Mystery, Maps and Magic: Wanderlight Alpaca Experience LaunchesFirst-of-its-Kind ‘Quest’ for Visitors
Award-winning agri-tourism business in Peterborough County launches Alpaca Quest – a new ‘outdoor escape room meets alpaca walk’ experience
Ancient alpaca guardians have traveled through time to save their beloved alpacas from relentless hunters and help is needed to find and free the alpacas before it is too late – this is the premise for ‘Wanderlight Alpaca Quest’ a new, first-of-its-kind tourism experience at Wanderlight Alpaca Experience. This on-farm experience combines the team building aspects and intellectual challenges of an escape room-style mystery with the magic of nature and the wonder of alpacas.
When Alpaca Quest guests arrive at the farm they will be given a backpack with everything they need to solve a puzzling mystery, including a map, compass, a lockbox and instructions left by the time-traveling Incans. They will follow the map along on-farm trails to stations where they will solve challenging puzzles. Once the hiding place has been discovered the guests will lead the alpacas to the safety of the farm and savour their victory with a delightful local al fresco dining experience.
“Guests always comment on the sweet personalities of the alpacas and the beautiful serenity of the farm – this new experience allows guests to interact with the herd in an innovative and unforgettable way. People are making a visit to Wanderlight a family tradition and the Quest gives them a new adventure. Alpaca walks are popular on-farm experience in Ontario, the Quest brings it to a different level. It is great for groups who like to embark on an adventure, have fun and work together towards a common goal.”
Katie Jackson, founder of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience
Katie developed this idea with support from the “Spark” Innovation grant – which assists new tourism ideas with funding and mentorship. The Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” Program was led by the Tourism Innovation Lab in collaboration with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, a division of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED), and the official Destination Marketing Organization for the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.
“Developing new, bookable tourism products in collaboration with other local business operators offers visitors a unique and memorable experience in our region. This ultimately supports the region’s goals of increasing visitor spend and length of stay while ensuring guests have a rave-worthy experience they’ll want to come back to and share with family and friends.”
PKED Tourism Development Officer, Jaimie Eastabrook
The Wanderlight Alpaca Quest has been custom-designed by local experts from another Peterborough County business – Escape Maze – based in Stewart Hall. The story incorporates an element of magic by leaning into Earth elements and Incan mythology as the ancestral homeland of the modern-day domesticated alpaca.
“As a solo entrepreneur it is invaluable to have support, mentorship, and accountability to make an idea happen,” shares Jackson. “Consultations with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism and fellow tourism business operators helped me to feel like I was not alone and that there were people invested in my success.”
While the traditional elements may be a nod to South American culture, the adventure culminates in a truly local culinary experience.
“Guests at Wanderlight have the option to add on an al-fresco dining package with a table set with locally-sourced artisanware and delicious local food and drink. It is a great way to celebrate solving the Quest,” shares Jackson.
The artisanware has been sourced from potter Gail West, glass artist Susan Rankin, and woodworker Gord Maitland. Local food and drink are catered by Cheesy Fromage and Enticing Cakes in Lakefield.
The Wanderlight Alpaca Quest, the Al Fresco Alpaca Dining Packages and Alpaca Walks are all bookable on Wanderlight’s website: wanderlightalpaca.ca