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Unleash Your Inner Detective: The 10 Best Escape Rooms in Vaughan We’ve Tried (That Impressed Us!)
If there’s one thing you must know about me, it’s that I love a good mystery. Take a look at my bookshelf and you’ll see it’s dominated by Agatha Christie and Ann Cleeves, who essentially raised this puzzle-loving bookworm.
So when escape rooms started popping up on city blocks, you best believe I dragged my buddies immediately. There’s something spectacular about travelling to a different world and being trapped in a mystery that will test your abilities and friendship.
JK. Not friendship lost here! But my pals and I have collected a good amount of wins that I think it’s safe to crown us “pro escapers,” if that’s a thing. Gather ‘round and visit our go-to escape rooms in and near Vaughan and see if you can make it out in time!
TRAPPED Vaughan
– Media credit: trappedvaughan
Address: 60 Winges Rd, Unit #6, Woodbridge
Contact: (905) 850-8988, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 3 pm – 10:30 pm
- Friday: 3 pm – 11:45 pm
- Saturday: 11:30 am – 11:45 pm
- Sunday: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm
Pricing: $
You’ve likely already heard of TRAPPED, even if you aren’t the biggest escape room enthusiast. As Canada’s largest escape room chain (and one of the fastest growing) with over 50 locations, it’s pretty much all over the GTA.
It comes with varying themes made for all skill levels, so don’t be shy to bring your mom, gramps, or your nieces and nephews. If you think you can prevent WW2, explore the Great Pyramid of Giza, or venture into a haunted house, then this one’s for you.
With escape rooms ideal for small to large groups, you don’t have to bring every single one of your friends, even those who haven’t tried before, because there are no difficulty levels. Don’t get us wrong, the puzzles aren’t exactly easy, but they are very clever.
Pro Tip:
If you’re celebrating a kid’s birthday, this is one place to consider. The themes aren’t scary, but more on the mysterious side, so you won’t have to worry about jump scares.
The Escape Theory
– Media credit: theescapetheoryinc
Address: 14 Connie Crescent, Unit 19, Concord
Contact: (905) 669-3938, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Thursday: 3 pm – 10 pm
- Friday: 3 pm – 11:30 pm
- Saturday: 12 pm – 11:30 pm
- Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: $
The Escape Theory is one of our go-to spots in Vaughan because it envelops you in intriguing adventures. The exciting themes, creative puzzles, cryptic riddles, and thrilling atmosphere make this one of the most engaging escape rooms we’ve tried in the GTA.
The storytelling will totally immerse you because the game master knows exactly how to put on a show. A bit of exercise would be wise for the physical challenges, which create a more interactive feeling.
We don’t want to spoil anything, but we do want to say that the puzzles don’t feel tedious. There’s a good flow with all the challenges, and the puzzles don’t feel repetitive—overall, it feels fresh!
Pro Tip:
Some themes will require you to book a 3rd ticket even if there are only 2 players, so if you want to save some loonies, choose the room ideal for duos.
Freeing Canada Station
– Media credit: freeing.ca
Address: 9625 Yonge St, Unit 2F, Richmond Hill
Contact: (647) 800-7622
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 12 am
- Sunday: 11 am – 11:30 pm
Pricing: $
Located 20 minutes from downtown, Freeing Canada Stations elevates the escape room experience. The rooms are creatively designed with mysteries that will keep you engaged and amused. Think: fun and stimulating.
Choose from the challenging and not-too-difficult themes, including scary stuff that will make you wonder if there’s an actual ghost there. If horror’s not for you, you can pick adventure themes and focus on head-scratching puzzles.
This escape room offers way more, with a lounge filled with loads of board games and a foosball table to play as you wait for your turn—perfect for warming up!
Pro Tip:
Remember to book online because walk-ins aren’t accepted on weekdays.
Escape OK
– Media credit: escape_ok
Address: 7/400 Power Centre – 57 Northview Blvd #5, Woodbridge
Contact: (905) 264-0540, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Thursday: 5 pm – 10:30 pm
- Friday: 5 pm – 12 am
- Saturday: 12 pm – 12 am
- Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: $$
Escape room fans and newbies will find Escape OK an incredible spot for its spacious rooms and immersive games (you won’t be packed like sardines!). There’s something for every skill level, including kids who want to test their problem-solving abilities.
As far as the theme goes, there’s something for every interest! You’ll find crime, mythical, covert operations, and horror escape rooms designed to test critical thinking skills and creativity, with some needing the use of all five senses and physical abilities.
Kids won’t miss out on anything! Some rooms can be adjusted for the little ones (aged 6 to 12), but even without modifications, the themes aren’t impossible to complete.
Pro Tip:
Reservations are highly recommended. But if you plan on walking in, try it on a weekday when the escape rooms aren’t too busy.
Secret City Adventures
– Media credit: secretcityadventures
Address: 328 Walmer Rd
Contact: (647) 243-7658, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Pricing: $$$
When it’s an award-winning escape room, you know you won’t be disappointed. Secret City Adventures, where you can partake in adventures with strangers, will not let you down, and we promise you the travel from Vaughan to Toronto is worth it.
This is one of THE most immersive escape rooms in the GTA! It’s set in the Gothic Revival castle, Casa Loma—the venue itself already makes it enjoyable. You don’t have to be locked in a room all the time, as this one offers outdoor puzzles like no other.
