Turn Nanaimo into a holiday playground with the app-driven Holly Jolly Hunt. This one-hour scavenger walk pairs family-friendly tasks with local history and waterfront views—perfect for a festive, low-effort outdoor outing.
Turn Nanaimo into a holiday playground with the app-driven Holly Jolly Hunt. This one-hour scavenger walk pairs family-friendly tasks with local history and waterfront views—perfect for a festive, low-effort outdoor outing.
Cold air nips at your cheeks as the downtown streets of Nanaimo light up for the season. Groups huddle over phones, scanning storefronts and park benches for the next holiday clue — a red mitten taped to a lamppost, a wreath that’s just a little too quirky, a team performing a silly carol for points. The Holly Jolly Hunt turns the city into a playful field of challenges where each found item and completed task nudges you up the leaderboard.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Holly Jolly Hunt - Holiday Scavenger Hunt · Nanaimo, British Columbia
Cold air nips at your cheeks as the downtown streets of Nanaimo light up for the season. Groups huddle over phones, scanning storefronts and park benches for the next holiday clue — a red mitten taped to a lamppost, a wreath that’s just a little too quirky, a team performing a silly carol for points. The Holly Jolly Hunt turns the city into a playful field of challenges where each found item and completed task nudges you up the leaderboard.
The route crosses downtown blocks where Nanaimo’s coal-mining past meets present-day cafes and waterfront piers. Players pass the historic Bastion, a wooden fort that recalls the city’s 19th-century Hudson’s Bay outpost, and weave by Maffeo Sutton Park on the harbor. Geologically, you stroll along low coastal benches carved by glacial action and tidal rhythms — modern streets laid over an older shoreline.
Culturally the game leans into seasonal customs: community decorations, small-business window displays, and the occasional busker adding live soundtracks. Locals are used to curious tourists and family groups; the hunt is designed for mixed ages and mobility levels.
Practically, the hunt is app-based and lasts about an hour. Expect 1–2 miles of walking on paved sidewalks; bring warm layers, a charged smartphone, and comfortable footwear. Public transit and parking are available nearby; strollers and service animals are permitted. The app includes a remote guide chat for help. Play during daylight for easier spotting and aim for early evening to catch decorative lights without deep cold. It’s low-impact, low-risk, and high on festive camaraderie — ideal for families or small friend groups wanting an accessible, city-focused outdoor adventure.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for most fitness levels — light walking and standing for about 60 minutes.
The scheduled activity is one hour, though groups may take longer depending on pace and breaks.
Yes — the route is stroller-accessible and suitable for young children; tasks are family-friendly.
Yes — you’ll need the event app on your smartphone to access clues, submit finds, and chat with the remote guide.
The tour runs rain or shine; cancelations for a full refund require 24 hours’ notice, but severe weather guidance follows local advisories.
Nanaimo grew from 19th-century coal mining and trading; the Bastion on the waterfront is a surviving symbol of that era.
Keep searches low-impact: stick to sidewalks, avoid disturbing decorations on private property, and carry out any trash to support local businesses and parks.
Holly Jolly Hunt - Holiday Scavenger Hunt operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Cold air nips at your cheeks as the downtown streets of Nanaimo light up for the season. Groups huddle over phones, scanning storefronts and park benches for the next holiday clue — a red mitten taped to a lamppost, a wreath that’s just a little too quirky, a team performing a silly carol for points. The Holly Jolly Hunt turns the city into a playful field of challenges where each found item and completed task nudges you up the leaderboard.
Cold air nips at your cheeks as the downtown streets of Nanaimo light up for the season. Groups huddle over phones, scanning storefronts and park benches for the next holiday clue — a red mitten taped to a lamppost, a wreath that’s just a little too quirky, a team performing a silly carol for points. The Holly Jolly Hunt turns the city into a playful field of challenges where each found item and completed task nudges you up the leaderboard.
The route crosses downtown blocks where Nanaimo’s coal-mining past meets present-day cafes and waterfront piers. Players pass the historic Bastion, a wooden fort that recalls the city’s 19th-century Hudson’s Bay outpost, and weave by Maffeo Sutton Park on the harbor. Geologically, you stroll along low coastal benches carved by glacial action and tidal rhythms — modern streets laid over an older shoreline.
Culturally the game leans into seasonal customs: community decorations, small-business window displays, and the occasional busker adding live soundtracks. Locals are used to curious tourists and family groups; the hunt is designed for mixed ages and mobility levels.
Practically, the hunt is app-based and lasts about an hour. Expect 1–2 miles of walking on paved sidewalks; bring warm layers, a charged smartphone, and comfortable footwear. Public transit and parking are available nearby; strollers and service animals are permitted. The app includes a remote guide chat for help. Play during daylight for easier spotting and aim for early evening to catch decorative lights without deep cold. It’s low-impact, low-risk, and high on festive camaraderie — ideal for families or small friend groups wanting an accessible, city-focused outdoor adventure.