Honk If You Love Canada: Goosechase Is Turning The Entire Country Into A Giant Summer Scavenger Hunt

This summer, the Civic Holiday weekend kicks off with a coast-to-coast adventure like no other. Goosechase, the Canadian platform known for gamifying real-world experiences, has launched Honk if You ❤️ Canada—a free, family-friendly scavenger hunt that runs until September 2. With over 230 fun and interactive Missions tied to Canadian culture, cuisine, and landmarks, it’s a joyful way to explore the country and connect with your community, all through your smartphone. We caught up with Goosechase Co-Founder and CEO Andrew Cross and Co-Founder and CRO Alyshahn Kara-Virani to learn more about how this digital adventure came to life, why play is more important than ever, and what they hope Canadians will discover along the way. —Noa Nichol

What inspired you to turn summer into one giant, nationwide scavenger hunt—and how did Honk if You ❤️ Canada come to life?

AKV: We were definitely inspired by the excitement around the Canada Strong Pass, but this also felt like the perfect moment to put our core belief into action: experiences can change perspectives. They create memories and foster lasting connections. With everything the world has gone through these past few years, we saw a joyful opportunity to spotlight the beauty and possibility in our own backyard.
AC: A project like this has been on my Goosechase bucket list since the early days. Our platform has evolved from scavenger hunts into tools for guided tours, conferences, and more, but there’s something magical about going back to our roots. Personally, I’ve always loved adventure travel shows like The Amazing Race or Race Across the World—not for the prizes, but because I wanted to be on those adventures myself. Now we’re giving everyone across Canada a chance to be part of that.

With over 700,000 people visiting the Canada Strong Pass page, how does your initiative tap into that same wanderlust and local travel momentum?

AC: Even before the Canada Strong Pass, we felt it was a shame that so many people overlook exploring their own country. Canada is filled with incredible places, and it’s been amazing to see more people rediscovering that. We’re excited to help keep that momentum going, especially now when it’s a more accessible route for Canadians.
AKV: It also removes a lot of the uncertainty around planning. People can learn, feel, and have fun without stressing over what to do or where to go. Some Missions might guide them to places in their own city—or even across the country—that they never knew existed. That kind of unexpected discovery is what makes this so special.

From snapping puffins to trying Yukon cuisine, the Missions sound incredibly creative. What are a few of your personal favourite challenges?

AC: Yukon’s “Northern Lights Watch” is a standout for me. Seeing the northern lights is one of the most magical experiences I’ve had. I also love the Mission featuring Terry Fox. I grew up watching that Heritage Minute on CBC, and now as a runner, I’m even more in awe of what he accomplished. We’ve got Missions for kids, foodies, history lovers, nature enthusiasts—there’s something for everyone. There’s also something special about the Missions that invite you to pause and reflect on the slower things in life, like sharing fresh produce at an Ontario farmer’s market. There’s beauty everywhere!
AKV: I love the location-based Missions because they really ground you in the space. You’ll never forget being in PEI, capturing a moment of calm, or experiencing live music in Newfoundland. Our hope is that Goosechase helps people create lifelong memories while exploring Canada in ways they hadn’t before.

How did you choose the 230+ Missions—was it about showcasing hidden gems, or putting a new twist on classic Canadian experiences?

AC: A bit of both. Our team brought their personal travel stories and local insights to the table. We also partnered with institutions like Ingenium, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Canadian War Museum to spotlight their exhibits in fun and thoughtful ways. We wanted a mix: playful, meaningful, accessible.
AKV: Every Mission has a little bit of a twist, I think. You’re invited to create, connect, reflect. We wanted to reflect different styles of participation, so players could choose what resonated with them most. 

In a time when families are craving both connection and budget-friendly fun, how does this event bring people together—across age groups and provinces?

AC: Goosechase is often called the “social glue” of events, which we love. Where most apps pull you into your screen, we use technology to encourage real-world interaction. That little bit of structure and play invites everyone to get involved—young or old, competitive or casual. A family that plays together makes memories that last.
AKV: It was also important to us to reduce as many barriers to play as possible. It’s free to join, to participate, to win…a great complement to the Canada Strong Pass attractions that are already making all of this more accessible.

Goosechase is known for interactive, app-based adventures. What makes this one particularly special for Canadians this summer?

AC: This one hits close to home. It’s not just about exploring places; it’s about connecting with each other. Even if you can’t visit every location, you can follow along and see what others are doing. That shared sense of exploration helps build community, no matter where you are.
AKV: It’s been really heartening to see Canadians come together, especially at a time when division can feel so loud. We want to shine a light on the amazing places, parks, museums—and people—that make Canada so special.

How have Canadian brands like RW&CO. and Baffin supported or shaped the experience through prizes and partnerships?

AC/AKV: Seeing Canadian brands jump in to support and elevate the experience is such a great reminder of the innovation and heart in this country. We’re thrilled to be celebrating Canadian favourites and connecting people with the brands they love.

What kind of response have you seen since launching? Any standout stories or moments from players so far?

AC/AKV: The Experience launches August 1st, so stay tuned and hope to see you in there! We’d love to share updates as they come in. Maybe VITA will let us do a follow-up!

How does Honk if You ❤️ Canada balance screen time with real-world discovery—and why was that important to you?

AC: We believe technology can, and should, be a force for good. Our mission is to make the world more fun, playful, and human—and that “human” piece drives everything. We want people to look up, not scroll down. The app is designed to “melt into the background” and just exist as a guide.

If someone only has a weekend to play, what’s your advice for making the most of the scavenger hunt and connecting with their local community?

AC: We organized the Missions by province/territory for some organization, but you’re absolutely not limited to just where you’re from or physically traveling to. Just jump in. We built it so that anyone can participate, no matter where they are. It’s less about finishing every Mission, and more about discovering something new and feeling part of something bigger.
AKV: Download the app and play. You’ll be surprised by how many Missions you can do close to home. Many are open to creative interpretation, so don’t overthink it. And don’t go it alone—bring friends, share the fun, and make some memories. That’s what it’s all about.