Attention! Walking Brain Montreal has since closed and no longer offers activities. For more activities in Montreal see my Montreal guides.
Walking Brain is the perfect outdoor activity in Montreal! There are three types of Walking Brain outdoor geo-locating games you can play that take you all over the city (there’s even one to play for free!).
You have a chance to win prizes, discover a new area of Montreal, and test your brain. Play solo or as a team with your friends or family. You can even be matched up with a team to meet new like-minded people.
So why not spend this weekend exploring Montreal with Walking Brain geo-locating games!?
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
What Is Walking Brain?
Walking Brain was set up during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to give people a safe activity to do. It inspires you to get outside, move, and to use your brain through different geo-location games.
With the help of clues you’ll wander through the city to find the prize, or final answer to the puzzle.
The goal of these games is to give people a way to connect the digital world with the actual world. They aim to create momentary surrounding and environmental awareness.
Geo-Location Games – What’s That?
Heads up! The games work based off of geo-location. That means they’re tracking your location at all times during the games – but not in a creepy way.
This is how the games are able to work. For example, sometimes you have to get to the right location before you can move on to the next clue.
I think it’s also used to make sure you don’t cheat. Of course, some of the answers you can simply look up (but where’s the fun in that?). So by using geo-location, they’re able to know that you’re actually walking there.
Three Types of Walking Brain Games
Walking Brain Montreal offers three types of outdoor geo-games to play. Each one even gives you the chance at winning a prize if you have the best overall time!
You don’t have to be from Montreal, or know anything about the city in order to play any of these!
P.S. They’re working on releasing a fourth game in time for next spring exploring the Old-Port! So keep an eye out for that!
Match-Up: A Social Outdoor Activity in Montreal
The Match-Up game takes place every Saturday and Sunday until the end of October. The game typically lasts between 2 to 3 hours.
The Match-up games are a social geo-game. So in this game, you’re randomly placed with a group of two to four players. You have to work together to get the fastest time and solve the puzzle (and win the prize!).
This is not only a way great way to meet new people, but also to practice social and even language skills. It’s open to everyone 18 years and older in Montreal.
Outdoor Mystery Geo-Game
They currently offer one outdoor mystery game to solve: the Dabba-Virus (they’re working on releasing new ones for next Spring).
You can sign up as a solo player, or as a team (only one person needs to register).
It’s they’re most popular geo-game. It’s the perfect outdoor activity in Montreal for a group of friends, families, couples….etc. This is even a great team building exercise.
This game is ongoing, so you can sign up to play whenever you want. You choose the date and time.
Free Things To Do In Montreal: Go On A Treasure Hunt
If you’re looking for free things to do in Montreal this weekend look no further! Go on a treasure hunt with friends or family (you can even bring the dog along!).
Sign up to receive notifications for when the next treasure map is posted. You’ll want to act quick because once the treasure is found it isn’t replaced. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from playing old maps though in the meantime – it’s just good practice for when there is a new map!
The treasure hunts are the only geo-game that will continue throughout the winter so you have free things to do in Montreal all winter long!
Who Can Sign Up To Play Walking Brain?
Anyone can sign up for the outdoor mystery game and the free treasure hunts. These can even be really good team building exercises for school or companies, even couples and families!
You do need to be 18 years or older to play the Match-up Social geo-game.
It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the city or have lived here your whole life (like me). In fact that’s even better if you’re new – these are the perfect way to discover Montreal.
But you can also play this game if you’ve lived in the city you’re whole life! You don’t really get any advantage because you’re looking for very specific things and addresses.
What You’ll Need To Play
There are so many good things about Walking Brain Montreal but this might just be the best! You don’t need to download ANYTHING when you sign up to play any of the games. Yup! There’s no app necessary – isn’t that a breath of fresh air!?
You still need a smart phone with internet but that’s it! And only one person in the group need to have it.
You’ll also want to make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and I recommend bringing a water bottle along with you. There’s quite a bit of walking to do during the game (I mean that’s the whole point of it..). Of course, you can always take a break if you need to – but don’t forget that you’re being timed!
Why I Love Walking Brain Montreal
Not only is this a great outdoor activity in Montreal to see the city with friends (or maybe meet new friends) but it has a few other benefits too…
Physical & Mental Exercise
This is a much better weekend activity in Montreal than sitting on the couch. You’re outside for about 2 hours, and you’re walking – a lot. We walked about 5 km, about 90 minutes of total walking time.
It makes sense that it’s good for your physical health. But Walking Brain is also really good for your mental health too. You’re not just exercising your body, but also your brain when you play.
You’re working to figure out the right answer to different clues every step of the way.
Explore A New Side of Montreal
As I mentioned, Walking Brain outdoor geo-games have you walking all throughout Montreal.
Growing up, and still living in Montreal today, I even discovered some new hidden gems. The game took us to new murals and art pieces that I would have walked right by (and probably already have) several times.
The game really highlighted these hidden gems of the city, and I really appreciated that.
Very Reasonable Cost To Play
The cost ranges based on which outdoor game you choose, but there’s a game to fit everyone’s budget.
As I mentioned, the treasure hunt is totally free to play and you have the possibility of winning money! I think this is one of the best free things to do in Montreal!
But even the most “expensive” game – the outdoor mystery game, is very reasonably priced. Especially since you only need to sign up once for the entire group. So that cost can be split between up to 5 people.
And who knows, like I said, get the fastest time and you might even end up making money!
Things To Watch Out For…
While playing any outdoor game in Montreal, there are a few things to watch out for.
The games brings you to different address throughout Montreal. At times, these addresses are people’s homes or place of business. Although you’re on the sidewalk, and you never need to walk on or inside their property, it’s still something you need to be aware of. You have to be respectful at all times of someone else’s property.
Of course, being an outdoor game, this may be obvious, but look at the weather report before signing up (if possible) and definitely before heading out. You are outdoors 100% of the time. Book your time appropriately, and bring proper clothing for the weather!
Read More Montreal Guides!
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- Indoor Activities In Montreal For Rain And Snow Days
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