chelsea quebec tourism

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Abritant la porte d’entrée du parc de la Gatineau, Chelsea s’avère une destination réconfortante à bien des égards. Comptant plusieurs galeries d’art, boutiques, cafés et haltes gourmandes, ces multiples adresses ludiques octroient à cet environnement un charme certain! La municipalité porte également une attention particulière au patrimoine, comme en témoigne la reconnaissance de deux cimetières au titre de monument historique ainsi que la mise en place du Circuit de la vallée du ruisseau Meech.

Attraits à proximité

Bougie Doozy Candle

Pub Chelsea

Coloris automnal de la CCN

Lofts du Village

La Petite Grocerie

Distillerie du Square

Mamma Teresa Chelsea

Services récréatifs Demsis

Biscotti & cie

Plages du Parc de la Gatineau

Blogues et circuits

Votre magasinage du printemps en Outaouais

Événements d'affaires en Outaouais : de la créativité au succès

Les randonnées estivales à faire avec son chien en Outaouais

Où faire de l’escalade en Outaouais

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Top Things to Do in Chelsea

Things to do in chelsea, tours in and around chelsea.

Haunted Walk Experience at the Mackenzie King Estate

Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise

Fly over the City of Ottawa in a Helicopter

Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise

Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical

Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

Canadian War Museum Admission

Canadian Museum of History Admission Ticket

Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau

Top attractions in chelsea.

Other Top Attractions around Chelsea

What travellers are saying

• Camp Fortune
• Carbide Willson Ruins
• Great Canadian Bungee
• Marche Old Chelsea Market
• Dunn-D's Mini Golf

Bienvenue à Chelsea, Québec.

Embarquez pour un voyage inoubliable à travers un joyau caché du canada, façonné avec amour par des habitants dévoués à faire une différence dans leur communauté. découvrez un charmant village qui se transforme en un havre toutes saisons pour les âmes aventureuses., commencez ici, derniers articles du journal de chelsea.

Actualités locales

Bulletin d'information

Types d'activités principaux

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SOcial accounts

Emplacements

• 1 Understand
• 3 Get around
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Val-des-Monts

Chelsea is a municipality of 7,500 people (2016) in Outaouais . From Ottawa , it is just beyond Gatineau and many Chelsea residents commute to one of those cities for work.

Understand [ edit ]

While 60% of the area is in Gatineau Park , much of the rest of Chelsea is residential with mostly large lots, and tracts of undeveloped land. It has a distinctly rural feel. The population of Chelsea is almost evenly divided between anglophones and francophones and both English and French languages are in common use throughout the town.

The municipality has a reputation for being environmentally responsible and was one of the first in Canada to ban the use of pesticides.

Chelsea is named after the Vermont town of its first settler, Thomas Brigham. The name has been in use since the early 19th century.

Get in [ edit ]

From Hull , take Highway 5 north (to exit 12 or 13) or head north on St. Joseph Blvd (Highway 105) past the Alonzo Wright Bridge.

Chelsea is also accessible via Notch Road, from Mountain Road North (chemin de la Montagne Nord).

A taxi from Ottawa would cost $30-45 (Dec 2018).

STO city buses #27, 33 and 35 leave Ottawa from the corner of Wellington and Bank Streets and travel through Gatineau to the de la Cité-des-Jeunes/du Plein-Air stop frequently ($4, 40 min). From there a taxi will take you to Chelsea for $14-18 (Dec 2018).

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ]

The Ottawa Valley can be seen from several lookouts in the Park—magnificent sunsets.

• Pioneer cemetery , 587 Quebec Route 105 . M-F 09:00-16:30 .  

Do [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ].

