As with many other settlements on the Island of Montreal, the railroad, which came to Dorval in 1855, was highly instrumental in attracting many wealthier families, mostly English-speaking, in search of a summer refuge in proximity to their downtown residence and place of work.

Dorval is located on the south-west portion of the Island of Montreal, along the shores of Lake St.Louis. Its numerous parks, green spaces, and elaborate recreational facilities, coupled with a community life that is second to none, provide residents with an enviable environment. As a people-oriented City, Dorval meets the needs and expectations of its residents with a complete range of services and activities as well as an outstanding quality of life which make it a great place to live and work.

Dorval enjoys a diversified economy as evidenced by its various types of commercial and industrial establishments. The dominant feature of the City remains the Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau International Airport, which gives Dorval a definite edge in terms of economic development. From airport city and former residential suburb, the City has become, over the years, the meeting place of more than 25,000 people who come daily to work for the many firms located in its strategically located industrial parks.