The fun of discovering the "Reel Cochrane" was embraced by 17 teams in the weekend launch of the Mystery Town Game over the weekend.

It's a healthy start for a game played with a phone app that relies upon upon the wit of teams to make their way through the Historic Downtown and Quarry districts. It's a game of time but the main point is to have fun along the way while learning about the many fine things offered in Cochrane.

Teams off and running in the Historic Downtown.Some teams arrived for the 10 a.m. start and were chomping at the bit to get going. Other teams started throughout the day when it fits into their schedule. That's the whole idea of Mystery Town--it can be played at any time during regular business hours.

Mystery Towns creator Andrew Nickerson was here for the launch and says its a great collaboration with Cochrane Tourism and local businesses.  

"It's wonderful to see just how enthusiastic people are about the game," says Nickerson, who is based out of Canmore and has been in the tourism industry for over 20 years.

The Cochrane game is being promoted as having the fun of a scavenger game, puzzles of an Escape Room and the thrill of the Amazing Race. It can take different forms, like in Canmore where there are three completely different games available to play. It's available in Canmore, Banff, Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton and Calgary and a few others are expected to be launched this year, says Nickerson.

Creator Andrew Nickerson was here for the launch.

"We wanted to create a product that could be played at any time of the day without making a firm commitment. So, for example, if they book for 1 p.m. on Saturday, and the weather's not great they can choose to play at a different time."

The one in Cochrane takes about 90 minutes to two hours to complete. But teams have the option of taking breaks, so dine, shop or just chill and can make a day out of it if they wish.

Tourism Cochrane pursued Nickerson to bring the game to Cochrane to promote the town as a destination. Tourism starts at home, though, and some of those enjoying the launch were from Cochrane.

Tourism Cochrane executive director Jo-Anne Oucharek says they've received great feedback from the opening weekend.

"They all really enjoyed the game and would highly recommend it to others," says Ouchark.

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