A scenic outdoor atmosphere, global fusion cuisine, locally made spirits, and special events hosted in a picturesque small town. How dreamy does that sound? This new hangout spot in Chelsea, Quebec, is a hub for great food, fun events and gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s only half an hour from Ottawa.
Terrasse du Square in Square Old Chelsea
Newly opened in July of 2024, this bustling yet quaint patio is nestled among other popular businesses in the heart of old Chelsea. Beyond a scenic spot for a bite or drink with friends, Terrasse du Square in Old Chelsea is an event and entertainment space. Enjoy time outside as you trade hot sunny days for crisp afternoons bursting with fall colours.
An outdoor menu of seasonal flavours
This hangout space is perfect for meeting for a meal and trying fun fusion flavours. The current menu features a mix of Asian and Mexican-inspired dishes such as Korean Grilled Cheese, Crispy Chicken Burger (with toppings like Kimchi bacon jam), loaded fries, Mexican corn dog and more. For dessert, grab chocolate or vanilla soft-serve ice cream.
Its seasonal food-truck style window will be closing by the end of October, weather-dependent. Come spring 2025, you can expect a revamped menu with new inspiration and flavours. If you have a favourite dish among the current offerings, let them know because a crowd-pleaser may stay on next year’s menu.
What type of entertainment to expect
If you’re hoping for something fun to do after eating, go to the white tent beside the patio space to find games. Challenge your friends to lawn games like jumbo Jenga, Petanque and Connect Four.
Special events are posted online at the beginning of each season. The Marché du Square takes place on Sundays throughout the summer, and you can shop from florists, jewellers, potters, and other vendors. The final market of the year is on October 6, 2024. Celebrate Chelsea’s first Oktoberfest event with craft beer, pretzels and live music on September 7.
You can also enjoy film screenings under the stars at the Twilight Cinema event on select dates until September 18. Live music performances of various genres happen in the square. Join in on a jazz night on September 20 and an Indigenous singer-songwriter, Matiu, on September 27, 2024, to honour National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Distillerie du Square
You can’t miss the striking brick building overlooking Terrasse du Square, home to the Distillerie du Square. It’s the only gin distillery in the region and recently opened in December 2023. Two types of gin are made on-site from scratch using Quebec corn: the flagship garden gin and the uniquely complex Mediterranean gin. An aperitivo (like Aperol) called Bella Ciao is also created here. It is less bitter than comparable liqueurs, and the bartender upstairs uses it to make a variety of tasty cocktails.
A perfect pair, the synergy between the distillery and terrasse is seamless. On sunny days, you can bring drinks from the distillery out onto the patio square, and in poor weather, grab food from the outdoor kiosk window to enjoy inside. The weather dictates which of the two is the primarily open location in the summer, whereas only the distillery is open as fall transitions to winter.
While the ‘Cocktailerie’ offers a sleek and inviting atmosphere for enjoying hand-crafted beverages, your experience can be enhanced with a guided tour or mixology class. Distillery tours include a welcome drink, an informative tour of the distillery production room and eco-museum, and a tasting.
Remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What to expect in the fall
Terrasse du Square opened as the ultimate summer destination but can also be enjoyed through the fall. Heaters and blankets will be added to the patio as the weather cools, and a lit fire pit will be added to keep guests warm. Depending on the daily temperatures, the patio will stay open this way until about November. The autumn season has reduced hours for the patio square, which, again, will depend on the weather and how busy it is. The business plans to stay flexible.
Changing leaves and crisp weather also means new events and autumn programming will be updated online. Some upcoming October events include a thrift shop event with a DJ on October 4, an evening of Salsa dancing on the 10th and a jazz night on October 24, 2024.
The outdoor patio closes during the winter but will be open for special events like family activities and a Christmas Market in December.
Check out these other spots in Chelsea, Quebec
Extend your visit to this quaint Quebec town by visiting some of the many locations it has to offer, some of which are affiliated with Terrasse du Square and the distillery.
Chelsea Pub and Biscotti & Cie are two such spots. Found on either side of the courtyard patio, you’re welcome to order food and coffee from either of these restaurants to enjoy at the patio tables. La Petite Grocerie is also next door, where you’ll discover artisan gifts. Walk further down the street to shop for colourful, handmade candles at Bougie Doozy Candle.
The largest thermal spa in North America, Nordik Spa-Nature, is also found in Chelsea. Spend the rest of your day relaxing, hopping from hot tubs and lagoon pools to cold pools, saunas, steam rooms and cozy hammocks.
Turn the dial up on your adventure with a visit to Camp Fortune, where you can ride down a mountain coaster or zipline above the treetops in summer and fall or spend the afternoon downhill skiing in the winter. You can also experience various hiking trails, from flat, easy loops to moderate inclines with stunning views in Gatineau Park.
Turn your visit to Chelsea into an overnight stay by booking an apartment or cottage through Lofts du Village. The Champlain Cottage is next to Spa Nordik, so it’s ideal to include a thermal spa treatment during your visit. You can also stay at La Maison Bleue, a charming blue cottage next to Square Old Chelsea. The lofts and studio apartments for rent are also right next to the square for convenient restaurant and activity access.
Bring your CAA Membership on your fall adventures
Starting at just $30 a year, CAA Members receive discounts on everything from sporting events, restaurants and fuel to savings on car rentals, travel insurance, and much more. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and join online.