Street art, but make it a scavenger game. I like that this is a self-guided Ottawa street art hunt you control with your phone, not a fixed group march. I also like the added layer of story-style clues that make you stop, look closely, and actually read the mural before moving on.

The big thing to consider is timing: the stated 50 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes feels more realistic on a bike or scooter, while walking can stretch it to a long afternoon.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Self-paced street art route: you choose when to pause and when to keep moving through the city center
• Phone-based clue system via Questo: you get instructions right on your mobile ticket experience
• Murals with named stops: you’ll work through specific locations like The Living Room and DaVinci mural
• Family and group friendly: it’s built for friends, families, and colleagues to play together
• 24/7 customer support: help is available if the app or directions act up
• Good value for the price: at $7.20 per person, you’re paying for a game, not a guided lecture

A Street Art Treasure Hunt in Ottawa, Powered by Your Phone

This is one of those smart “see more with less effort” ideas. You start with a mobile exploration game on your phone and follow the route at your own pace. Instead of just strolling past murals, you’re tasked with finding the next clue, using it to solve the current challenge, and then getting directions to the next stop.

The payoff is how it changes your attention. Street art is easy to walk by on autopilot. With a clue in front of you, you slow down and study. You’re also listening to short stories tied to what you see, which helps the murals feel less random and more connected to place.

And it’s built for variety. If you’re traveling with a mix of ages or styles, you can still play the same way. Some people love hunting for details; others prefer the walk-and-talk part. The format works either way.

Starting at Avenue Laurier and Ending at KindComments

You’ll begin at Avenue Laurier (in the Ottawa area listed for the start point), and you’ll finish at KindComments Mural at 152 Bank St, Ottawa. The route is designed for a city-center walk, but your pace is flexible.

Two practical notes that matter here:

First, double-check you’re using the correct starting pin from your phone before you set off. One frustrating failure mode is when people land at the wrong starting spot and the directions then feel backwards or circular.

Second, give yourself buffer time at the front end. The first clue matters because it directs the next stage of the story. If you scramble at the beginning, the whole experience can feel harder than it needs to be.

The Mural Stops: What Each Stage Feels Like

This game is organized like a chain of mural encounters. Each stage typically follows the same pattern: you arrive at a named spot, study the clue tied to that stop, and use it to move to the next location.

Here’s what to expect as you move through the route:

Ottawa Mural: Your First Clue Sets the Tone

Your first stop is Ottawa Mural. It’s where you get the initial clue that kicks off the challenge and tells you where to go next. This is the stage where you’ll want to stay focused. Don’t treat it like a quick photo moment—take a little time to read the clue prompt and orient yourself.

Tip: if you’re playing with friends, decide who’s in charge of the phone early. You’ll avoid the common “who’s holding the map?” delay.

The Living Room: Study First, Then Move On

Next you’ll head to The Living Room. You’ll be asked to study your next clue before you can move forward in the story. This stop is less about speed and more about paying attention to what’s in front of you.

What I like about this style is that it forces a change in behavior. You stop being a tourist doing quick snapshots, and you become a participant in the puzzle.

Faith in Our Community: Short Story Moment, Clear Directions

The game takes you around Faith in Our Community for another clue-based challenge. After you solve it, you’ll get directions to Pink Flamingo Project Tribute.

This is a good moment to slow down and actually look. Murals like these tend to have meaning beyond the artwork itself, and the story element is meant to help you catch that.

Pink Flamingo Project Tribute: Slow Down and Take Your Time

At Pink Flamingo Project Tribute you’ll get a new clue. The experience specifically gives you freedom here—you can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

I appreciate stages like this. They keep the game from feeling like a treadmill. If you want to linger, take photos, or just rest your legs, this is where the format won’t fight you.

Arlington 5 Art Court: Keep Playing, With Flexible Pauses

You’ll receive your next clue around Arlington 5 Art Court and then you can continue at your own pace. This is another stop that works well for small group play because you can split tasks.

One person can focus on reading the clue screen; another can scan the mural closely. Then you compare notes and move on.

The BLM Mural: Another Visual Checkpoint

The next major waypoint is the BLM mural. You’ll enjoy the artwork while the game continues to guide you to the next stage of the story.

If you’re walking, this is also a great place to take stock of energy. You’ve likely done a chunk of movement already. Check your water situation and decide whether you’re staying in “slow explore” mode or switching to “get it done” mode.

DaVinci Mural: View Time and Momentum

At the DaVinci mural, the game has you enjoy the view and continue exploring at your pace. This stage often feels like a nice transition: you’ve already built momentum through earlier stops, and now you’re rewarded with a moment to soak in the location.

If you’re the type who likes to pause for street scenes and not just murals, this is where you can add that extra time.

Lion Dance: The Next Clue Moves the Story Forward

At Lion Dance you’ll solve for the next clue that drives the challenge ahead. This stage reminds you that it’s not only about art—it’s also about following a sequence.

