Beach camping near Mirabel with campfires

Just over 60 kilometres from the centre of Montreal, Mirabel may be best known as the location of the city's airport, but this town offers its own ever-increasing appeal to visitors. In addition to charming, hole-in-the-wall Quebecois restaurants and a racetrack, the town also features an incredible botanical garden and ziplining through nature. Mirabel is on the doorstep of the Laurentian Mountains and several national parks, while a number of parks and trails also sit within its boundaries. Campers can find a range of private campgrounds in and around Mirabel, as well as public campground options in all of the nearby national parks.

A year-round destination, Mirabel is a great place to visit whatever the season, depending on what it is you're looking to do. Sub-zero temperatures mean Quebec winter camping is primarily for adventurous campers, though many parks offer both winter sites and rustic cabins. Summer camping in Mirabel can be a very cost-effective way to stay close to Montreal at a fraction of the cost of staying in the city proper.

• There are tons of places to charge electric vehicles in and around Mirabel.
• Public transit can get visitors around, but life will be a lot easier and cheaper with your own car or campervan.
• Mirabel's outlet mall has a North Face store for those who might want to pick up camping bargains. A number of outdoor outfitters are also in the area.
• Most people in Montreal speak English well, but it won’t hurt to have a translation app handy on your phone.