Some escapes require a long drive, a packed itinerary and a vacation day or two. This one takes about 15 minutes. Cross the river from downtown Ottawa, follow the road north into the hills, and you arrive in Old Chelsea, a charming village at the gateway to Gatineau Park where the pace of life seems to slow the moment you step out of the car.
At the heart of the village, Square Old Chelsea offers a setting where nature and comfort meet. And for those who want to linger overnight, Lofts du Village offers the perfect place to land, a getaway that celebrates the unhurried pace and gentle pleasures of a stay in Chelsea.
Your Own Loft in the Village
Part of Square Old Chelsea’s accommodations, Lofts du Village offers something different from a typical hotel room. Each stay is in a fully equipped loft that blends contemporary simplicity with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Open, light-filled living spaces and rustic yet refined finishes create the feeling of having your own private pied-à-terre in the village.
It is the kind of space that invites you to actually settle in. Make a coffee and enjoy it on the balcony, stretch out with a book, or simply sit and listen to the quiet. Some lofts can even welcome your pet, so the whole family can come along for the escape.
The setting does the rest. Surrounded by trees and just steps from the edge of Gatineau Park, the lofts offer full immersion in nature, ideal for stepping away from the urban pace and restoring a sense of calm and energy.
A Spa Day Right Next Door
The experience is made complete by its neighbour. Right next to Lofts du Village sits Nordik Spa-Village, the largest spa in North America and one of the region’s most beloved places to unwind.
Spend an afternoon moving between hot pools, saunas and refreshing cold plunges, then rest in the relaxation areas surrounded by the forest. It is a relaxing interlude made for two, and the best part is what comes after. Instead of facing the drive home, you simply wander back to your loft, still warm and completely at ease, with the rest of the evening ahead of you.
A Village Worth Exploring
Old Chelsea may be small, but it is full of character. Square Old Chelsea brings together a handful of local favourites within easy walking distance of your loft. Start the morning with a pastry and a coffee at Biscotti & Cie, browse La Petite Grocerie for local treats, sample something crafted at Distillerie du Square, and end the day with dinner and a drink at the Chelsea Pub, a long-standing village gathering place.
And then there is Gatineau Park, right on your doorstep. Whatever the time of year, its trails and lookouts offer endless ways to get outside, from hiking and cycling to paddling and snowshoeing. Whether you spend your day exploring the park or never stray farther than the spa, the rhythm here is entirely up to you.
Time to Slow Down
Between tranquility, well-being and forest scenery, a night at Lofts du Village is a reminder that rest does not have to be far away. Sometimes all it takes is 15 minutes, a comfortable loft, and the freedom to let the day unfold at its own pace.
When you are ready to trade the city for the trees, book your stay at Lofts du Village and pair it with an afternoon at Nordik for the ultimate Chelsea escape.