Northern Miner kicks off treasure hunt for C$1M worth of gold coins

Any Canadian can attempt to locate the trove of precious metal by reading cryptic clues

Rowan Dunne

Published

4 hours ago

A staple mining industry publication just launched a surprise treasure quest to celebrate Canada’s minerals and metals heritage.

On Wednesday, The Northern Miner announced the beginning of The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt. Any Canadian citizen now has the opportunity to try and find a trove of C$1 million worth of gold coins hidden somewhere throughout the nation’s vast land package.

Northern Miner associates hired an independent third party to conceal the treasure in a suitable location and create puzzling clues regarding its whereabouts. The first was just released in the form of a lengthy poem. More will follow once a month. A representative said hints will also be hidden in videos during the duration of the conquest.

Northern Miner staff have no idea where they put it, as was intended.

“The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt is more than a contest,” said Northern Miner Group President, Anthony Vaccaro, “it’s an invitation to explore Canada’s legendary mining roots while flexing your brainpower.”

The grand prize looks something like this. Photo credit: The Northern Miner

Treasure will not be in difficult-to-access spot

In addition to the primary cache of yellow metal, there will also be a dozen gold prizes worth C$25,000 apiece.

The media outlet has highlighted that participants will not need any off road vehicles to reach the treasure’s location. Swimming or diving equipment will not be necessary and climbing gear won’t be needed either.

Leading Canadian gold producer Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd (TSE: AEM) (NYSE: AEM) (FRA: AE9), the World Gold Council, Alamos Gold Inc. (TSE: AGI) (NYSE: AGI) and Iamgold Corp (TSE: IMG) (NYSE: IAG) (FRA: IAL) are key sponsors of the endeavour.

The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt brings to mind the mysterious riches that have eluded national treasure hunters in the past. The Oak Island Money Pit, the Lost Lemon Mine and the Ontario gold cache linked to Jesse James, to name a few.

Founded in 1915, The Northern Miner is one of the world’s oldest mining publications. Aside from leading international mining industry coverage and treasure seeking initiatives, it is known for hosting events like the Canadian Mining Symposium and Progressive Mine Forum.

$1.3M in gold is hidden across Canada! Follow clues, crack codes & claim the prize. The clock’s ticking—start now: https://t.co/pVbOOPJPK3 pic.twitter.com/jYiv46ITI3

— The Northern Miner (@northernminer) August 13, 2025