The four stages can be done in any order. You can drive, walk, or bike. I have tried to place each stage in an interesting area (with nearby caches for you to find).
I have waypointed parking at each stage, but be aware that certain parking lots are restricted to parking pass holders from 9 AM-5 PM, Monday-Friday. At the time of publication, parking was free on campus after 5pm on weekdays and on all day on weekends, so this is when I recommend you find this cache. As a bonus, there are often fewer muggles around at these times! Note that it is your responsibility to pay attention to any signs regarding parking restrictions!
Stage 1: Art Gallery of Guelph
(posted coordinates for cache)
Located at the north end of campus, the gallery has an outdoor sculpture park full of unique works of art. Your job here is to wander the park until you find a good spot to drop a single push pin into the ground. When you have done that, take note of the colour of the pin (CLUE 1). The entrance to the parking lot is off Gordon Street just north of College Ave. If you would like to look at the artwork inside, admission to the gallery was free (donations accepted) at the time of publication of this cache.
Stage 2: The Guelph Gryphon
It’s hard to miss the huge bronze gryphon guarding the entrance to campus. Walk up the slope from the parking to get a closer look. Feel free to take a selfie with him – he doesn’t mind! Please keep an eye on small children as the statue can get extremely hot in the warmer weather! Your job here is to look around the area near ‘Gryph’ until you spot a Greek letter (CLUE 2).
Stage 3: Ontario Veterinary College
Welcome to OVC! This college is one of only 5 vet schools in Canada, and admits only about 120 students a year. It was founded in 1862 in Toronto and moved to Guelph in 1922. Your task at this stage is to find the name of the animal that you should be cautious of (Clue 3).
Stage 4: The Arboretum
The arboretum is located on the University of Guelph, and is open year-round. The numerous trails offer a wealth of ecological diversity. Take the time to enjoy the gardens, trees, ponds, and the occasional sculpture. Parking is waypointed, and was free for visitors at the time of publication. Find the nearby bench and have a rest. This bench was dedicated by the individual’s spouse, children, sisters, brothers, and father. What is the last name of the person that the bench has been dedicated to? (CLUE 4).
Stage 5: The Final!
CLUE 1: Convert the letters of the pin colour into numbers by using A=1, B=2, C=3 etc. Add up all the numbers to calculate the total for clue 1.
CLUE 2: Take the English equivalent of the Greek letter and determine its position in the English alphabet using A=1, B=2, C=3 etc. This single digit number is clue 2.
CLUE 3: Take the animal name and convert it into numbers using using A=1, B=2, C=3 etc. Add up all the numbers to calculate the total for clue 3.
CLUE 4: Take the person’s name and convert it into numbers using using A=1, B=2, C=3 etc. Add up all the numbers to calculate the total for clue 4.
Add the totals for clue 1 and 2 and divide by 1000. Add this number to the north coordinates of the fictitious coordinates below.
Add the totals for clue 3 and 4 and divide by 1000. Add this number to the west coordinates of the fictitious coordinates below.
Fictitious coordinates: N43 31.904 W80 13.290
As the final is in a high muggle area, I have provided a very specific hint with the geochecker. Please be stealthy!
You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.