Summer is the perfect time to hit the road, and a two-hour drive from Montreal to Chelsea, Que., is just the right distance for a mini road trip.

Close enough for a spontaneous weekend or midweek getaway, yet far enough to feel like a complete escape from the hustle of city life, this journey leads to Old Chelsea, a charming slice of paradise nestled in Gatineau Park. At the heart of this retreat lies Nordik Spa Village Chelsea, North America’s largest spa, an experience that’s absolutely worth the drive.

As someone originally from Winnipeg who’s spent countless relaxing days at Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg, I was thrilled to visit the original Nordik Spa Village in Chelsea. My husband and I had recently celebrated our one-year wedding anniversary, making this getaway the perfect way to mark the occasion with relaxation and reconnection.

Spoiler alert: Nordik Spa Village Chelsea is bigger, bolder, and packed with unforgettable moments that left us feeling refreshed and closer than ever.

The Journey: Montreal to Chelsea

We set out from Montreal on a sunny Saturday afternoon, the car buzzing with anticipation and a carefully curated playlist featuring Noah Kahan’s soulful, folk-infused tunes (there is something about his music that gives me Canadian wilderness vibes). The route to Chelsea, roughly 200 kilometres via Highway 20 and Autoroute 50, is a smooth two-hour ride that transitions from urban sprawl to rolling hills and lush greenery. As we crossed into Quebec’s Outaouais region, the landscape began to feel like a refuge, with Gatineau Park’s forests looming in the distance. The troubles of daily life? Left far behind.

Chelsea itself is a gem, a small village that feels like a world away from Montreal’s fast pace. Its quaint streets and vibrant arts culture make it an ideal spot to unwind, and it’s perfectly positioned at the entrance to Gatineau Park. We were lucky enough to stay with friends in Chelsea, but for those planning a visit, there are some fantastic accommodation options nearby. Motel Chelsea, with its boutique vibe and uniquely styled rooms inspired by vintage motels, is a great choice for a cozy, artsy stay. Alternatively, you can explore hotel partners listed on Nordik Spa Village’s website, which offer packages to extend your relaxation in the region.

Saturday Evening in Old Chelsea

After arriving in Chelsea, we headed straight to the heart of Old Chelsea for dinner at Chelsea Pub, a local favourite known for its authentic atmosphere and gourmet comfort food. The pub’s menu is a celebration of local flavours, with craft beers, refined cocktails, and dishes that hit all the right spots.

To cap off the evening, we strolled over to La Cigale, a beloved ice cream shop that’s a must-visit in Old Chelsea. Their creamy, artisanal ice cream was the perfect sweet treat to end the day.

Nordik Spa Village Chelsea: A World of Relaxation

Sunday was the main event: a full day at Nordik Spa Village Chelsea. As a frequent visitor to Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg, I thought I knew what to expect, but Nordik Spa Village Chelsea blew me away. Billed as North America’s largest spa, it lives up to the hype with 9 outdoor baths, 8 unique saunas, a saltwater floating bath, and a variety of relaxation areas that make it feel like a wellness wonderland. Compared to other Nordic spas I’ve visited, Nordik Spa Village Chelsea is on another level—sprawling across 60 acres, it offers more restaurants, more saunas, more hot tubs, and more unique experiences, all seamlessly integrated with the stunning natural surroundings of Gatineau Park.

One of the highlights of our visit was the Kalla experience, a truly unique and deeply relaxing treatment. This saltwater floating pool, heated to body temperature, creates a weightless sensation that feels like floating in a serene, otherworldly space. The high salt concentration allows you to effortlessly float, easing tension in your muscles and calming your mind. It was incredible—I’ve only ever felt this way floating in the Dead Sea itself—and so relaxing that we emerged feeling completely rejuvenated. I definitely recommend adding the Kalla experience to your itinerary; it’s a one-of-a-kind escape that sets Nordik Spa Village Chelsea apart.

We started our day at the Biergarden, which overlooks the spa’s infinity pool and offers breathtaking views of the Gatineau Hills. The Biergarden’s brunch menu was a highlight, and my husband and I decided to split the smoked salmon on latkes, served with a side of fresh fruit. The dish was a perfect balance of savoury, crispy, and refreshing, and I couldn’t resist pairing it with an iced coffee spiked with Baileys—a decadent touch that felt like a mini-vacation in itself.

After brunch, I tried the Flirt lemonade, a refreshing drink served on tap at the Shack, another dining spot that offers wood-fired pizzas and tacos. The lemonade’s zesty, summery flavour was the perfect way to ease into the day.

For lunch, we headed to Le Resto, where we indulged in some of Nordik Spa Village’s standout dishes. We split the baked brie, a personal favourite from my Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg visits, which was as creamy and dreamy as ever. We also tried the beef tartare, which was a masterpiece of flavours and textures, showcasing the Spa Village’s commitment to elevated dining. For my main, I went with the Nordik BBQ Chicken Sandwich, served with a side of Nordik greens. Every bite was a reminder of why Nordik Spa Village is a destination in itself.

Why Nordik Spa Village Chelsea Is Worth the Trip

What makes Nordik Spa Village Chelsea so special is its ability to transport you to a place of pure relaxation and joy. The sheer scale of the spa—North America’s largest—sets it apart from any local spa you might find in Montreal. With its extensive range of thermal baths, saunas, unique treatments and the Kalla experience, it offers a level of variety and immersion that’s hard to match. The dining options, from the Biergarden’s scenic brunch to Le Resto’s gourmet dishes, elevate the experience beyond a typical spa day, making it a full sensory journey.

Old Chelsea itself adds to the allure. The village’s charm, combined with the natural beauty of Gatineau Park, creates a setting that feels like a true escape from modern life. Whether you’re savouring a craft beer at Chelsea Pub, indulging in ice cream at La Cigale, or floating in the Kalla pool, you’re surrounded by moments that reconnect you with your inner smile. Nordik Spa Village’s tagline, “Free your happy,” feels like a promise fulfilled.

Planning Your Own Chelsea Getaway

If you’re in Montreal and craving a break, the two-hour drive to Chelsea is more than worth it (it’s also a great day trip if you don’t want to spend the night). Nordik Spa Village offers a refuge of well-being that’s unlike anything else, blending world-class relaxation with the charm of a small village.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary like we did or simply seeking the best of the unexpected, Nordik Spa Village Chelsea delivers. So, pack a playlist, hit the road, and discover why elsewhere is here.

Written by Shayna Wiwierski, @shayna_apopofcolour

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Why Chelsea Is Your Next Weekend Getaway From Montreal

The Journey: Montreal to Chelsea

Saturday Evening in Old Chelsea

Nordik Spa Village Chelsea: A World of Relaxation

Why Nordik Spa Village Chelsea Is Worth the Trip

Planning Your Own Chelsea Getaway

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