Geocaching in Ontario, Canada, could net big time prizes. A Canadian organization is using geocaching to promote tourism and ecological awareness in northern Ontario.

More than 150 caches are now part of a contest sponsored by the Canadian Ecology Centre foundation. The organization’s website offers prizes including a canoe, a diamond ring, an original painting, and a variety of high-quality merchandise and hospitality packages. Prizes will be randomly drawn on Dec. 31, 2004. Currently, the prize list is up to 335 items, valued at nearly $30,000.

Participants can enter one time for each cache found. There is no entry fee, and both experienced cachers and non-cachers alike are invited to participate.

The contest features caches found near trails, canoe routes, points of interest and prominent natural features. With the exception of commercial caches, most of the caches are also listed on the geocaching.com website. All the caches are in Ontario.

Northern Ontario GPS Treasure Hunting is a program designed by a non-profit organization attempting to present a better understanding of the conservation and development issues and options related to the environment and the forest industry in Ontario.

For a complete list of caches, prizes, and contest rules, visit geocachingontario.com