There are two charming municipalities in the Outaouais region that make for a relaxing destination filled with quaint, unique villages just waiting to be explored. Scenic and rural, Chelsea is not only the gateway to Gatineau Park, but it delivers a plethora of culture in the form of art galleries, boutiques, cafés, restaurants and gourmet stops—and let’s not forget it boasts one of the most incredible outdoor spas in North America, the Nordik Spa-Nature. Just 20 minutes north of Ottawa, lies the village of Wakefield. It possesses a picturesque scene like one you would find on a postcard, filled with cafés , boutiques and galleries and is home to the Wakefield Covered Bridge, an iconic landmark in the village. Both destinations are special in their own way and exude charm and serenity in plentiful ways.
Welcome to Chelsea!
A visit to Chelsea would not be complete without visiting Gatineau Park, spanning a whopping 361 km² of hills and forest as far as the eye can see. Close to downtown, this conservation and natural oasis is filled with biodiversity making it the ideal setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, and cross-country skiing. Holding the title for the second most-visited park in Canada, Gatineau Park features so many gems to see including the history rich filled, Mackenzie King Estate, the legacy of former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King who owned the property for close to 50 years. Enjoy a peaceful walk in nature through the English and French gardens and marvel at the historical ruins with many of the hiking trails; the scenic views from Champlain Lookout at the top of Eardley Escarpment offers the best and most popular views in Gatineau Park; on the north side of the park, visitors can visit the quiet and serene Philippe Lake, part of a chain of freshwater lakes that drain into the Gatineau River through Meech Creek.
National Capital CommissionAt the entrance of Gatineau Park, visitors can relax after a full day of activities in the Lofts du Village, with 12 lofts and 9 studios to choose from. These lofts are a peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of the city, an easy escape after exploring the park and about 5-minutes from the Nordik Spa-Nature. For the ultimate outdoor connection and relaxation, Nordik Spa-Nature encompasses relaxation and thermotherapy techniques from Scandinavian countries. At the largest spa in North America, the techniques used for wellness and relaxation in a natural setting include Thermotherapy; a 2,000-year-old tradition originating in Nordic countries. The ritual involves alternating between hot and cold temperatures followed by a rest period; inspired by the Dead Sea, The Källa Treatment creates weightlessness by floating in a salt-water pool; the Banyä Treatment is based on a 1,000-year-old Russian tradition, while the Banyä sauna balances dry-heat and humid sauna steam. Nordik Spa-Nature also houses ten exterior baths, nine saunas, an infinity pool, exfoliation room, outdoor massage facilities and hammocks for ultimate relaxation.
Nordik Spa-NatureWhen it comes to taking a break, Biscotti & Cie is part of Old Chelsea Square in the heart of the village. Enjoy homemade products, exceptional desserts, woodfire pizza, coffee and an array of home-style food in a garden-like setting. The perfect place to rest and take in a gourmet meal.
The Chelsea Pub is a town favourite where both locals and visitors flock for a gastro-pub style bistro meal paired with a huge selection of local craft beers. Their motto, happiness in the meadow, is based on being a public house which serves as a historical meeting place and has been since 1875. Featuring a beautiful terrace and open dining space, customers are sure to be one thing when they leave here—happy.
Hello, Wakefield!
A historical classic! In 1838, the Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa was born. Today, located close to Ottawa, it is a charming 42-room boutique hotel surrounded by Gatineau Park and the picturesque village of Wakefield. The culinary scene in The Heron Room Bistro focuses on fine dining, Québécoise style, the spa features treatments with an outdoor massage tent, two outdoor hot tubs and swimming pool as well as a cozy fireplace lounge to curl up and reminisce over the day spent. Aptly named, La Pêche is a hidden jewel nestled in the Gatineau Hills about 20 kilometres north of the City of Gatineau bordered by the Gatineau River to the north and Gatineau Park to the south. With vast landscapes, countless lakes and rivers and the Eco-Odyssee Nature Park—where visitors can venture through a water maze spanning 6 km learning about a beaver's habitat every step of the way and during the winter months, admire the flora and fauna of the marsh on ice skates or snowshoes—it is sure to offer a memorable outdoor experience.
Khewa is an Indigenous Art Boutique and an incredible shop that offers a wide range of handcrafted products from unique pieces to works of art. Their mission is to contribute to the economy of First Nations people by promoting Indigenous, Métis and Inuit artists.
Once you are done shopping, a stop into Nikosi Bistro Pub is a great place to unwind with a classic Wakefield mule, blueberry margarita, smokey Caesar or a local brew. Established in 2017, this traditional pub offers classic French fare with an Indigenous twist. From duck poutine to Blueberry Bannock grilled cheese, this menu is inspired by local ingredients.
G LeroyerOriginally built in 1915 and reconstructed in 1997 after an arson attack in 1984, the Wakefield Covered Bridge greets visitors on the way into the Village and was one of the first bridges to link both shores of the Gatineau River measuring almost 88 meters long and 5.5 meters wide.
No matter where you plan to travel, make sure you check the Travel Advice and Advisories page for your destination twice: once when you are planning your trip, and again shortly before you leave. Safety and security conditions may change between the date you book your travel and your departure date.
