The City of Welland is teaming up with other Niagara municipalities to get out and rediscover the Niagara Region as COVID-19 restriction lift.

Recreation teams from Welland, St. Catharines, Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Niagara Falls, Pelham, West Lincoln, Lincoln, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold, Grimsby, and the Niagara Parks Commission came together to introduce Reconnect to Rediscover Niagara from noon, Aug. 27 to midnight, Sept. 6.

The online scavenger hunt, hosted on the GooseChase app, invites Niagara residents to reconnect with their own and neighbouring municipalities to rediscover the natural landscapes and history they offer.

Using the app, participants can snap photos or videos as they explore locations and attractions across Niagara to complete missions; each mission accomplished nets participants points, their progress trackable against others.

“People are excited to be back out in the community, and we’re happy to provide a unique opportunity to get reacquainted with the City’s spaces,” said Rob Axiak, director of community services. “Mixing recreation with City spaces and those in the region is a great way to reintegrate into our communities.”

The missions provide participants with a broad glimpse of Niagara, its history, and its natural beauty. More than 20 missions are planned, including exploring the Friendship Trail in Port Colborne, checking out an armored vehicle at the Lake Street Armoury in St. Catharines, Niagara Parks Power Station trivia, and more. In Welland, missions include:

Prizes are awarded to the most creative family or team entry and to point leaders. First-, second- and third-place point leaders receive prize packages that include gift cards to local businesses and Niagara-themed merchandise packages from the Niagara Parks Commission.

The most creative family or team will pick up a one-night stay at Great Wolf Lodge, including waterpark access, alongside a Niagara Parks Commission family prize pack. To enter, download the free GooseChase app and search for the game code XD4MKQ to find Reconnect to Rediscover Niagara.