A real-life treasure hunt is underway in Canada, with $1 million in gold waiting for the first person clever enough to find it.
The contest, organized by The Northern Miner, promises 217 one-ounce gold coins to whoever deciphers a 52-line poem packed with cryptic clues. Only one organizer knows the exact location, which is locked away in a weatherproof case holding a code redeemable for the prize.
To keep things fair, the rules are strict: the treasure won’t be buried on private property, near cemeteries or construction sites, or hidden in dangerous terrain. No digging, scuba gear, or climbing equipment is needed. Contestants are warned to prepare for Canada’s unpredictable weather, respect the environment, and, above all, stay safe.
Adding spice to the chase, there are also 12 smaller caches across the country, each worth $25,000 in gold coins, with new clues released every month.
The central poem hints at landscapes, trees, minerals, and landmarks that might narrow down the search. It references the Canadian Shield, glaciers, birch and cedar forests, rivers, and even manmade icons like Sudbury’s Big Nickel. Yet many lines appear designed to mislead, describing where the treasure isn’t as often as where it might be.
Treasure hunters are told to “think laterally” and consider whether even typos might be clues. The final verses paint a picture of a quiet, overgrown place, where “the compass turns” and silence reigns — a possible signal that the hidden case could be magnetized, waiting for someone persistent enough to uncover it.
Whether or not anyone ever finds the million-dollar prize, organizers say the true reward is the adventure itself: the thrill of the chase, the stories along the way, and the chance to explore Canada with new eyes.