Press play and turn Petawawa into a live movie set: Monsters M.I.A. is a self-guided GPS audio escape game that sends you to seven villain lairs across town. Perfect for families and small groups, the mission mixes movie-quality audio with easy puzzles and a built-in scoring system.
Press play and turn Petawawa into a live movie set: Monsters M.I.A. is a self-guided GPS audio escape game that sends you to seven villain lairs across town. Perfect for families and small groups, the mission mixes movie-quality audio with easy puzzles and a built-in scoring system.
The street hums and a cartoonish alarm cracks through your phone as Uncle Marv’s voice orders you into action. You and your group step onto Petawawa’s sidewalks with headphones on, GPS blinking, as ordinary storefronts become villain lairs and lamp posts mark clue points. The Ottawa River’s breath is not far off; the town feels compact enough to race through by foot yet wide enough to drive between scenes.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hearo · Petawawa, Ontario
The street hums and a cartoonish alarm cracks through your phone as Uncle Marv’s voice orders you into action. You and your group step onto Petawawa’s sidewalks with headphones on, GPS blinking, as ordinary storefronts become villain lairs and lamp posts mark clue points. The Ottawa River’s breath is not far off; the town feels compact enough to race through by foot yet wide enough to drive between scenes.
Petawawa’s rugged setting grew from its military roots—CFB Petawawa has shaped the town’s rhythm for more than a century—while the Ottawa Valley’s glacially carved reaches frame the downtown. Buildings here are functional, often brick or clapboard, and local murals and river access points give the game real-world texture that audio drama exploits.
Culturally the town blends anglophone and francophone communities and a base-town sensibility: practical, direct, and ready for a family weekend challenge. Geology is subtle but present—low ridges and river terraces that direct how streets and parks align, so expect occasional short inclines and open waterfront stretches.
Practically: the mission runs about two hours and is self-guided—choose the walking map for fresh-air pacing or the driving map to keep little ones comfy. Bring a charged smartphone, good headphones, and comfortable shoes; the app uses GPS and audio cues, plus a built-in scoring system to track progress. The route is flexible: you can pause and resume, and clues are family-friendly (ages 7+). Aim for mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid midday glare and give yourself time to explore a hidden mural or riverfront bench between stops.
easy.
2 hours.
Basic mobility and short walks between stops; suitable for families and most fitness levels.
The full mission is designed for about two hours but can be paused and resumed across days—actual time depends on walking pace and how long you linger at stops.
Yes—there’s an optional driving map that routes you between clue locations for a lower-effort version suited to families and mixed-ability groups.
Yes; puzzles and choices are appropriate for ages 7 and up, though younger children will enjoy the audio cast and scenes with adult assistance.
Standard policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start; check your booking confirmation for specifics.
Petawawa developed around CFB Petawawa, a military base that has influenced the town’s layout and community since the early 20th century.
Stay on sidewalks and public paths, pack out any litter, and avoid disturbing riverbanks—local green spaces and the Ottawa River are sensitive to trampling and runoff.
Hearo operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The street hums and a cartoonish alarm cracks through your phone as Uncle Marv’s voice orders you into action. You and your group step onto Petawawa’s sidewalks with headphones on, GPS blinking, as ordinary storefronts become villain lairs and lamp posts mark clue points. The Ottawa River’s breath is not far off; the town feels compact enough to race through by foot yet wide enough to drive between scenes.
The street hums and a cartoonish alarm cracks through your phone as Uncle Marv’s voice orders you into action. You and your group step onto Petawawa’s sidewalks with headphones on, GPS blinking, as ordinary storefronts become villain lairs and lamp posts mark clue points. The Ottawa River’s breath is not far off; the town feels compact enough to race through by foot yet wide enough to drive between scenes.
Petawawa’s rugged setting grew from its military roots—CFB Petawawa has shaped the town’s rhythm for more than a century—while the Ottawa Valley’s glacially carved reaches frame the downtown. Buildings here are functional, often brick or clapboard, and local murals and river access points give the game real-world texture that audio drama exploits.
Culturally the town blends anglophone and francophone communities and a base-town sensibility: practical, direct, and ready for a family weekend challenge. Geology is subtle but present—low ridges and river terraces that direct how streets and parks align, so expect occasional short inclines and open waterfront stretches.
Practically: the mission runs about two hours and is self-guided—choose the walking map for fresh-air pacing or the driving map to keep little ones comfy. Bring a charged smartphone, good headphones, and comfortable shoes; the app uses GPS and audio cues, plus a built-in scoring system to track progress. The route is flexible: you can pause and resume, and clues are family-friendly (ages 7+). Aim for mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid midday glare and give yourself time to explore a hidden mural or riverfront bench between stops.