• Vignoble de Chelsea , 1582 Route 105 . Vineyard and maple sugar shack, established 2015. ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Chelsea Freshmart , 528 route 105 local A , ☏ +1 819-827-8001 . ( updated Mar 2020 )
• Proxim Isabelle Mènard , Suite 102-87 Chemin Old Chelsea , ☏ +1 819-827-0880 , fax : +1 819 827-0667 . M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa 09:00-17:00 . ( updated Mar 2020 )

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

• La Cigale , 14, ch Scott, Old Chelsea , ☏ +1 819-827-6060 . Daily 11:00-22:00 . Like the carefree cigale of the tale, the little La Cigale ice cream shop claims to be a true celebration of the essence of summertime, offering fresh, homemade ice cream created in-store every morning, concocted in original flavours like Ginger Snap & Chai, Raspberry Champagne Sorbet, Coconut Cashew and Brownies and Cream. ( updated Dec 2018 )
• Cheezy Luigis Pizza , 241 Old Chelsea Road , ☏ +1 819-827-2882 . Fantastic variety of fresh ingredients and tasty sauce. Italian sodas.  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Soup'herbe , 168 Old Chelsea Road , ☏ +1 819-827-7687 .  
• Café Les Saisons , 232 Old Chelsea Rd , ☏ +1 819-827-3303 . M W-F 07:00-20:00, Sa Su 08:00-19:00 . Coffees, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, soups. ( updated Dec 2018 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• Les Fougères , 783 route 105, Chelsea , ☏ +1 819-827-8942 . W-F from 11:30, Sa Su from 10:00; reservations accepted until 21:30 . Reservations recommended. Mains $20-40, individual pizza $16 . ( updated Dec 2018 )
• L'Orée du Bois , 15, chemin Kingsmere , ☏ +1 819-827-0332 . Tu-F 17:30-22:00, Sa 17:00-22:00, Su 10:00-14:00, 17:30-22:00 . Reservations recommended. ( updated Dec 2018 )

Drink [ edit ]

• Chelsea's Pub , 238 ch Old Chelsea , ☏ +1 819-827-5300 . M-F 11:30-00:00, Sa 11:00-00:00, Su 11:00-23:00 . Restaurant and bar. ( updated Dec 2018 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• Le Nordik Nature Spa , 16 Chemin Nordik, Old Chelsea , ☏ +1 819-827-1111 . Nordik baths, massages, day spa, restaurant, bar and lodging.  
• Auberge Old Chelsea , 213 Chemin Old Chelsea , ☏ +1 819-827-1316 . At the edge of the Gatineau Park in the village of Old Chelsea. From $135 . ( updated Dec 2018 )

There are other hotels and hotels in Gatineau and Ottawa .

Nearby [ edit ]

• Mont Cascades water park , 448 Mont-des-Cascades Road, Cantley ( 30 km from Chelsea ). July and Aug 10:00-17:00 . Heated swimming pools and water slides. Adult $27, child $23 . ( updated Jul 2020 )

Val-des-Monts [ edit ]

A small municipality 50 km to the northeast, on the east side of the Gatineau River.

• Arbraska - Laflèche , 255, route Principale, Val-des-Monts , ☏ +1 819-457-4033 , toll-free: +1-877-457-4033 . Zip lines over a 168-m lake, suspended bridges, swings and nets. Explore Laflèche Cave, the biggest visited cave in the Canadian Shield.  

Go next [ edit ]

• Gatineau Park

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Plan Your Trip to Chelsea: Best of Chelsea Tourism

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The Dana Edition

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Itinerary For 3 Days In Chelsea, Quebec

Right after our trip to the Canadian West Coast to visit the beautiful provinces of  Alberta  and  British Columbia , we went home to Toronto and then took a  road trip  to a quaint little town in Quebec called Chelsea for 3 days to celebrate our anniversary. (We visited  Prince Edward County  the year before for our anniversary and had a nice getaway in wine country.)

