Summer is long, and by August, we reach that hazy moment when the days blend into one another, punctuated by long naps in the sun, sweltering nights, andlazymornings spent listening to thunderstorms. It’s as if we were slowly melting into the asphalt of Montreal’s streets.
It’s a dreamy, artistic haze that can be very pleasant—whether paired with asummer crush, semi-professional gardening with dirt under your fingernails, or watching kids play in the water with that pure vacation energy.
It’s a bit like “summerween”—the nights are getting longer and longer. It’s the perfect time for a little mystery…
Just two short hours from downtown Montreal, there’s a village that has the incredibly photogenic look of aQuebec-styleStephen King novel—and the story to go with it.
GHOSTS, MIRACLES, AND PARANORMAL SCIENCE IN CHELSEA
The village of Chelseais in southern Quebec, near the border with Ontario—and 20 minutes from Ottawa, which is just across the river.
It’s the seat of the Collines-de-l’Outaouais municipality, and it’s a village that isn’t all that old—150 years—and was developed during aneconomic boomin the 20th century. The municipality is triangular in shape, with a large portion bordering Gatineau Park and the Gatineau River.
If you look a little closer, Chelsea has a history tinged with mystery,likesomething out ofa StephenKingnovelor a Tim Burton movie.
In addition to the sheer beauty of the Outaouais Hills, this is a village worth visiting for anyone who loves ghost story podcasts. And, of course, there’s a little covered bridge marking the entrance to a village where strange things happen.
THE MEECH CREEK VALLEY IONOSPHERE OBSERVATORY
During World War II, the Royal Canadian Navy launched a research program aimed at understanding how the ionosphere—the upper layer of Earth’s atmosphere ionized by the sun’s UV rays, at altitudes ranging from 80 km to 1,000 km—could affect radio waves.
The goal was to be able to intercept radio communications from Nazi Germany more easily—or even to cut them off completely.
For its research, the Navy built a“field intensity station”(like a star observatory, but with the lens focused on the ionosphere) and used it from 1941 to 1947.
The observatory is still there—though abandoned—north of Old Chelsea, a few hundred meters from Highway 105…
THE CARBIDE WILSON RUINS
In Gatineau Park, which borders Chelsea and is known for its stunning fall scenery and forests, you can take a stroll along the shores of Lake Meech. And there, you can stop by the very mysterious ruins of the fertilizer plant built by Thomas Leopold Willson, a pioneer in electrochemistry.
In 1907, the scientist built thissuperphosphate plant(a revolutionary fertilizer). In 1915, he died suddenly, struck down by a heart attack right in the middle of the street. Superphosphate was forgotten, and the plant fell into ruin after being ravaged by a violent fire.
It’s a favorite spot for photographers, paranormal investigators, and witch-in-training…
You can get there via Chemin 36, parking your car at Lot P11 (O’Brien Beach, Meech Lake). The round-trip walk is 3.25 km. Don’t forget your camera—and, for the brave among you, your Ouija board.
GHOST STORIES TO LISTEN TO IN THE CAR
In Radio Canada’s “docu-drama” podcast HANTÉES—based on Quebec legends, folktales, and rumors—there’s an entire season dedicated to the hills of the Outaouais. No surprise there; they’re said to be the most haunted in the country.
Season 3 of HANTÉES is making the rounds with paranormal stories and legends loosely based on reality. Episode 4, “A Yoga Class Gone Wrong,” takes place on the water, along the shores of the village of Chelsea.
Season 3 is about 2 hours and 30 minutes long—perfect for the drive from Montreal to Chelsea, to get you in the mood.
To listen to HANTÉES, click here
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS IN CHELSEA
For a meal, we head to L’Orée du Bois. It’s one of the prettiest places to have lunch in Quebec, and one of our favorites. The old farmhouse is surrounded by trees in Gatineau Park. The restaurant, which opened in 1978, serves regional cuisine with aFrench twist.
It’s affordable fine dining, and the setting is incredibly charming and super-natural—the restaurant’s vibe is a bit closer to David Lynch’s *Twin Peaks*, but with an aura of mystery.
Where? 15Kingsmere Rd, Chelsea, Quebec
Website? oreeduboisrestaurant.com
For coffee, pizza, and a pastry (a little sugar after all those strong emotions feels just right), we recommend stopping by Café Biscotti & Cie in Old Chelsea. And for Halloween, the café is decorated and full of festive atmosphere.
Where? 6Scott St., Chelsea, QC
Website? Biscotti & Cie
And to pick up our snacks, teas, and dark berry protein smoothie, we stop by the Chelsea Wellness Market.
Where? 183Old Chelsea Rd., Chelsea, QC
Website? Chelsea Wellness Market
