The Ultimate Family Adventure
is Coming to Nanaimo!
Join the city-wide scavenger hunt where fun meets discovery! Explore local landmarks, complete exciting challenges, and compete for amazing prizes, all while supporting a great cause!
when
May 4 - 31, 2026
where
Choose from two locations:
Nanaimo
Comox Valley
who
Solo hunters, families, and teams of all ages!
What is The Great BGC Scavenger Hunt?
The Great BGC Scavenger Hunt is an interactive, month-long adventure that invites you to explore the city, discover hidden gems, and engage with local businesses while completing fun and creative challenges.
Each week, a new set of themed challenges will be released, encouraging you to visit Nanaimo’s unique locations, take part in exciting tasks, and connect with the community. You’ll earn points for every completed challenge, with prizes awarded for top scores, creativity, and participation.
Whether you’re a local looking for a fun family activity, a competitive player aiming for the leaderboard, or a visitor eager to experience Nanaimo in a new way—this event is for you!
What kind of challenges can you expect?
The Great BGC Scavenger Hunt is packed with exciting, creative, and interactive challenges designed to help you explore Nanaimo, support local businesses, and have fun with family and friends! Each week, you’ll receive a new set of themed challenges that test your creativity, teamwork, and sense of adventure.
Here’s a sneak peek at the types of challenges you can expect:
Uncover Nanaimo’s hidden gems
Step outside and see your city in a whole new way! These challenges encourage you to visit famous landmarks, parks, historical sites, and lesser-known spots across Nanaimo.
✅ Find a public mural and recreate it with a fun pose.
✅ Visit a Nanaimo landmark and share a cool fact about its history.
Shop local and support businesses
Our sponsor businesses are an essential part of the scavenger hunt! These challenges will bring you inside local stores, cafés, and markets, where you’ll complete fun tasks and maybe even find a new favorite spot.
✅ Find a hidden item at a participating sponsor’s store.
✅ Take a selfie with a unique product and describe what makes it special.
Community kindness challenges
These tasks encourage small acts of kindness and community engagement to help spread positivity.
✅ Leave an encouraging message in chalk on a sidewalk.
✅ Pick up 10 pieces of litter and dispose of them properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you might have a few questions before diving into The Great BGC Scavenger Hunt—and we’ve got you covered! Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about how the event works, who can participate, and what to expect.
Still curious about something? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help make your scavenger hunt experience as smooth (and fun!) as possible.
Anyone! The event is open to individuals, families, and teams of all ages. Whether you’re flying solo, teaming up with friends, or making it a family affair, there’s something for everyone.
Each week (starting June 2), we’ll email you a list of themed challenges. No apps or logins required—just check your inbox, get the list, and start the adventure!
You’ll submit your photos, videos, or written responses by uploading them to our easy online portal. Each task will include instructions on what kind of proof is needed.
Nope! Complete as many challenges as you like—the more you complete, the more points you earn (and the better your chances at winning prizes). There are also random draws, so everyone has a shot at winning!
We’ve got a Grand Prize bundle filled with amazing goodies from local businesses, plus weekly prize draws and bonus prizes for creativity and participation. Stay tuned for prize announcements!
While many challenges involve exploring Nanaimo and visiting local businesses, some tasks can be completed from anywhere. If you’re nearby but can’t make it to every location, you can still participate and have fun!
The scavenger hunt runs from May 4-29, 2026. You’ll receive a new list of challenges each week.
Yes! Some challenges involve visiting sponsor locations to complete tasks. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses and discover new spots around the city.
I have an unanswered question!
Do you have a question about The Great BGC Scavenger Hunt? Need to speak to a real person? Please fill out the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!