I always enjoy visiting Quebec since a few of their major cities are not too far from Toronto, but it also feels like we’ve entered a different country with the culture, language, architecture, and history. Quebec is actually the largest province in Canada so it can take as little as about a 4.5-hour drive from Toronto to get to Gatineau or a 17-hour drive or more to reach the most eastern end of Quebec in Percé. They also have a lot of nature and gorgeous views if you decide to go hiking or want to explore the outdoors. Especially since it’s summertime, you’ll want to be able to appreciate the sunny skies and good weather and really see the city when it’s full of life.

Chelsea, Quebec is a small municipality with over 8,000 residents just north of Gatineau, Quebec and Ottawa, Ontario and you will likely pass through both cities to get into Chelsea if you’re coming from Toronto. Chelsea is known for its natural landscape and environmentally-friendly community and you can really see that when you visit. Although Quebec is more well-known for  Montréal  and  Quebec City , I found that Chelsea was such a hidden gem and relaxing getaway in a really laidback, small town that a lot of people may easily pass right by. To be honest, how I found Chelsea was looking on Google Maps and trying to find a city in Quebec that wasn’t too far from Toronto for a quick getaway. And let me tell you, we were so impressed with this city and it was perfect for our anniversary and I can’t believe more people don’t know about it!

When To Visit Chelsea, Quebec

We visited Chelsea, Quebec for 3 days in the month of July. The weather was comfortable and it wasn’t too hot to be outdoors. I think to make the most out of your time in this quaint little town and to be able to experience nature in its full glory, the months of late May to early September may be a good time to visit. 

When To Book Your Trip To Chelsea, Quebec

I usually like to book my trips at minimum a few months in advance based on where I’m going for the best prices. Also, depending on where you want to stay, it’s better to book early since there may be limited space available (which will highly be the case with the accommodations I’ll be recommending below).

For this trip in particular, I had booked it about a month prior to going since we were a little unsure as well as preoccupied with planning our 2-week vacation in Alberta and British Columbia. Since COVID had slowed things down, I really think we got lucky with being able to get a room.

To help you plan your trip more specifically to your preferences, use my free  Pre-Trip Planner and Checklist  as well as  The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Trip Abroad  so you don’t forget anything and  avoid a stressful vacation . 

How To Get To Chelsea, Quebec

If you’re coming from Toronto like we were, then driving is your best option since it takes just under 5 hours to get to Chelsea, Quebec. If you’re flying in, the nearest airport will be the Ottawa Airport (YOW). 

Here are the  Best Ways To Save Money On Flights For Your Next Vacation  and the  Top Websites To Get The Best Flight Deals . 

How To Get Around Chelsea, Quebec

To be able to get around easily, it’s always best to have a car. With only 3 days in Chelsea, Quebec, you won’t want to waste your time waiting on public transit. A lot of places you’ll be visiting in this itinerary will not be accessible by public transit and it is not easy to get around with the very limited public transportation available. 

If you’re not taking your own vehicle to visit Chelsea, I like using  Turo  for cheaper and more convenient ways to rent a car than some of the mainstream car rental companies. Plus, they can meet you where you choose for an additional fee but it will really make things easier for your trip.

Where To Stay In Chelsea, Quebec

We stayed at  Auberge Tom B&B  and this was the biggest reason why our 3 days in Chelsea, Quebec was so amazing. I found this B&B on  Hotels.com  and saw their 9.8-star rating and amazing views of the water from their Gatineau Room and knew I had to book it for our anniversary. After staying here, I am shocked they don’t have a 10-star rating! Here are the details on why Auberge Tom B&B made our stay such a wonderful experience:

Auberge Tom B&B is actually the home of a husband-and-wife team which they have turned into a beautiful bed and breakfast for guests to enjoy this relaxing oasis. With 4 different bedrooms to choose from, gourmet breakfast included, right by the Gatineau River, relaxation areas, large open spaces to enjoy including a garden, 2 adorable and very well-behaved Shih Tzus, and impeccable service – it’s undeniably a home away from home and a very peaceful getaway. It’s also located in the most convenient area of Chelsea, Quebec. When I was looking for accommodations for our trip, all of the hotels were directing me to a location outside of Chelsea so this really was the perfect location. 