If you get stuck here, don’t keep sprinting. Stop, re-read the clue prompt, and make sure you’re at the correct spot on your map.

We demand Mural: New Directions, Fresh Stage

Then you’ll see the We demand Mural art and receive your next clue to get new directions. By now, the game is doing exactly what it’s supposed to: turning a casual stroll into a route with purpose.

This is also a nice checkpoint to look back mentally. You can connect what you’ve seen so far to how you’re playing now: slower attention, more intentional stopping, and a clear path through the city.

Final Stretch to KindComments

You’ll finish at KindComments, where both the story and the city exploration games end. This ending matters. It gives you a definite destination so you don’t end up doing the “we’ll just see where the game leads” fatigue spiral.

Pace and Timing: Walking vs Bike or Scooter

The stated duration is about 50 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. But the lived reality is simple: that time is easier on wheels than on foot.

If you’re walking, plan closer to 3 to 4 hours to feel relaxed and to have time to finish without rushing. If you’re on a bike or scooter, the shorter estimate is much more believable.

So here’s my practical advice:

• If you want this to feel like a fun afternoon, go in with comfortable shoes and a longer time budget.
• If you want to keep it closer to an hour-plus, treat it like a move-and-stop game and use bicycle or scooter if you have one.

Also remember: the route is through Ottawa’s city center areas. Even with a self-guided format, you’re still doing distance, and your legs will notice.

What You Get (and Don’t): Game Format, No Tour Guide

This is a phone-based experience through the Questo app. The included items are straightforward: the city exploration game and 24/7 customer support.

You don’t get a tour guide. You also don’t need entry tickets to attractions to complete it. That’s a big deal for value. You’re paying for the game experience, the clue system, and the art route—not for access fees.

The upside of no guide is flexibility. You’re not locked into someone else’s schedule. The downside is that when directions or the starting point are unclear, you’re responsible for figuring it out using the app.

That’s why the 24/7 customer support is worth noting. If you hit a wall, you’re not stuck alone for hours.

Best for Friends, Families, and Colleagues Who Like Moving

This works well when you’re traveling with people who don’t all want the same pace. Friends can turn it into a competitive puzzle (“who finds the clue first?”). Families can make it a stop-and-look mission instead of a constant “are we there yet” situation.

It’s also a good team activity for colleagues, especially if you’re in Ottawa for work but want something human and light. The format gives you conversation topics without needing everyone to be an expert on street art.

Service animals are allowed, and it’s near public transportation. Most people can participate, so it’s not the kind of activity that requires special equipment beyond a phone and a willingness to walk.

Price and Value: Is $7.20 a Smart Spend?

At $7.20 per person, you’re not paying for a guided tour. You’re paying for a self-guided city game experience that takes you from mural to mural and gives you a narrative framework to pay attention.

So the real value question is: will you actually use the puzzle and take time to look? If you treat it like a casual stroll, you may feel like you bought a route instead of a game. If you like clues, photo stops, and a steady path through a neighborhood, it feels like a bargain.

Also, group discounts are available. If you’re coming with others, this can become one of the lowest-cost ways to do a themed activity that still feels like you spent time in the city, not just inside your hotel.

Practical Tips to Make It Feel Smooth

A self-guided mural game is only as easy as your first few steps. These are the small things that make the biggest difference:

• Start with a charged phone and a working internet connection.
• Keep at least one person responsible for the app so the group doesn’t stall.
• Expect the walking version to take longer than the headline time.
• Wear comfortable shoes. If you’re planning on moving fast, plan breaks at the stages that allow you to stop freely, like Pink Flamingo Project Tribute.

One more thing: if you’re booking, it’s often reserved ahead of time (about 10 days on average). If you want a specific day, it’s smart to lock it in rather than hoping for last-minute availability.

Should You Book This Ottawa Street Art Game?

Book it if you want a street art experience with structure that still leaves room for wandering. I think it’s especially good if you like puzzles, enjoy noticing details, and don’t want to pay for a formal tour guide.

Skip it—or at least go in with eyes open—if you need heavy handholding. This is autonomous. If the starting point is hard to find for you, that can sour the whole run. Also, if you’re time-crunched on foot, plan for extra hours compared to the shortest estimate.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the street art game in Ottawa start and where do you finish?

It starts at Avenue Laurier (Ottawa, ON) and finishes at 152 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5N7 at KindComments Mural.

How long does this self-guided Ottawa street art experience take?

The duration is listed as about 50 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. If you’re walking, you should plan for more time.

What do I need to play the game?

You’ll need a phone and the Questo app. Your purchase provides a mobile ticket for the city exploration game.

Do I go with a tour guide?

No. This is a self-guided activity and does not include a tour guide.

What language is the experience offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What if I have trouble with the app or directions?

There is 24/7 customer support, and you can use it if you run into issues during the experience.

Is this mainly a walking activity or better on a bike or scooter?

It can be done on foot, but the estimated time is more realistic if you use a bicycle or scooter. If you walk, expect it to take longer.