Lost Treasure is a city-wide adventure in Vancouver where participants solve puzzles, explore local landmarks, and race to find real gold and silver.
In 2026 the event begins on October 10th (and ends whenever the treasure is found). To learn more, either continue reading below or visit LostTreasure.ca.
Lost Treasure is an annual event that’s been happening in Vancouver since 2024. The first two editions attracted more than 2,000 participants each. In 2026 the third adventure takes place on Saturday, October 10th. This year’s participants can win gold and silver valued at $10,000.
The massive treasure hunt begins with a map full of riddles to decipher. Participants move around the city and surrounding area while completing puzzles and other activities, all while searching for a real treasure chest containing the gold and silver. The Lost Treasure experience continues until the grand prize is found and claimed.
For full details, and to sign up for a map, visit the official Lost Treasure website.
Registration Details
Adults wanting to participate in the treasure hunt need to purchase an online map. Registration as an individual costs $49.99. For folks who wish to compete as a group, the cost per person is $5 less. Plus, each member added to the group comes with a bonus clue to help on the hunt. For $19.99, maps can be upgraded to include even more hints and prizes. In any case, kids can play along with registered adults for free.
The virtual map is unlocked on the day of the event, which is also when participants receive a package with tools and other things they’ll need for the hunt.
What Happens on the Treasure Hunt
Adults ages 18+ can play the game, and each participant must buy and pay for their own map. You can’t share your map with unregistered participants. That would be cheating and will get you disqualified.
Registered participants receive a map that can be downloaded online (so you don’t have to pick anything up in person). The map, however, is only viewable on the event day starting at a designated time. The map includes a map, of course, but also riddles and other tools to help in the quest.
In the game, participants have to go outside and explore the core of Metro Vancouver, visiting various locations, finding clues, and solving puzzles and riddles along the way.
The final clue is a special coin. Find that and it’ll lead you to the chest of treasure full of real gold and silver!
In addition to the final prize worth thousands of dollars, there are smaller prizes to be had for accomplishing extra tasks. Side Quest prizes can include cash, gift cards, merchandise, or other sponsor-provided rewards.
For full details about the game, visit the official Lost Treasure website.
Where Does the Treasure Hunt Take Place?
The treasure hunt takes place in the City of Vancouver, but also in surrounding neighbourhoods. The area covered by the games includes the North Shore, Burnaby, Richmond, and parts of Delta and New Westminster. You’ll probably want a car to play, or at least a day’s bus pass, although getting around by car will be way faster. Speeding, reckless driving and breaking other laws, however, will get you disqualified from the game (plus maybe a ticket from the police or worse).
Tips and Other Things to Know
Below are some suggestions and important things to know to help you play the game (and potentially win).
What You’ll Need
TIP #1: To participate, you’ll need access to the Internet via a computer or mobile device (and be sure it’s fully charged).
About the Clues
TIP #2: In addition to clues that come with the map, bonus clues are available. You can buy some on the game’s website, or earn them by visiting designated sponsor locations. Bonus clues, however, are only available for a limited time, and you don’t need them to complete the hunt. They just help (and give you a bit of an advantage).
TIP #3: Some riddle locations might not be accessible 24 hours per day. For example, if the location is in a venue that closes at night, you might have to go back the next day. Riddle locations are all otherwise easily accessible, meaning they are never on private property requiring you to trespass, nor will you have to pay admission to a place to get in.
People in Your Team (if you don’t want to do it on your own)
TIP #4: Children ages 17 and under can play, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian and have a signed waiver. Kids can help for free, but don’t get their own map and aren’t eligible to claim the prizes on their own.
TIP #5: For each additional paying participant in your group, your team will get one additional bonus clue. By playing as a team, you can also cover more ground, and everyone saves $5 on their admission fee.
TIP #6: The more people in your team, the more minds you’ll have working on solving the riddles. You can also cover more ground, and take breaks. The more people you have in your group, however, the smaller your share of the prize if you win!
Other Things to Know
TIP #7: There is no official end date or time. The game continues until the treasure is found, which could be the same day as the start date, or a few days later. In the past, the treasure has been found within the week.
TIP #8: In 2024, the game’s first year, the winner of the treasure was Tyler Green. In 2025 it was the Turnbull Family. Click their names for their post game interviews (where you might get some tips on how to play and potentially win).
Other Information
To learn more about the adventure, visit the official Lost Treasure website.
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