With 200 treasure boxes hidden along an epic trail spanning 24,000 kilometres of Canadian wilderness, the Great Trail Treasure Hunt offers a chance for adventure seekers to take home a couple of coins.
Offering coins struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, one of the hunt’s nine sponsors, the event began June 19 and is presented by Trans Canada Trail (TCT) and Canadian Geographic. It runs until Aug. 18—more than a month away.
“Exploring the Great Trail is a great way to get some fresh air, get some exercise and see our country with family and friends as never before,” said John Geiger, CEO of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. “Visit the website and see just how close you are to the trail. Your next hike may score you some great prizes.”
Visit thegreattrailtreasurehunt.ca to view a map and read clues about the locations of boxes along the Great Trail. If you are the first to find a box, you can take home an array of items, including the 2019 $5 “This is Canada!” coin.
Gina Van Haren finds box 35 on the trail in Airdrie, Alta., while on last year’s Great Trail Treasure Hunt. (Photo by Royal Canadian Geographical Society)
LAST YEAR
In 2018, thousands of Canadians explored the Great Trail, lured by loot along the longest network of recreational trails in the world.
In its inaugural year, the hunt left behind more than 100 prize winners and several mysteries surrounding missing boxes while attracting a dedicated band of “superusers,” who travelled between provinces and territories in search of treasure.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing the treasure hunt back to the Great Trail of Canada. With twice as many treasure boxes up for grabs, we’re hoping to get even more people exploring the Trail in their own communities and across the country,” said Jérémie Gabourg, vice-president of communications and marketing at Trans Canada Trail.
WEEKLY DRAWS
Sarah Pitcher finds a box during last year’s Great Trail Treasure Hunt in Newfoundland. (Photo by Royal Canadian Geographical Society)
Anyone who finds a box can also enter the redemption code on the website to be entered into weekly draws for cameras, two-way satellite messengers, gift certificates for shoes, Parks Canada Discovery Passes, a one-month supply of Clif Bars and more.
All finders are entered into the grand prize draw, which includes a trip for two on One Ocean Expeditions’ 10-day Fins and Fiddles Adventure Cruise, a Destination Canada Canadian “Signature Experience.” This voyage explores Canada’s east coast and includes a zodiac ride to Sable Island to see its wonders including its famed wild horses.
Also new this year are prizes for the trail’s “superusers.”
Hunters who find five or more boxes will be eligible to win a $500 voucher for a new bike courtesy of Clif Bar and Company, a 2019 $50 “Rose of the Winds” coin with a mintage of only 750 pieces and a hiking trip for two on Newfoundland’s wild Atlantic coast.