Our host Barbara was very hospitable, informative, and helpful – and not to mention, an  amazing  cook. When we arrived, she explained to us how everything works and provided us with a lot of detail about the house, the living areas, and our room. After all, it is someone’s home so it’s important to respect it. However, you do get all the privacy you need. On our first night, we were the only ones there and we only saw 2 guests who stayed at the West Wing of the house briefly at breakfast the next day. 

Our room was on the second floor in the East Wing and our Gatineau Room was beautiful and spacious and had a large balcony where we can go to take in the unobstructed and lovely view of the Gatineau River. Water is provided and snacks are available for purchase if you so choose. The bed is very comfortable and the TV comes equipped with all the streaming services for you to choose from. You also have access to the latest movies that are still in theatres! I was also surprised that the bathroom is completely stocked with all your skincare needs by the brand Arbonne. If you like the products, you can also purchase them from Barbara. There is also a detailed binder in the room full of information about the history of the house and Chelsea, Quebec, the best places to visit in the area, what to do, where to eat, and more.

Breakfast is included and you can choose from a 3-course gourmet breakfast or opt for a continental breakfast delivered to your room in a picnic basket to enjoy at your own leisure. Barbara will also ask you when you’d like your breakfast so you can plan your day out easily. I highly suggest going for the gourmet breakfast as it’s literally the best breakfast I’ve had in my life. I normally skip breakfast and am not a big fan of breakfast, and I’ve never had a 3-course breakfast before so I didn’t know what to expect but I was mind-blown. The food was beyond delicious and was more than just restaurant quality. It was also healthy, had a beautiful presentation, as well as a farm-to-table vibe with unique ingredients. Each day we stayed had a different menu and I honestly can’t believe how good it was. 

Overall, where we stayed absolutely made a huge impact on how much we enjoyed Chelsea, Quebec and I wouldn’t recommend staying anywhere else. It was such an experience and I’ve stayed at a lot of hotels, B&Bs, and Airbnbs and nothing has been quite like this – we really didn’t want to leave and could retire like this!

If you choose to stay at this spectacular B&B, book on their website at  Auberge Tom B&B  and let them know that DANA was your referral for your stay when you book! You also get privileged client status as a returning guest and can get free in-room snack service every day and a free night after the 10 th  night on a minimum 2-night stay.

Where To Eat In Chelsea, Quebec

Food is an art form in Quebec and it is also true in Chelsea. There are many restaurants to choose from in the area and below is the top few I recommend directly in Chelsea. If you like to visit outside of Chelsea, there are also great options in Gatineau and the Wakefield area.

L’Orée du Bois

Cuisine  – French  Price Range  – $$$ Why They’re Good  – A very farm-to-table experience in an elegant and rustic setting, this restaurant offers sophisticated French cuisine. We visited this restaurant on our anniversary and we’re so glad we did. Their menu is a set course with different options to choose from for your appetizers, mains, and desserts and the food was delicious and had good portions. The food is high quality and really showcases this regional cuisine. They also have their own garden and smokehouse.

Restaurant Les Fougères Cuisine  – French  Price Range  – $$$ Why They’re Good  – This award-winning restaurant with its dedication to culinary excellence and the exploration of regional ingredients has a changing local and seasonal menu. It also has expansive gardens, a gourmet food store, and an art gallery. Auberge Tom B&B also provides dinner from this restaurant if you choose to stay in for the night!

La Cigale Cuisine  – Ice Cream Price Range  – $$ Why They’re Good  – With handcrafted ice cream and sorbets, there are so many different flavors and forms to choose from and there are baked goods including pies and tarts. There’s always a long line at this place but it’s well worth it!

