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.
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).
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!