There’s a treasure chest somewhere in Canada filled with gold worth just under $1 million. It’s yours, if you can find it. Need a clue on where to begin? You’re in luck.
What is The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt?
In a nutshell, The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt is a marketing stunt. But a valuable marketing stunt.
A mining publication, The Northern Miner, organized the coast-to-coast treasure hunt to promote Canada’s mining industry.
The treasure chest is filled with almost “$1 million in gold coins minted from Agnico Eagles Mines’ Detour Lake mine.” The treasure chest is buried somewhere between British Columbia and Newfoundland.
The massive treasure chest is not all that’s up for grabs. The Northern Miner says that “an additional 12 monthly $25,000 rewards started in August, and it’s open to all Canadians.”
“This Treasure Hunt acknowledges the pivotal role mining has played in the history of Canada and how the mining industry is very well positioned to make major contributions to community building and nation building now and in the future,” said Sean Boyd, chairman of Agnico Eagle.
How to get started
The Northern Minerdropped the first clue on Sept. 4.
“The Hunt begins with an online clue release, the first of many that will lead participants down a path of knowledge exercises, puzzles, and riddles.”
According to The Northern Miner, “no special equipment, qualifications or connections are needed to participate. All the prizes are located on publicly-accessible land. Canadian residents from all walks of life are welcome to join, whether they’re just curious or stalwart puzzle solvers who never miss a night at their local pub quiz.”
The first clue
It’s a 13-stanza poem:
Though crystal clear and calm it seems,
This mirror hides more than it gleams.
A single step may seal your fate,
Best not disturb the water’s state.
The contest rules
You can find a detailed list of rules here, but here’s the gist of it.
The grand prize consists of 217 one-ounce gold coins. The 12 monthly bonus prizes each include 72 one-ounce gold coins.
The contest began in August and will continue until midnight on Dec. 31, meaning all claims must be made by then. If a claim is not made by Dec. 31, the claim will be forfeited and the prize will not be awarded.
As far as eligibility requirements, the contest is open to individuals who reside in Canada and who are 18 years of age or older.