3 Day Itinerary To Visit The Best Places In Chelsea, Quebec

Aside from being right in the middle of nature, this charming town is also full of restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries. There is much to explore but it is also very easygoing and you can easily enjoy your time with so many different and unique things to see with 3 days’ time in Chelsea, Quebec.

First Day In Chelsea, Quebec

On the way from Toronto, you can pass through  Ottawa  for a quick bite to eat at the ByWard Market before you head into Chelsea and visit a historical site in Gatineau so you get to see a little bit of the nearby cities as well.

1 –  ByWard Market  – Ottawa, Ontario

Time Spent  – 1 to 2 hours Interesting Facts  – This 4-block outdoor market with multiple stalls and specialty shops has many high-quality foods, fashion, boutiques, pubs, galleries, and more. They also sell Canadian maple syrup products, chocolate, and cheese. It’s known for its colorful street art and crafts by local designers and the multiple pubs in the area. 

2 – Pink Lake Trail – Gatineau, Quebec

Time Spent – 45 minutes Interesting Facts – I was a little fooled by the name of this lake since it was actually turquoise in person due to the growth of microscopic algae. The upper and lower layers of the water never mix and there is no oxygen in the deepest parts of the lake. There is a nice lookout and interpretation panels along your short hike.

3 –  Mackenzie King Estate  – Gatineau, Quebec

Time Spent  – 1.5 to 2 hours Interesting Facts  – This historical site was once the former home of the longest-serving prime minister in Canada, Mackenzie King, and has a nature walk with multiple hiking trails, English and French gardens, historical ruins and a museum. There is also a tearoom and areas to have a nice picnic on the grounds.

4 –  Ruines Carbide Willson

Time Spent  – 1 to 1.5 hours Interesting Facts  – This historical landmark located by Meech Lake used to be the site where the inventor Thomas Leopold Willson had a fertilizer plant to do research on nitrogen with 3 buildings: an acid condensation tower, a dam, and a generating station. It was destroyed by fire and now only the foundation is left. It’s a great place for photography and also has a waterfall right by the ruins. 

5 –  Lac Meech Time Spent  – 2 hours Interesting Facts  – Lac Meech or Meech Lake has 2 beaches: O’Brien Beach and Blanchet Beach. It is part of the Gatineau Park within the municipality of Chelsea, Quebec. It is the closest lake to the city and you can swim or hike there (which will take about 3 hours if you do the whole trail). 

Second Day In Chelsea, Quebec

The second day in Chelsea, Quebec will involve a little driving, getting wet, and animal encounters – so be prepared with your swimming gear, water shoes, hiking shoes, and your camera.

1 –  Morrison’s Quarry Time Spent  – 2 hours Interesting Facts  – Not only is Morrison’s Quarry a swimming hole with clear turquoise waters, but it’s a place where you can scuba dive plane wrecks and bungee jump at the highest bungee jumping site in Canada  Great Canadian Bungee .

2 –  Lusk Cave

Time Spent  – 2.5 to 3.5 hours Interesting Facts  – This loop trail in the Philippe Lake area can be completed in 2.5 hours, starting from Parent Beach where you can also spend your time having a BBQ or tanning in the sun. It is a fairly easy hike but once you get to the caves, prepare to get your water shoes on and do a little bit of climbing. The cave gets filled with water and at some point, you will absolutely get wet. You’ll likely have to submerge at least half your body so most people come in bathing suits to get from one end of the cave to the other. We only went through halfway because we weren’t properly dressed for it, had our backpacks, and they had a bad storm in the area recently so the water levels were much higher than normal. 

People just seem to set down their backpacks and other belongings in the area and pick it up again when they’re through the cave. So it might be a good idea not to have anything too expensive or valuable with you unless you have a waterproof backpack that you can take with you into the cave. It’ll also be a good idea to bring a flashlight or headlamp and follow someone who knows their way in the cave since there are 2 directions you can go.

During the Ice Wage and the Wisconsin Glaciation, water was trapped under the melting glacier which made cracks in the rocks and the marble of Lusk Cave eroded faster than the surrounding rock which caused tunnels to form.

