The Best of Old Chelsea Square
Sonia Roy
Summertime is all about hiking, walking in the sun, family time and ice cream. For Outaouais residents, summer is the perfect time to do all of these things in one stop: a visit to the town of Chelsea, specifically Old Chelsea Square, which is the perfect destination for a summer day. This square, formed by Scott Road, Old Chelsea Road, and Padden Road, is home to many local restaurants, specialty stores, and the famous La Cigale Creamery, a must stop for any tourist with a sweet tooth. Here's a partial look at the best of Old Chelsea Square, which is full of great places to eat and relax:
La Cigale - 14 chemin Scott, J9B 1R5:
Offering an unparalleled menu of flavors (including the classics "coconut-cashew," "raspberry-white chocolate," and "ginger-chai cookie"), a quick and fully social distancing outdoor ordering system, and a publicly available garden with chairs and tables, La Cigale is a recognized creamery in the area. Nut-free, vegan and gluten-free options are available, in addition to cakes and pies, also available through their online ordering system.
Biscotti & Cie - 6 Scott Road, J9B 1R5:
With a large patio available in both winter (as a heated yurt) and summer, this café-bistro offers specialty coffees, sandwiches, salads, and a dinner menu including alcoholic refreshments. Their large selection of desserts and pastries makes this café the perfect place to have a drink with friends, lunch before a trip to Gatineau Park or a coffee while doing some remote work.
Chelsea Pub - 238 Chem. Old Chelsea, J9B 1J3:
This resto-pub, with a terrace directly on Old Chelsea Road, is located inside one of the oldest buildings in the municipality, dating back to 1875. Its enchanting decor and wide selection of cocktails, beers and wines make the Chelsea Pub a popular stop for happy hour lovers. Fancy a meal? The pub's menu, which features local Quebec products, will satisfy you!
La petite grocerie -244 Chem. Old Chelsea, QC J9B:
This local business offers a selection of artisanal creations that will make perfect gifts for yourself or your loved ones. Handmade soaps, eco-friendly products, local art, accessories and jewelry are just a few examples of the Quebec products offered in this boutique, which is featured in the official selection of Tourisme Outaouais.
Nomades du parc -10 Chem. Scott, Chelsea, J9B 1R5
A bike ride in Gatineau Park: nothing could be easier with this rental company, located a stone's throw from the park's entrance and free parking. With the goal of "bringing the Outaouais outdoor community together", Nomades du parc, in addition to renting bikes and paddleboards, offers introductory mountain bike courses, repair courses and is the gathering point for a few local clubs (running, cycling, social).
Photo credit: Sonia Roy
Photo caption: La Cigale, Biscotti & Cie, Chelsea Pub, Nomades du parc.
