Ottawa Mystery Quest: Self-Guided Detective Adventure

4.2 (12 reviews) 3 h 20 min – 3 h 50 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

12 reviews

4.2

Ottawa Mystery Quest: Self-Guided Detective Adventure — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Ottawa Mystery Quest: Self-Guided Detective Adventure, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 3 h 20 min – 3 h 50 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Written guide: English, French
Operated by: Questo

Ages: Adults (1–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Pause and resume anytime for total flexibility
Included: Engaging storyline as a private investigator
Included: 10 puzzle challenges across Ottawa
Included: Mobile access code for the quest

Not included

Not included: A tour guide.
Not included: Entry tickets to attractions (no needed to complete the tour)

Itinerary

Stop 1

10 min

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.
Stop 2

10 min

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.
Stop 3

10 min

Study your next clue on National Arts Center.
Stop 4

10 min

To unlock the next part of the story you will be given your next clue to solve the challenge that awaits you.
Stop 5

10 min

Look up your next clue to unlock the next part of the story and give you the correct directions.
Stop 6

10 min

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Parliament. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
Stop 7

10 min

Receive your next clue. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
Stop 8

10 min

Enjoy the view and continue exploring at your own pace.
Stop 9

10 min

Enjoy the view and continue exploring at your own pace.
Stop 10

10 min

You will finish at Tessouat sculpture. Here is where both the story and the city exploration games end.
Stop 11

10 min Admission not included

Explore at your own pace while admiring the Museum of History around you.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The game starts at Marion Dewar Plaza, City Hall. After booking, we'll message you a code and activation link. Activate with your own email, then log in to the Questo app with that email. No message? Open the Questo app, tap "Bought a quest somewhere else?" and enter your booking reference number.

End point

You will finish at Tessouat sculpture.

Using your ticket

Thank you for booking with Questo. Your code is your booking reference number: the digits after "BR-".

Here's how to play it:

1. Activate your quest. Go to the unlock page on the Questo website (questoapp.com/unlock), enter your email and your code.

2. Download the Questo app on your phone (App Store or Google Play) and create an account with the same email used for activation.

3. Once you're logged in to the Questo app, open the Quests section. Your quest will be there, ready to be played.

IMPORTANT

Booked more than one ticket? You can invite the other participants right after activating, or later from the Quests section in the app.
If you don't see your quest in the Quests section in the Questo app, tap "Bought a quest somewhere else?" and enter your code again. You can also upload a screenshot of your booking confirmation there.

GOOD TO KNOW

The quest is available every day, at any hour. Go to the starting point and begin whenever you're ready.
Download the story and the map before you head out. After that, it works without internet.
Start with at least 50% battery.

Still have questions? Send us a message or talk to our customer support at: questoapp.com/chat