Ottawa Geocaching

Pinhey’s Point Pirates

Recommended Group Size: 14–20 participants
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Terrain: ★★★☆☆

Geocache Link: https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC9P1R8

  • Recommended Tools & Equipment:
  • Compass or GPS app
  • UV flashlight
  • Notepad and pencil
  • Mirror or reflective surface
  • Water bottle
  • Sturdy hiking shoes

Introduction

Ahoy, mateys! Welcome to Pinhey’s Point, where history meets mystery. Legend tells of Captain Laurentian Larry, a fearsome river pirate who stashed away his final hoard somewhere along this very stretch of the Ottawa River. Your crew must work together to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and traverse the wild to discover the hidden treasure.

This is a team-based geocaching adventure with five challenges. Your crew will split into groups of 3–5 members. Many of the challenges can be completed in parallel, but all must be solved to unlock the final cache. Teamwork and coordination are key!

Group Strategy

Divide your group into four teams:

  • Team A: Start at Challenge 1 (The Captain's Compass)
  • Team B: Begin with Challenge 2 (The Raven's Riddle)
  • Team C: Head to Challenge 3 (Orchard Obscura)
  • Team D: Explore Challenge 4 (Echoes at the Cliff)

Once completed, all teams should meet up to solve Challenge 5 together and uncover the final cache.

Challenge 1: The Captain's Compass

Coordinates: 45.4158, -75.9671

Begin at the stone fireplace ruins at the heritage site. Look carefully around the fireplace. Something out of place may help point the way.

Challenge 2: The Raven's Riddle

Coordinates: Hidden from first challenge

Follow the clue from the Captain’s Compass to a strange tree. Nearby, a perched raven will test your knowledge of the past. Solve its riddle to move on.

Challenge 3: Orchard Obscura

Coordinates: Discovered in previous challenge

In the ancient orchard, something hangs from the trees. Use your team to uncover the right combination. Only one group will emerge with the next coordinates!

Challenge 4: Echoes at the Cliff

Coordinates: Provided in previous cache

Face the river and listen well. Speak aloud the words inscribed in stone. Only those who hear the echo true will know where next to go.

Challenge 5: The Castaway Cache

Coordinates: Final stage revealed through Challenge 4

All teams regroup and follow the river’s edge to the resting place of Captain Larry. His grave is marked. Seek beneath the rocks to claim your prize.

Pirate's chest

Hints & Spoilers

Challenge 1 Solution

Look inside the central fireplace. A rusted compass is magnetically attached behind a loose stone. Use a mirror or UV light to reveal this message:
"Walk 300 paces North toward the bending birch. There, the Raven waits."
Actual location: 45.4181, -75.9663

Challenge 2 Solution

Underneath the wooden raven is a QR code. Scanning it reveals this riddle:
"When fire gave way to fruit, the Captain’s crew took root. Find the place where trees were tamed—your next clue’s named."
Refers to the orchard. Teams split and find one of four symbol stations; only one (spade) has the correct coordinates hidden beneath a log.
Correct coords: 45.4190, -75.9690

Challenge 3 Solution

A waterproof pouch contains a cipher and four symbols: flame, anchor, feather, and spade. Only the spade location leads to the next coordinates:
45.4211, -75.9715

Challenge 4 Solution

At a rock face above the Ottawa River, a metal plate reads a poem. When read aloud, an echo returns the final word: "Ashore."
Using UV light reveals: "To finish your quest, go where the castaways rest."
Refers to mock gravestone with Larry's name.

Final Cache Location

Near beaver inlet shoreline: 45.4232, -75.9728
Cache is hidden in driftwood beneath a rock next to the fake grave marker "Larry – Lost But Not Forgotten."

Cache contains logbook, costume pirate coins, and certificate QR code.