Laval is a Canadian city in southwestern Quebec, north of Montreal. It is the largest suburb of Montreal, the third-largest city in the province after Montreal and Quebec City, and the thirteenth largest city in Canada with a population of approximately 500,000. Laval is geographically separated from the mainland to the north by the Rivière des Mille Îles, and from the Island of Montreal to the south by the Rivière des Prairies. Laval occupies all of Île Jésus as well as the Îles Laval. Laval is a modern, rapidly expanding city that is committed to listening to the needs of its citizens. With one of the highest demographic growth in Quebec, it stands out for its exceptional infrastructure, economy and quality of life.