorval was incorporated as a village in 1892 and as a town in 1903.

 

During the early 20th century, Dorval became a popular resort area, establishing the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club and the Forest and Stream Club in the 1890s. The town also had two horse-racing tracks, the Bel-Air track and the Jockey Club.

 

In 1941, the federal government bought 1500 acres of land in Dorval to establish an airport and the Ferry Command, which delivered 10,000 airplanes to Britain during World War II. The airport, now known as the Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, became a major economic driver for the city.

 

After the war, Dorval's population grew rapidly, and the city was incorporated in 1956. Today, Dorval is a thriving suburb of Montreal with a population of around 20,000.

 

Geography of Dorval, Quebec, Canada

Dorval is a suburban city located on the island of Montreal in southwestern Quebec, Canada. It is situated along the shores of Lac Saint-Louis, an extension of the St. Lawrence River.

 

The city has a total area of 29.08 km2, of which 20.91 km2 is land. Dorval has the largest surface area on Montreal's west side but is among the least densely populated, as approximately 60% of its land is occupied by the Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.

 

The city is bordered by Pointe-Claire to the west and Lachine to the east. It is located about 15 km west of downtown Montreal.

 

Offshore to the south of Dorval is Île Dorval, a summer resort. The city's terrain is generally flat, with an average elevation of around 30 meters above sea level.

 

Dorval has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city receives an average of 1,000 mm of precipitation annually, with snowfall from November to April.

 

Demographics of Dorval, Quebec, Canada

The demographics of Dorval, Quebec, Canada, reveal a population of 19,302 in 2021, residing in 8,716 of the city's 9,058 total private dwellings. This population experienced a 1.7% increase from the 2016 population of 18,980. With a land area of 20.91 km2, Dorval had a population density of 923.1/km2 in 2021.

 

In terms of ethnicity, 72% of the population in Dorval identified as not being a visible minority, while 28% were visible minorities. Regarding languages, the city has been officially recognized as a bilingual municipality since 2005. In Dorval, 54% of the population spoke English, 25% spoke French, and 13% spoke other languages in 2021.

 

Economy of Dorval, Quebec, Canada

Dorval, Quebec, Canada's economy is characterized by its diverse sectors and historical development. The city's history dates back to 1667 when Sulpician priests established a mission on the outskirts of Ville-Marie, which later became Montreal. Over time, Dorval evolved from a rural and agricultural area to a suburban city with a strong economy.

 

Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers

Dorval is home to several grocery and related product merchant wholesalers, including Québec Inc. and Antarctica Foods Inc., contributing to the city's economy.

 

Air Industry

The Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, which occupies about 60% of Dorval's land, significantly influences the city's economy. The airport is a major economic driver for the city, hosting over 18 million passengers annually.

 

Retail Trade

Built in 1954, Dorval Gardens shopping centre is one of Greater Montreal's first mall-style shopping centres and remains the city's principal retail trade centre.

 

Post-War Development

After World War II, Dorval experienced significant growth as middle-class families migrated to the city from Montreal and other parts of Canada, attracted by the widening of Highway 20 and the large-scale construction of new dwellings. This period saw the construction of single-family homes, townhouses, and low-rise apartment buildings on lands previously used for agriculture and recreational activities.

 

Current Economy

Today, Dorval has a population of around 20,000 and is known for its quality of life, making it an attractive place to live. The city's economy continues to thrive, with a mix of industries, including wholesale trade, air transportation, and retail trade, contributing to its growth and development.

 

Education in Dorval, Quebec, Canada

The education system in Dorval, Quebec, Canada, is part of the broader Quebec education system. The city of Dorval falls under the jurisdiction of the Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys for French-language public schools and the Lester B. Pearson School Board for English-language public schools. 

 

These educational authorities oversee the provision of primary and secondary education in Dorval. The Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys operates French-language public schools in Dorval, while English-language public schools are overseen by the Lester B. Pearson School Board. 

 

This dual system reflects Quebec's bilingual nature and ensures that students in Dorval have access to education in both official languages.

 

The educational landscape in Dorval includes a range of primary and secondary schools that cater to the diverse linguistic needs of the population. Students in Dorval can receive education in either French or English, reflecting Quebec's bilingual and multicultural character.

