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 10th 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.
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.
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.
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