3 –  Parc Omega

Time Spent  – 2 to 4 hours depending on how much you like to take your time to stop  Interesting Facts  – Parc Omega is a unique experience near Chelsea, Quebec. It is a safari park with over 12 kilometres of trails that you can drive through to discover some of Canada’s wildlife in its natural habitat. There are around 450 wild animals that roam freely over 2,200 acres of preserved nature and you can also feed them carrots. The animals that are allowed to get fed are already so used to the presence of humans and will just come up to you for food. If you don’t bring your own carrots, you can buy a bag of carrots at reception or gift shops for $4 CAD a bag currently. And from what I’ve been reading, the price has been steadily increasing so make a run to the grocery store beforehand!

If you’re worried about your vehicle getting damaged like I was (since I did a lot of research on previous visitors’ experiences and saw some bad photos), you can rent their caged golf carts for about $150 CAD plus tax. But to be honest, once we finished the experience, I believe that if you are careful, calm, respect the animals and just not do anything “stupid”, then your vehicle should be fine. For example, do no provoke or tease the animals and do not open your car window so wide that deer stick their head so far in your car that their antlers get stuck and can’t get back out (yes we saw that too but luckily this time they didn’t get stuck). 

Also, don’t forget to attend the shows they have, stop off at the Land of the Pioneers, and enjoy their restaurant and ice cream stand and snack bars. In this area, the deer will also come right up to you without the restriction of your vehicle. 

Another great way to experience Parc Omega is to stay in their wolf cabins overnight which have panoramic bay windows and get unrestricted views of the wolves. These log cabins can fit up to 4 people and come fully equipped with a kitchen. You will get access to the park after it closes as well as the wolf and bear boardwalk. 

Third Day In Chelsea, Quebec

On your last day in Chelsea, Quebec, I’ve made it so you can pamper yourself and wind down before either your road trip back home or your flight out.

1 –  Nordik Spa-Nature Time Spent  – 3 to 5 hours Interesting Facts  – Similar to the Scandinave Spas, Nordik Spa-Nature has spa and wellness services like massages and body and face treatments. But of course, the most popular experience is to get access to their thermal baths and saunas. Hydrotherapy is a very popular activity in Scandinavia for a long time and taking your body from extreme hot and cold temperatures can help detox, purify, soothe, and strengthen your body. 

This is the ultimate relaxation and I like to take my time enjoying access to these types of spas since they’re not always easily available everywhere. And there’s no better way to end your trip for 3 days in Chelsea, Quebec than to get pampered and really enjoy your last moments in this delightful little town before you take off.

For more travel itineraries, visit  Destinations . 

8 Reasons Why Chelsea Quebec Should Be On Everyone's List

Quebec is not just Montreal, and Chelsea is the perfect small Canadian town you've likely been dreaming of.

Travelers love the magic of Quebec; from its old city charm to the elegant Hotel de Glace , this rich Canadian province offers a little something for every visitor. Their small towns—like Chelsea—also offer tourists an eclectic taste of local culture, history, and nature!

Located north of Gatineau and close to Ottawa, Chelsea, Quebec, was established in 1875 and was formerly named Hulle-Partie-Quest or West Hull . Its name was later changed to Chelsea, after a town in Vermont (the home of Chelsea’s first settler, Thomas Brigham).

This cozy Quebec municipality is known for being environmentally friendly, offering miles of land perfect for hiking and exploring the area's natural habitat and landscape. That’s why Chelsea is such a popular destination among nature-buffs—from hiking to winter activities, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Chelsea!

8 It Has The Largest Spa In North America!

Travelers heading to Chelsea can enjoy the Nordik Spa-Nature, which is Canada’s own Blue Lagoon ! Being the largest spa in North America , Nordik Spa-Nature is situated in Old Chelsea, and is home to 10 baths and 9 saunas. Guests can also enjoy several spa treatments that are based on an ancient relaxation practice known as thermotherapy and other wellness treatments like massages and skin treatments. Patrons must reserve a spot at the spa prior to visiting the center, as walk-ins are not available.

