Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Ottawa by Holly Jolly Hunt

Exploring Ottawa’s Festive Charm with Holly Jolly Hunt

If you’re looking to add a playful twist to your holiday visit to Ottawa, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a unique way to enjoy the season. This app-based scavenger hunt invites you and up to nine others to explore the city, find holiday-themed items, and complete silly challenges—all in about an hour. It’s not just a tour; it’s a fun, interactive experience that promises laughs and memorable moments.

What really draws people in are the cost-effectiveness and flexibility—for just over $20 per group, you can enjoy a lively activity that’s suitable for all ages. Plus, because it’s played on your phone, you can set your own pace and choose your favorite spots around Ottawa. That said, it does require your own smartphone for participation, which might be a consideration for some.

One possible downside is that this experience is a virtual scavenger hunt rather than a guided tour with a guide physically present. If you’re looking for in-depth historical insights or a more structured sightseeing experience, this might feel a bit light. However, if what you want is a festive, lighthearted adventure that captures the holiday spirit and gets everyone moving, it could be just perfect.

This activity is especially well-suited for families, groups of friends, or co-workers wanting a break from traditional holiday events. It offers a casual, entertaining way to soak up Ottawa’s seasonal vibe while sharing some laughs and creating stories to remember. Overall, if you enjoy playful, interactive experiences and don’t mind a bit of digital guiding, Holly Jolly Hunt could be a hit.

Key Points

• Affordable: At just over $20 per group, it’s a budget-friendly holiday activity.
• Flexible: Play anywhere in Ottawa, at your own pace, with your own schedule.
• Fun Challenges: Includes holiday-themed tasks designed to make everyone laugh.
• Interactive: Uses an app to engage players with photos and a leaderboard.
• All Ages: Suitable for families, friends, or co-workers, no age restrictions.
• Guarantied Smiles: Promises lasting holiday memories, perfect for spreading cheer.

What You Can Expect from the Holly Jolly Hunt

This activity is essentially a mobile scavenger hunt that takes place across Ottawa, with the main goal of uncovering both traditional and not-so-traditional holiday items. Once you start at the designated meeting point at 100 Elgin St, you’ll receive instructions via the app and a remote guide through text messaging. The experience lasts roughly an hour, which makes it manageable even for those with tight schedules or young kids’ patience.

The scavenger hunt itself involves seeking out specific holiday-related objects or scenes, and capturing them through your phone’s camera to earn points. The items you’ll look for range from classic Christmas symbols to quirky seasonal elements—think decorated trees, ornaments, or maybe something unexpected like a holiday-themed street sign or quirky decoration. This combination of traditional and unconventional items keeps the game fresh and engaging.

Performing fun challenges is a key part of the experience. These might be simple silly tasks like singing a holiday song, making a funny face with a holiday prop, or performing a small dance. These challenges add a layer of humor and light-heartedness, perfect for breaking the ice and getting everyone giggling. Plus, the app displays your score on a leaderboard, which adds a playful competitive element, whether you’re racing friends or just having fun solo.

The start and finish are conveniently located at the same spot, making it easy to join or wrap up your adventure without complicated logistics. Since the activity is available from late November through the end of December, it’s a flexible option for holiday outings. The experience is designed for most travelers, being near public transportation and easy to participate in without additional transport.

Breaking Down the Experience

How the scavenger hunt unfolds is straightforward but thoughtfully designed. After meeting at the start point, you’ll receive your first clues via the app. From there, your team will race around the chosen area, searching for the items on your list. The app will prompt you to take photos, which are then scored and submitted within the platform.

Each item found earns points, and the more creative or funny your photo, the better your chances of climbing the leaderboard. This encourages a playful spirit, and according to reviews, the challenge of finding quirky or traditional objects keeps everyone entertained. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way it pushed us to look at familiar places in a new, festive light,” highlighting how the experience makes you see Ottawa differently during the holiday season.

Challenges are designed to be light and amusing. One review noted, “The silly holiday tasks made everyone laugh so hard,” which is exactly what you want during a holiday outing—lighthearted fun that brings people together. The app’s interface is user-friendly, making it easy to upload photos and check your score as you go.

The duration of about an hour is perfect for a quick holiday activity—long enough to feel like a meaningful adventure but short enough to slot into a busy day. Since the experience ends back where it started, you don’t have to worry about transportation or finding your way back.

Making the Most of Your Time in Ottawa

While the Holly Jolly Hunt doesn’t offer an in-depth tour of Ottawa’s landmarks, it complements sightseeing by adding a playful, holiday-specific layer. If you’re already planning to visit major sites like Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, or Rideau Canal, this scavenger hunt can be a delightful side activity.

The price of just over $20 per group makes it quite reasonable, especially considering the entertainment and the chance to create memorable photos. Remember, you’ll need your own smartphone to participate, and transportation isn’t included—so plan to walk, Uber, or use public transit to reach the meeting point and desired locations.

Guests have praised the value of this experience, noting that the combination of fun challenges and holiday cheer made it a worthwhile and memorable addition to their Ottawa trip. The fact that it’s available during the full holiday season means you can plan to fit it into your itinerary whenever it suits.

Who Should Consider This?

If you’re someone who enjoys playful outings, loves team challenges, or just wants to experience Ottawa’s holiday atmosphere in a new way, this scavenger hunt could be right up your alley. It’s particularly good for groups that don’t want a rigid guided tour but prefer an active experience that’s flexible and fun.

Families with older children or teens will find it engaging, especially with the photo challenges and friendly competition. Friends or co-workers looking for a lighthearted activity to break the ice or celebrate the season will also enjoy it. But if you’re seeking detailed historical commentary or guided sightseeing, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Holly Jolly Hunt in Ottawa offers a balance of fun, affordability, and holiday spirit. It’s a good choice if you want a laid-back activity that encourages everyone to get moving, laugh, and capture some holiday moments. The fact that it’s played on your time and your terms makes it a versatile addition to any holiday itinerary.

The activity’s simple setup—start at one location, complete the hunt, and return—means it’s low-stress and hassle-free. Plus, the option to play in any city makes it appealing even if you’re planning a future visit elsewhere. While it isn’t a comprehensive sightseeing tour, that’s not the goal here. Instead, it’s about creating festive memories and sharing some laughs, which it accomplishes well.

If you’re in Ottawa during the holiday season and looking for a cheerful, interactive activity that everyone can enjoy, the Holly Jolly Hunt is worth considering. It’s not just a game; it’s a chance to see the city through a different lens and bring some extra joy to your holiday celebrations.

FAQ

Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for families?
Yes, it’s designed to be inclusive and fun for all ages, with challenges that encourage laughter and participation from everyone.

Do I need a private guide for this activity?
No, you receive a remote guide via text message, which provides instructions and support during the hunt.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the 1-hour scavenger hunt, all activities, fees, taxes, and the remote guide’s assistance.

Are there any additional costs?
You’ll need your own smartphone to participate, but no extra fees are specified for the activity itself. Private transportation is not included.

When can I play the Holly Jolly Hunt?
It runs from late November through December 31st, during weekday and weekend hours from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

Is this a guided tour with a person guiding me physically?
No, it’s a virtual experience using an app, with guidance provided remotely via text.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, with a full refund.

Whether you’re after a fun holiday activity or a new way to see Ottawa, Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful, budget-friendly option that’s sure to bring smiles. Just bring your phone, a sense of humor, and your holiday spirit—you’re in for a good time.