Private Tour
Ottawa Mystery Quest: Self-Guided Detective Adventure
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Step into the shoes of a private investigator and uncover the secrets hidden in Ottawa’s historic heart. This thrilling quest lets you explore Canada’s capital like never before through puzzles, clues, and an unfolding mystery.
With just your phone, you’ll navigate through 10–15 interactive challenges that guide you to City Hall, the Senate of Canada, and other iconic and lesser-known landmarks. As you solve clues, a gripping detective story unfolds, revealing the fascinating characters and moments that shaped the city. Each puzzle unlocks hidden stories, curious facts, and new directions, no guide or map needed.
What makes this tour unique?
It’s an immersive experience that blends storytelling, history, and outdoor escape-game mechanics to turn downtown Ottawa into a living mystery adventure.
Perfect for curious travelers, couples, families, and amateur sleuths looking to explore the city in a fun and interactive way.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Pause and resume anytime for total flexibility
Engaging storyline as a private investigator
10 puzzle challenges across Ottawa
Mobile access code for the quest
A tour guide.
Entry tickets to attractions (no needed to complete the tour)
What To Expect
You will begin at the Algonquin Land Acknowledgement. Here you will be given your first clue to solve the challenge that awaits you, which will unlock the next part of the story and give you the directions to the next stop.
Here you will find your first clue to solve the challenge that awaits you, which will unlock the next part of the story and give you the directions to the next stop.
Options
Ottawa Mystery Quest: Self-Guided Detective Adventure
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
initial indication unclear
Nathalie H,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00we indicate to go to an address on departure for pick-up. No precise time and no one on site when we could just start the puzzle. the address was not easy to find. Why not simplify by saying city hall. The number of kilometres to cover would have been good information to know for someone like me who is mobility impaired. When I saw that the end ended on the side of gatineau. We did the part that was getting closer to the byward market and we finished it there.
My First Quest
B9765DPalexanderb,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was my first experience. Quite interesting alternative to a regular walking city tour. The capital of Canada is worth a try.
Good time had by all!
conniet766,
Jun 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was fun, questions were a little tough but enjoyed them and the history of Ottawa was interesting. It would have been better if you ended up where you started. Going from the start point to the end point walking wasn’t awful but then you have to get back to the beginning which is quite a walk after doing this quest! My family and I had a good time despite this and it was great getting exercise and education while still having fun!
Investigators
778marylynh,
Jun 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00My teenage grandchildren somewhat enjoyed the game but found it went back forth instead of having site synchronized.Example going to the plaque on the bridge and the having to go back to the Rideau canal and then on to the Canadian history museum in Gatineau. Rather than walk all the way back we quit the game on number 8. My grandchildren enjoyed figuring out the cues!
Please Provide More Accurate Information
Sandi M,
Mar 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The information provided on Viator indicated that this experience would take up to 1 hour 20 minutes to complete. As first time visitors to Ottawa we had no idea of the distances between clue locations. We had planned the short time we had in Ottawa meticulously, allowing up to an hour and a half for this experience, so were disappointed when we downloaded the App on the day and learned that the route was actually 6.2 kms long and designed for bicycles/E-scooters! Knowing that we had no hope of completing the game on foot In the time we had available, and with no time to hire bikes, we attempted to do the trail by car. This proved impossible, as not only was it a complete nightmare navigating from clue to clue in busy traffic, there was nowhere to pull over or park at the clue locations. We therefore had no choice but to give up after only two clues. So, sadly for us, the £24 spent was a total waste of money. We suggest revising the information provided on your site so that others don’t make the same mistakes we did, and subsequently waste precious time.
Great outdoor family activity in Ottawa!
andreahL2203VR,
Dec 28, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family had a great time doing this! Our kids are 6, 11 and 14 and it was a perfect outdoor family activity. We stopped to explore the landmarks along the way and it took us about 2.5 hours. You can do it in 1.5 hours if you don't stop to explore. We parked at City Hall and walked the whole game. We had a great time and really got to explore the Ottawa downtown/Parliament area through the game!
Content tip
Silkroader1212,
Oct 28, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Would have been way better yet if the investigation had more of a connection to the clues and the history we learned.
Wonderful
isabellelR2404PA,
Jun 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice family experience we even intend to do the other games in the other cities
Explore and have fun!
CRenaud2020,
Jun 26, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great adventure. Some challenges are challenging but easily done with provided optional hints. Plenty of historical facts can be easily skipped. Advertisement is in other languages in Trip Advisor but app only available in English. It is possible to make the quest by walking within 2 hours but app recommends by bike. I recommend it. Have fun exploring!
A great Ottawa Tour
vanessas 12,
May 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is put together well and will take you on an amazing walking tour of downtown Ottawa. We may have even learned a few things! (Note: Wear comfortable shoes!) Thanks.
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