 

Transport System of Dorval, Quebec, Canada

Dorval, Quebec, has a well-developed transportation system that includes various modes of travel:

 

Air Travel

• Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, one of Canada's busiest airports, is located in Dorval and occupies about 60% of the city's land. The airport serves over 18 million passengers annually.

 

Rail Travel

• Dorval has a VIA Rail station located at 755 Montréal-Toronto Blvd. The station provides train service to destinations such as Toronto.
• Commuter trains operated by Réseau de transport métropolitain (EXO) also serve Dorval.

 

Bus Service

• The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) provides bus service in Dorval.

 

Highways

• Dorval is served by several major highways, including Autoroute 13, Autoroute 20, Autoroute 40 (Trans-Canada Highway), and Autoroute 520.

 

Taxis and Shuttles

• Taxi services in Dorval include Bonjour Taxi and Coop Taxi de l'Ouest.
• An airport shuttle service operated by Indigo runs regularly between the Dorval train station and Montréal-Trudeau Airport.

 

Parking

• Parking at the Dorval train station is operated by Park Indigo.

 

Dorval's transportation system is centred around its international airport, and it provides residents and visitors with convenient access to air, rail, and road networks, connecting the city to destinations across Canada and beyond.

 

Living in Dorval, Quebec, Canada

Dorval is a great place to live in Quebec, Canada. Here are some key points about living in Dorval:

• Dorval is a suburban city in southwestern Quebec, located on the island of Montreal. As of 20215, its population was around 20,000.
• The city's history dates back to 1667 when Sulpician priests established a mission there. Dorval was incorporated as a village in 1892, a town in 1903, and a city in 1956.
• Dorval has a diverse economy with major industries, including the Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, which occupies about 60% of the city's land. The airport is a major economic driver, serving over 18 million passengers annually.
• The city offers a high quality of life, with a mix of residential areas, shopping centers like Dorval Gardens, recreational facilities, and cultural events. Residents are known to be very close-knit, with a "family approach" to community activities.
• Dorval has a bilingual education system, with French-language public schools operated by the Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys and English-language public schools overseen by the Lester B. Pearson School Board.
• The city is well-connected by air, rail, and road transportation, with the airport, VIA Rail station, commuter trains, and major highways like A-13, A-20, A-40, and A-520.

 

Overall, Dorval offers a great balance of suburban living with easy access to Montreal, a strong economy, quality infrastructure, and a tight-knit community feel. The city's history, amenities, and transportation make it an attractive place to live in Quebec.

 

Tourist places of Dorval, Quebec, Canada

Here are some tourist places in Dorval, Quebec, Canada, based on the provided sources:

1. Dorval Park and Playground
2. Pine Beach Park
3. Millennium Park
4. River view
5. Museum of History and Heritage Dorval

 

These tourist places offer a variety of attractions, from parks and playgrounds to cultural sites like museums, providing visitors with opportunities to explore and enjoy the beauty and history of Dorval, Quebec, Canada.

 

Local Food of Dorval, Quebec, Canada

Dorval, Quebec, offers a variety of local food options that showcase the city's culinary diversity. Here are some notable local foods and restaurants in Dorval:

 

Restaurants Featuring Local Ingredients

1. Bellucci Italia - This restaurant is known for using local ingredients in its Italian cuisine. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 508 reviews.
2. Origine Brass - Offers homemade pizza, sandwiches, salads, and other comfort food dishes made with local ingredients. It is an editor's choice.

 

Fast Food and Casual Dining

1. Falafel St. Jacques - A popular fast food restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
2. Rôtisserie Scores - A casual dining restaurant that is an editor's choice for its local ingredients.
3. Natalino - Offers local veal, pasta, and seafood dishes.
4. Le Sémaphore - Located in the DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal Airport Hotel, this restaurant serves breakfast, steak, seafood, and fish made with local ingredients.

 

Other Notable Mentions

• Dawat - Serves Indian dishes like butter chicken, chilli chicken, and lamb curry.
• Restaurant Bellissimo - Offers local osso buco, antipasto, calamari, fresh fish, pasta, veal, and pizza.
• Pizza Gusta Dorval - A pizzeria offering local chicken, sandwiches, and poutine with delivery options.

 

Dorval's local food scene showcases a range of cuisines, from Italian and Indian to casual comfort food, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The city's restaurants cater to various tastes and preferences.

 

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