RELATED: Why Quebec City Is Worth Your Travel Time

7 You Can Camp with Style

Glamping enthusiasts will love the lodging at Eco-Odyssee Nature Park! Guests can book a stay at the Exode Nature refuge, a uniquely crafted lodge that is equipped with a queen-sized bed, along with other amenities like a small kitchenette, stove, and campfire. From the coziness of the lodge, guests can enjoy gorgeous views of the Gatineau Hills and appreciate the tranquility of nature!

6 Chelsea Is Home To Uniquely Crafted Beer

Beer aficionados will love the craft beer at Chelsea, especially at the Brasseurs du Temps, which was the first microbrewery in the area. Using local ingredients, this brewery crafts uniquely flavored beers on-site and houses a restaurant that serves classic pub grub and beer flights. Brasseurs du Temps is located on Montcalm Street. Hungry foodies should also check out Chelsea Pub on Old Chelsea Road. Since 1875 , this pub has whipped up gastropub fare alongside its homemade beers. Visitors will also love the fact that Chelsea Pub is close to Gatineau Park. Both establishments are in Outaouais, a region rich in culture, tourists, and nightlife!

5 Chelsea’s Natural Habitat Is Like No Other On The Planet

The area around Chelsea possesses unique geography that is distinctly unique and can be appreciated while visiting Gatineau Park’s Champlain Lookout. This scenic landmark is situated on top of Eardley Escarpment and offers a breathtaking view of Gatineau Park. Nature enthusiasts will also love visiting Pink Lake, which possesses an interesting phenomenon; despite its name, the lake water is a rich-green color due to the growth of algae . Due to the algae, there is so little oxygen in the water, that it’s only home to a few bacteria and a fish species known as the three-spined stickleback fish!

4 Lafléche Cave Is Majestically Mystical

Travelers seeking an adventure (while learning something new) must embark on the Cave Discovery Tour at Lafléche Park. Guided by a speleologist—a specialist who explores caves—visitors can explore the icy wonder of Lafléche Cave, discovering hidden passages and learning about its formations! After exploring the caves, guests can have some fun ziplining and hiking the nearby trails (which can also be enjoyed in the warmer months).

RELATED: Canada Car Rental: Why It's The Best Travel Option Right Now

3 Travelers Can Find Some Unique And Artistic Finds While Shopping

Travelers don’t have to buy boring magnets or mugs as souvenirs; at Chelsea, independent shops sell unique souvenirs to bring home! For example, tourists should check out Doozy Candle to buy their long-burning, uniquely crafted candles. For something warmer, visitors should also visit the Chelsea Alpacas farm; not only can they buy cozy items like gloves and hats (made from alpaca fur), they can also tour the farm of the cute alpaca herd! Otherwise, shopaholics must visit La Petite Grocerie to find artisanal gifts made in Quebec.

2 Learning About Renewable Energy Has Never Been More Fun

Chelsea is known as an environmentally-friendly municipality, and it’s not just because of its ban on pesticides . The area is home to the Rapides-Farmer Generating Station, located in Gatineau. Since 1927 , the plant has provided hydroelectricity to the nearby communities and is considered an integral landmark to Outaouais. Visitors can take a guided tour of this iconic generating station between June and August, learning more about how water from the Gatineau River transforms into pure energy. The best part: admission is free!

1 Travelers Can Enjoy A Cozy Stay At A Victorian-Style Bed And Breakfast

There’s no shortage of lofts and stays at Chelsea. Still, traveling couples can enjoy a cozy stay at Les Trois Erables, situated on Riverside Road. The property at this B&B is a Victorian-era heritage mansion built in  1896 . Guests can enjoy a peaceful stay at this beautifully preserved B&B while walking around the quiet village of Wakefield. Travelers can also book their stay at any one of the adorable B&Bs around Chelsea, such as the Auberge Old Chelsea B&B, which is only a few minutes away from Ottawa and the Nordik Spa-Nature!

