'The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt' offers a rare chance of winning over $1 million in gold coins
If you are a Canadian, then you may be in luck to become a millionaire. The "Great Canadian Treasure Hunt" is underway for Canadian citizens, and if someone can complete this hunt, they have a once-in-a-lifetime chance of becoming a millionaire, according to Popular Science. The event was organized by a mining consortium to celebrate Canada's mining legacy and adventurous spirit. To help treasure hunters, the organization has already released its first clue. The hunt will last until December 31, 2026, and if someone is unable to claim the winnings by then, the entire winning amount will be forfeited.
The 'Great Canadian Treasure Hunt'
The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt labeled it as "a cross-country quest" that individuals need to solve through clues, riddles, and knowledge of Canadian landmarks, according to the official website. The treasure supposedly is worth around 1.3 million CAD (under 1 million USD), according to Outside Online. This treasure box does not actually contain gold; instead, it has an alphanumeric code that the prospector must provide to the authorities to claim the prize. To be eligible for this hunt, an individual needs to be a Canadian. The box is hidden in Canada's vast wilderness, and the first clue to detect it has already been provided. This "master clue" is a 13-stanza poem.
The event is funded by a mining publication called "The Northern Miner," along with a collective of organizations. "Taking inspiration from Canada's long-standing mining legacy and the pioneering spirit that drives mineral exploration, the adventure is designed to spur discovery while highlighting the role that mining and critical minerals play in the country's future," according to The Northern Miner, about the objective of this treasure hunt. 'These metals and minerals are the foundation of modern life, powering everything from electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies to smartphones and life-saving medical devices."
What does the master clue say?
The clue contains references to phoenixes, chalco fever, as well as salt air carrying sunken whispers and singing iron, according to CTV News. Some of the lines in the long poem read, "The Shield bends low through sleeping trees … Where sunken whispers told of ease." This line could refer to places like Saskatchewan, Labrador, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Two other lines read, "Gold sighs beneath the mountain's strain" and "beyond the clouds, where glaciers reign," which could be hinting towards the Rocky Mountains.
Essentially, the poem captures the diverse identity of the Canadian wilderness. There are instances where man-made landmarks, metals, minerals, and plant life, hosted by the country, are mentioned in the poem. However, the clue explains the beauty of the country exceptionally well; the same cannot be said about the treasure's location. But worry not, other clues will follow this master poem, as per the authorities.
Are there any additional clues?
The first additional clue arrived on September 3. The hint read, "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." More monthly hints will arrive on The Northern Miner, and sites like Mining.com and CEO.CA. Anthony Vaccaro, president of The Northern Miner, shared that the objective of the hunt is to make people explore the country's mining roots. "We want to inspire a new kind of exploration, grounded in curiosity, logic, and appreciation for Canada's rich natural history in a way that's never been done before," he added.
The treasure hunt is open to all Canadians above the age of 18. The Northern Miners' subscribers have an advantage, as they will get early access to clues before others. The publication has clarified that the treasure is not hidden in any man-made structure, private property, underwater places, or underground sites. They have also ruled out industrial areas, hazardous wastes, active construction sites, cemeteries, and graves from the list. The publication further claimed that the place is accessible on foot. If one can find this box, they will be given the prize in the form of multiple 217 one-ounce coins. As of now, no one has discovered any chest.