Prepare for a 30 to 45-minute multi-cache adventure exploring London's Canadian connections! You'll uncover the rich history, culture, and economic ties between London and Canada while enjoying a mini-tour of the city.
This cache is a special tribute to my Canadian wife, who has happily called London home for over 15 years. Remember, there is no need for a toque, a loonie, or even a double-double on this adventure—though you might wish you had one for luck! Enjoy the journey, eh!
END GOAL
N (A)° (B)0.5(C)0, W 000° 07.1(D)(E)
The starting coordinates will bring you to a green plaque for 'Frederick Stanley, 16th Earl of Derby'. Appointed by Queen Victoria as Governor General of Canada, Stanley and his family became passionate about ice hockey after witnessing a game at Montreal's Winter Carnival. His sons, Arthur and Algernon, formed the Ottawa Rideau Hall Rebels and were instrumental in organising Canadian ice hockey leagues. Persuaded by his sons, Stanley donated a trophy to symbolise the hockey championship, purchasing a rose bowl from a London silversmith. Engraved with the "Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup" and "From Stanley of Preston," it became known as the Stanley Cup, first referred to by this name in an Ottawa Journal article.
CLUE 1: What year did Frederick Stanley purchase the original Stanley Cup from a silversmith on this site: 18(??) [subtract the missing number by 41 to find A]?
now walk to N 51° 30.393′ W 0° 07.937′
You should be by a statue of Sir John Franklin, a distinguished British Royal Navy officer and Arctic explorer. Franklin led the ill-fated expedition aboard HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, tasked with traversing the last unnavigated sections of the Northwest Passage and recording magnetic data to aid navigation. The expedition met with disaster as both ships became icebound in Victoria Strait near King William Island, Nunavut. After over a year trapped in the ice, Erebus and Terror were abandoned. By then, two dozen men, including Franklin, had died, and the remaining crew, led by Francis Crozier and James Fitzjames, disappeared while attempting to reach the Canadian mainland.
CLUE 2: What year is on the front of the plinth 18(?)7 [subtract the missing number by 1 to find B]?
now walk to N 51° 30.463′ W 0° 07.712′
Turn around and take a look at the Canadian Pacific Building at 62-65 Trafalgar Square. It is situated on the south side of Trafalgar Square, offering spectacular views of the National Gallery and Nelson's Column. This building was once the headquarters of the renowned railway, hotel, and steamship company (though now it operates as a Pret a Manger!). The Canadian Pacific Railway Company, incorporated on February 16, 1881, was established to build a railway linking British Columbia with Ontario and Quebec.
CLUE 3: How many windows (not individual panels, but whole window sets) are there on the first and second floors of this building? [C]
cross the road to N 51° 30.470′ W 0° 07.738′
Welcome to Canada House (or Maison du Canada), the Greek Revival building on Trafalgar Square in London. A Grade II* Listed Building since 1970, it's been the High Commission of Canada's base in the UK since 1925. Built between 1824 and 1827, it initially housed the Union Club and the Royal College of Physicians. Acquired by Canada in 1923, it was spruced up with Canadian furniture and flooring, and King George V declared it open in 1925, calling Canada a "great country" worthy of a grand HQ. Damaged during the Blitz, it expanded in 1961 and survived closure threats in 1993. Reopened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 and again in 2015, it hosts everything from consular services to art exhibitions. And yes, during the 2012 Olympics, it even moonlighted as Canada Olympic House!
CLUE 4: How many gold maple leaves are there on and around the door? [D]
walk to N 51° 30.658′ W 0° 07.358′
Last stop now, and welcome to the one and only Canadian pub in the heart of London. This friendly hangout is packed with Canadian flags, hockey jerseys, and all things Canuck. Dig into poutine, Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, and butter tarts, while washing it down with Canadian beers or a maple syrup Old Fashioned.
CLUE 5: A small piece of Canada.......since 19(?)6 [Subtract the missing by 6 to number to find E]?
You should have everything you need to recover the secret cache! Thanks for playing.