NEXT: These Small Towns In America Are Known For The Strangest Things

Top Things to Do in Chelsea, Canada

Things to do in chelsea, tours in and around chelsea.

Haunted Walk Experience at the Mackenzie King Estate

Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise

Fly over the City of Ottawa in a Helicopter

Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise

Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical

Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

Canadian War Museum Admission

Canadian Museum of History Admission Ticket

Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau

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Explore Chelsea Quebec to Relax and Rejuvenate

“Let’s explore Chelsea,” I told my husband. It was time to put some spring back into our step. We’d already gone hiking many times in Gatineau Park and to visit the Mackenzie King Estate, so we wanted to see what else this quiet Quebec town, a few minutes from Ottawa, had to offer. We would soon discover that Chelsea is also the perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Chilling at Nordik Spa

Another excellent reason to visit Chelsea is the famous Nordik Spa —pure bliss in an enchanted storybook setting. For several hours, we alternated between soaking in the heat and awakening our senses in frigid pools, feeling the stress draining from our bodies and our happy endorphins kicking in.

Snowflakes caressed our cheeks as we submerged in a hot thermal pool. “This is magical,” my husband said as we inhaled the aroma from the nearby firepits. We were pampered indoors, too. In the Kalla treatment, we floated peacefully in a warm tranquil pool of salinated water. A mini-version of the Dead Sea.

My favourite treatment had to be the Aufguss Ritual, an ancient German practice. I sat on the bottom tier of a huge sauna, while a duo trained in the Aufguss Ritual swirled towels in rhythmic gymnastics-like movements to infuse us with a succession of essential oils—sweet orange, tea tree, and scotch pine.

All this relaxation made us hungry. As we bit into thick, juicy burgers in one of the restaurants, I noticed how radiant my husband looked. As if reading my mind, he said, “You’re glowing.”

Exploring Chelsea

Over the weekend, we found that there are many good reasons to visit Chelsea. We had lunch at Les Fougères , a bright modern bistro. We nestled into a corner table next to a picture window overlooking the woods. I would have been delighted with only the 12-grain bread slathered with fennel butter and pollen. But I’m glad I ordered the eggs benedict, hands-down the best I’ve ever had, with a perfectly crisped rosti replacing the traditional English muffin. My husband passed me spoonfuls of his sweet potato, carrot and tamarind soup. I’m surprised he shared—I would have kept it all to myself.

Les Fougères also has a store with a wide range of curated products from carry-out foods like smoked haddock with pear and cherry soup to retro board games. Upstairs is Galerie Old Chelsea , where classical music played as we admired the paintings and handicrafts. The gallery is run by local artists. It was painter Marianne Feaver who greeted us warmly that day.

La Fab Arts Centre , in the old rectory of St. Stephen’s church, is another artists-run gallery and studio. It’s a funky place filled with an eclectic mix of jewellery, ceramics, and so much more. We bought beautiful glass coasters and took note for future presents.

We made two more purchases in Chelsea. At Doozy Candle , I loved the kaleidoscopic colours of wax art and bought several candles with soothing names, such as ‘Japanese Cherry Blossom’. At Chelsea Smokehouse I would have paid admission for the irresistible aroma alone of fish being smoked on Canadian maple. We bought both traditional smoked salmon, as well as one infused with maple, zaatar and coriander.

More to Discover—Next Time!

Spending quality time in Chelsea was the best way to spring forward. For such a small place, we only scratched the surface of the food, art and specialty shopping options. We will be back soon to keep exploring. In the meantime, here are some more moments travellers captured in the beautiful Chelsea and Gatineau Park region…

Header photo credit: Spa Nordik

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