Le Nordik and Chelsea Pub

The charming town of Chelsea, Quebec is only a 15 minute drive from Ottawa so a few days after Christmas we headed up to Le Nordik, the largest spa in North America located in Chelsea, to soak up the zen atmosphere of saunas, steamrooms, waterfalls, whirlpools, and a beautiful infinity pool. Everything at Le Nordik is designed to make you leave your cares behind as you relax, unwind and float in dream-like calm. It's a beautiful mental and spiritual getaway!


We each had our own favourite spa experience. The top 3 were: 

• the dry sauna,
• the steam room, and
• the aromatic sauna. 

We learned about spa etiquette of silent vs. whisper areas, when to leave your towel or bring it in, and the importance of staying hydrated. 

Afterwards, we followed up our spa experience with appetizers and a pint of craft beer at the rustic and cozy Chelsea Pub.  We tried an IPA, a Scotch ale, and a pilsner along with pork dumplings, "bang bang" shrimps, baked Brie, and traditional poutine. We learned about "hoppy" vs. "malty" or "heavy" beers. More good adjectives for craft beer here.

Overall, we had a great day!! We welcome immigrants and international students wanting to learn more about Canadian culture to join us for more CultureSavvy Canada events and activities in 2016! We'll keep you posted!

CHECK OUT OUR XMAS EVENT MONTAGE:

Christmas Day 2015

CultureSavvy Christmas Day started off with a visit to our afternoon Canadian host family. We met Cathy, her husband, daughter, parents and their two friendly dogs. Cathy offered us delicious homemade Christmas cookies and we chatted with everyone while making Christmas ornaments--one of their family's traditions. 

Pumpkin pie artists at work!

After visiting Cathy and her family, we walked down the street to our evening host family. There, we watched the movie, Frozen, and helped make Christmas dinner--Christmas punch, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, mashed potatoes, green beans with red pepper, stuffing, turkey, and pumpkin pie. We prepared a wonderful celebration feast, carved the turkey, and did the chefs (us!) proud by eating our fabulous meal! After dinner, we sang a few Christmas carols along with the piano (and played Quebecois wooden spoons!) then headed home with full bellies and lots of great Christmas memories!

Carving the turkey.

Time to check the pumpkin pie and the sweet potatoes.

Good friends, great memories!

Cooking up a storm!

Chefs 1, 2, 3.

Finally, we are ready to say, "Bon appetit!"

After all the hard work, we have a lovely table laid out.

A nice bottle of red and there's our sweet potato dish.

Christmas carrolling after dinner

Playing the Quebecois wooden spoons.

CultureSavvy Canada Christmas Events 2015

Stopping at the boulangerie in Chelsea, QC

Our team prepares for the Christmas 2015 Cultural Events!

We had a blast getting ready for the events!

Dec.22- A day of holiday activities including Xmas brunch, window shopping, a visit to a tree farm with hay ride, exploring Wakefield, QC and covered bridge with a final stop at a good ol' Canadian pub.
Dec. 25- Afternoon of games and making a gingerbread house with a Canadian family, followed by making Xmas dinner, Xmas movies and pumpkin pie!
Dec.28- Slow down and unwind at Le Nordik spa in Chelsea, QC. Followed by a late lunch at Chelsea pub!

Gingerbread houses, candies, cookies at the Ottawa Xmas Market

Meeting Santa (and his horse?!) at Fallowfield Christmas Tree Farm!

Roasting marshmallows at the Christmas Tree Farm.

We made it to  Wakefield, QC, home of the renowned
 Black Sheep Inn! Awesome venue for musical talent!
Check out their line-up of upcoming shows!!

What's a trip to Wakefield without a stop at
Pipolinka Bakery?

Shopping at the adorable Boutique Jamboree
in Wakefield, QC!

Historic Wakefield Covered Bridge

Meeting Santa at the Tree Farm