Stakeholder Spotlight

ClueSolvers is “part scavenger hunt, part escape room, part Amazing Race” — and entirely self-paced. Founded in 2017 by tourism product developer, Andrew Nickerson from Canmore, Alberta, the company designs app-guided walking adventures that help people discover destinations in a fresh way. 

How it works

Players download the ClueSolvers app, form a team of two to five, and follow a themed storyline through a three-kilometre route, solving clues hidden in historical plaques, public art, and even local shop windows. There’s no time limit — games can be paused and resumed at any point — and they’re available 365 days a year, rain or shine. 

ClueSolvers works in cities across Canada, including three Richmond routes: 

• Steveston Maritime Mystery– Solve a cryptic poem and number puzzle while exploring Steveston’s shops, historic sites, and vibrant waterfront. 
• People and Places – Uncover clues in Minoru Park and CF Richmond Centre to crack a case of stolen cultural funds. 
• Flights of Fashion– Follow a trail of clues through McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to secure a high-stakes fashion launch. 

How did ClueSolvers get started? 

After 25 years in tourism product and destination development, founder Andrew wanted to create an experience people could enjoy entirely on their own time— no fixed schedules, and no barriers to participation. The goal was a “behind-the-velvet-rope” experience that blended must-see highlights with the small, often-overlooked details even locals pass every day. From the start, ClueSolvers was designed to spark exploration and stimulate spending in nearby businesses. The team works closely with attractions, restaurants, and shops to build content-rich routes, sometimes placing subtle clues in storefront windows — and occasionally offering discounts — so the game becomes a doorway to new discoveries. 

Can you tell us a bit about your own background before launching ClueSolvers?  

Before starting ClueSolvers in 2017, Andrew spent more than 25 years working in tourism product development and destination development, including leading the destination marketing organization in Canmore, Alberta. His career has taken him around the world, experiencing and learning from a wide range of tourism products. That global perspective, combined with a passion for creating engaging, flexible visitor experiences, inspired him to design a game-based product that could be enjoyed year-round, in any weather, and entirely on the player’s own schedule. 

Who plays ClueSolvers?

Although ClueSolvers was originally designed with tourists in mind, it quickly became just as popular with locals and regional visitors. Families, couples, corporate teams, wedding parties, and sports groups now use it as a fun alternative to escape rooms or movie nights, as well as a unique way to explore their own community. For residents, it’s also a great “visit friends and relatives” activity — something engaging to do with guests while showing them around the destination. Corporate and multi-team groups often add a competitive twist by starting at different points and tracking their progress on the live leaderboard. 

How do you work with local businesses and landmarks? 

Partnerships are central to every ClueSolvers game. Andrew and his team spend days on-site walking the route, photographing, and scouting for story-rich features — from historical plaques and public art to unique storefront displays. They look for businesses willing to host clues in their windows, designing them to blend seamlessly with the surroundings so only players notice them. These locations often become natural break points along the route, and some partners choose to offer discounts or special offers, giving players an extra reason to step inside and explore. 

How does ClueSolvers help people see Richmond differently? 

Each route is designed to make players slow down, look closer, and notice details that often go unseen. Clues highlight historical plaques, public art, and unique features — like the custom puzzle hidden in the window of the Steveston Tram Museum — encouraging players to engage with familiar places in a new way. Andrew often hears from locals who finish a game saying, “I’ve lived here for years and never knew that was there.” By the end, players haven’t just solved the storyline — they’ve uncovered fresh stories, places, and perspectives within their own community. 

What’s next for ClueSolvers? 

ClueSolvers is continuing to grow, with plans to expand into new markets and test fresh ideas from partners. While most games are currently built around towns and city districts, Andrew’s team is exploring ways to adapt the format for single locations — from local food courts to major attractions — and to integrate it into events and festivals. The goal is to broaden partnerships and develop tailored versions of the game that serve as on-site engagement tools, unique event activities, or custom routes for specific venues. 

Do you offer incentives for players? 

Incentives vary depending on the audience. For competitive groups — particularly corporate teams playing head-to-head — the live leaderboard is a big draw, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience. For others, the reward is simply the game itself: a couple of hours of exploring, discovering, and seeing a place in a new way. Partner businesses along the route often become natural “refreshment breaks,” giving players the option to pause and step inside. Some partners, such as local pubs or cafés, sweeten the stop with special offers like 10% off food or drinks, providing yet another reason to linger and enjoy the destination. 

Want to partner with ClueSolvers? 

If you’re a Richmond business interested in hosting a clue, offering a player discount, or collaborating on a future route, connect with Andrew’s team to explore the possibilities. Learn more at ClueSolvers.com