Some themes will take you to areas that aren’t open to the public, others will bring you to the open grounds, and a few will have you enjoying a meal while uncovering the truth. The live actors will totally immerse you in the game!
A popular and not-to-be-missed escape room is Murdoch Mysteries, based on the Canadian TV series of the same name. But this time, it’s your turn to figure out where the famous detective is.
Pro Tips:
Keep an eye out for seasonal or limited escape rooms, including highly interactive puzzles inspired by popular mystery shows.
Consider non-peak hours to save a couple of dollars.
Imaginarium
– Media credit: imaginarium.ca
Address: To be announced (moving to a new place, stay tuned for updates here)
Contact: (647) 350-6359, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 3 pm – 10:30 pm
- Friday: 3 pm – 11:45 pm
- Saturday: 11:30 am – 11:45 pm
- Sunday: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm
Pricing: $$
We simply must include Imaginarium, an escape room in Vaughan that’s fascinating, engaging, and full of adventure. The themes aren’t hair-raising scary, but also not ideal for kids—more for teens and adults, as they range from medium to hard difficulty levels.
The puzzles are challenging—not too easy but not impossible to crack. They’ll put your mind to work without taking the fun away.
The visuals? Compelling, as every prop is well-crafted. A crowd favourite, the Steampunk Express, is one of those rooms that are meticulously designed, while Space Station 19 brings an AR experience that feels like you’re in space!
Pro Tip:
The clues are clever, so if you’re a beginner, book the escape room with the easiest difficulty level first. It’s a good idea to get familiar with their method before moving on to the more challenging themes.
INBLACK Escape Room
– Media credit: inblackescaperoom
Address: 3570 Victoria Park Ave #100b, North York
Contact: (437) 684-5519
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 6 pm – 12 am
- Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm – 12 am
Pricing: $$$
INBLACK Escape Room will plunge you straight into the experience, complete with storytelling, NPC dialogues that may or may not affect the game, and audio and visual effects.
If you’re searching for a puzzle where you won’t feel like you’re in a game, then this is it. The rooms will challenge your critical thinking skills, where you’ll feel like you’re actually part of the story. Think: creative designs, brain-teasing puzzles, and engaging stories.
It has several locations in the GTA, all with their own escape room themes. You’ll find horror, adventure, mystery, and jumpscares… if you dare!
Pro Tip:
Follow their Instagram for updates on seasonal discounts.
Confundrum Escape Rooms
– Media credit: confundrumescaperooms
Address: 775 Woodview Rd, Burlington
Contact: (905) 333-1386
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 4 pm – 10 pm
- Wednesday – Thursday: 3 pm – 10 pm
- Friday: 2 pm – 11:30 pm
- Saturday: 12 pm – 11:30 pm
- Sunday: 11:30 am – 10 pm
Pricing: $$
You don’t have to be in Vaughan to experience Confundrum Escape Rooms. It’s a rare spot, indeed, as it offers virtual experiences, which you can play using your laptop.
But if you want a more immersive experience, there are several themes that include adventure, horror, mystery, and space. Most are ideal for beginners and families, with engaging storylines, detailed designs, clever props, and immersive experiences.
The overall experience is organized, with a huge help from the game master. It’s perfect for beginners—including those who have zero clue about escape rooms—because you won’t feel confused about the whole thing, except for some tricky puzzles.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to play 2 or more escape rooms, consider looking into the packages to save a loonie or two.
Perplexity Escape Games
– Media credit: perplexityescapegames
Address: 56 Bramsteele Rd, Unit #2, Brampton
Contact: (905) 595-8583, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Thursday: 6 pm – 11 pm
- Friday: 6 pm – 1 am
- Saturday: 12 pm – 1 am
- Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: $
The 3000 sq ft facility of Perplexity Escape Rooms is one of the reasons it has become one of our favourites in the Brampton area. It’s not just because it has a good variety of rooms, but it’s also due to the lounge, where you can play board games while waiting.
The escape rooms? Exciting and clever. Some rooms include a cluster of clues you can solve simultaneously, so instead of waiting to resolve one before moving on, you’ll be engaged throughout.
You’ll find the escape rooms are pretty challenging, but not impossible to finish. Some are best done with a minimum of 4 to 5 participants for a higher chance of solving it, but it’s still possible for duos.
Pro Tip:
If you’re searching for a place to hang out with friends, the game lounge is open to non-players for only $5 per person. It’s free if you book an escape room.
GAME OVER Escape Room
– Media credit: gameover_mississauga
Address: 1739 Dundas St E, Second Floor, Mississauga
Contact: (647) 530-6837, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 4 pm – 10 pm
- Friday: 4 pm – 12 am
- Saturday: 12 pm – 12 am
- Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: $$$
Everything is fully engaging at GAME OVER, where the escape rooms are a feast for the senses. Get ready for truly captivating puzzles and spectacular visuals that will make you feel like you’ve been trapped in another world.
With a setup that feels real, you’ll surely have a blast checking out the props. The puzzles won’t demand too much of your time, but just enough clues that will keep you on edge—and not the kind that will make you want to pull your hair out.
There’s a variety of themes, from wizardry to horror. We’ve only tried a couple, but we have to say that The Orient Express is a clear favourite because it draws inspiration from the Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, the queen of mysteries.
Pro Tip:
Want to save some money? Book from Tuesday to Thursday and save almost $20!
