Summer is long, and we’re reaching the hazy moment when the days melt into each other, interspersed with long naps in the sun, scorching nights and lazy mornings listening to thunderstorms.
It’s an artistic blur that can be very enjoyable, paired with a summer crush , semi-professional gardening with dirt under our fingernails, or with children we watch playing in the water with absolute vacation energy. It’s also the perfect time for a little mystery…
2 hours from Montreal, there’s a village with the incredibly photogenic look of a Quebec Beetlejuice and the history to match. It’s a beautiful place where you can become a paranormal explorer for a while – before going for a swim in the lake and eating some fries to end the day.
Chelsea, Quebec
The village of Chelsea is in southern Quebec, close to the Ontario border – and 20 minutes from Ottawa.
It’s the county seat of the municipality of Collines-de-l’Outaouais, and it’s a village that’s not that old-150 years, and an economic boom in the 20th century. The municipality is shaped like a triangle, with much of it bordering Gatineau Park and the Gatineau River.
Chelsea mystery stories
Chelsea, if you look hard enough, has a history tinged with mystery à la Stephen King, or something from Stranger Things. In addition to the absolute beauty of the Collines de l’Outaouais, it’s an adventure of a different kind – and for those who like ghost story podcasts and summerween, it’s a place to explore…
Meech Creek Valley Ionosphere Observatory
During the Second World War, the Royal Canadian Navy launched a research program to understand how the ionosphere (the upper layer of the Earth’s atmosphere ionized by the sun’s UV rays-from 80km to 1000km altitude) could affect radio waves.
The aim was to be able to intercept Nazi Germany’s radio communications more easily, or even cut them off completely.
For this 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.
Where did it go? The observatory is still there – but abandoned, north of Old Chelsea, a few hundred meters from Highway 105…
Carbide Willson ruins
A stroll along the shores of Meech Lake in Gatineau Park takes you past the ruins of the fertilizer plant built by electrochemical pioneer Thomas Leopold Willson.
In 1907, he built this plant to produce superphosphate (a revolutionary fertilizer). In 1915, he died suddenly, struck down by a heart attack in the middle of the street. The factory fell into ruins, having been ravaged by fire…
It’s a favorite spot for photographers and apprentice witches…
Where? You can get there via Chemin 36, parking at P11 (Plage O’Brien, Lac Meech). The walk is 3.25km round trip.
Legends to listen to
In Radio Canada’s “documentary” podcast based on Quebec legends, tales and rumors, Hantées, an entire season is dedicated to the Outaouais hills.
Season 3 ofHantées wanders through the area with paranormal stories and legends semi-found in the real world. Episode 4, “Une Classe de Yoga Qui Tourne Malne”, focuses on the village of Chelsea.
Season 3 is about 2h30 long; perfect for the drive from Montreal to Chelsea – to get in the mood.
Breaks in Chelsea
For lunch or dinner in a former farmhouse in Gatineau Park, head to the restaurant à l’Orée du Bois. Opened in 1978, the restaurant offers local cuisine with a French twist .
The food is affordable and the setting exceptional – the restaurant’s inspiration is a little closer to David Lynch’s Twin Peaks , to keep things mysterious.
Where? 15 Kingsmere Rd, Chelsea, Quebec
Website?oreeduboisrestaurant.com
For coffee, pizza and pastries – exploring whets the appetite – stop by Café Biscotti & Cie, in Old Chelsea.
Where? 6 chem. Scott, Chelsea, QC
Website?Biscotti & Cie
And for snacks, teas and dark berry protein shakes, stop by the Chelsea Wellness Market.
Where? 183 chem. Old Chelsea, Chelsea, QC
Website?Chelsea Wellness Market
Enjoy your visit to Chelsea!