🔒 Instant Access: Book now and start immediately. No need to wait for a guide.
⏱️ Total Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume whenever you want.
🧩 Gamified Discovery: Solve 10 location-based puzzles to unlock hidden stories and secret spots.
📍 Starting Point: Marion Dewar, 55 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L1, Canada
🛡️ Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours before your planned start for a full refund.
🌐 Available In: 🇬🇧 English 🇫🇷 Français
Places you will visit
10
It will take you
87-117 mins
You will walk
8140 steps
Total distance
6.2 km
Route you will explore
Starting point Marion Dewar
55 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L1, CanadaFinish point Tessouat sculpture
District de Hull, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8, CanadaAbout this quest
Ottawa hides more than monuments and politics—something darker lingers in its shadows. James Cardinal, heir to a powerful local family, has vanished without a trace. As a seasoned private investigator, you've been called in to uncover the truth before whispers turn into headlines. His last signal came from downtown, but the trail has gone cold.
Will you crack the case before it disappears for good?
Step into the streets, follow cryptic clues, solve real-world puzzles, and piece together the mystery one step at a time. Bring a friend or your most trusted partner—this isn’t a game you’ll want to play alone. It's a thrilling walk through secrets, lies, and hidden corners of the capital. The city is waiting. Are you ready to follow the trail?
What to Expect
This self-guided walking tour in Ottawa combines exploration, storytelling, and puzzle-solving into one unique experience. As you navigate through the city, you will discover 10 carefully selected locations, each revealing a piece of the story.
The entire quest takes approximately 6120 minutes to complete and covers 6.2km on foot. You will move at your own pace, with the freedom to pause whenever you want to take photos, grab a coffee, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Each location features a challenge or puzzle that unlocks the next chapter of your story. These challenges are designed to be fun and engaging while teaching you about the history, culture, and hidden gems of Ottawa.
No tour guide needed – your smartphone becomes your guide. The Questo app provides directions, shares stories, and presents challenges along the way.
Highlights
Navigate downtown with ease!
Find some of Ottawa’s most Instagramable sights!
Learn about the early days of Ottawa
Enjoy scenic pathways through the heart of the city
Explore Ottawa’s past and present
The mission: Your story in Ottawa
James Cardinal’s last known location was pinged by his phone in Ottawa, and nothing has been heard from him since. Travel through the city and uncover the clues to track down James before it’s too late!
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
Yousuf Karsh Sculpture
Marion Dewar Plaza
- Best during the day
- Best for couples
- Recommended activity for families
- Some checkpoints may contain temporary construction work
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is fully charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
While you can play solo, quests are more fun with friends or family. One ticket works for a group.
Important Information
Duration
Approximately 6120 minutes
Distance
6.2km walking
Group Size
Unlimited
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible (stairs and uneven surfaces)
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled start time
Need to Know Before Booking
- •You will need the Questo app on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
- •Each ticket can be used by a group (share one device or play separately)
- •Internet connection required to download the quest initially
- •Once downloaded, you can play offline if needed
Ratings and Reviews
138 ratings
Beat the best: Top Ottawa explorers
Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
| Feature | Regular Guided Tours | Questo |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & no pausing | Start, pause, and resume anytime |
| Privacy | Crowds of up to 30 strangers | Private experience for your group only |
| Pricing | $30-$40 per person | Affordable per-group pricing |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
