The Pirate's CodeJigsaw Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLPuzzles 🧩: 7.5/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 7.5/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 6/10 Fun Factor 🤘: 8/10 A solid local pirate themed escape room in the ByWard Market! There were plenty of puzzles to keep the four of us busy, working together or in parallel. The Pirate's code is a nice 1.5 generation room with a mix of traditional puzzles, lock and key, combination lock codes to decipher, and some automated puzzles, too. We are a bit fuzzy on what the story was exactly, but there was no mistake, we were on a pirate-y mission. Argh. 🏴☠️ JigSaw did a great job with the decor and build to evoke a sense of nautical, lootin' adventure and the room was in great condition. It was a bit dark in the room to read the text (we were told to use our phone flashlights if needed, and we did end up needing it) but we found all the puzzle solutions made sense and had a moderate level of difficulty. Everything related to the puzzles worked as it was supposed to, and we had a lot of fun solving them. The only technical hiccup may have been that the audio for the storyline from our protagonist did not play, but it was not crucial to escaping the room. We got out with 20 minutes to spare! We think this is one of the better rooms from JigSaw Escape Rooms, and recommend it to those in Ottawa.
La ConFéeserie [The Fairy Confectionary]SOS Aventures - Saint-JérômeEscape roomIRLPuzzles 🧩: 8.5/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 9/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 8/10 Fun Factor 🤘: 8.5/10 🍭🍫🍬🧚🏻♂️ Step into an escape room that is absolute eye candy! We loved how true to theme this game stayed, placing us right into new owners of a confectionery handed down by our aunt. The space was jam-packed with a variety of puzzles that kept the two of us constantly busy within a gorgeous set that was as fun to touch and feel as it was to look at. While the game is light on traditional narrative, the story reveals itself naturally through the puzzles, making everything feel self-explanatory and intuitive. We also loved how hints were seamlessly sprinkled into the environment, and the space itself was cleverly well-divided. The puzzles can be solved in parallel and we found it was a good amount of puzzles for two players, but it would hit the sweet spot for a team of 3 to 4. Its playful, family-friendly theme also makes it a great pick for kids and kids-at-heart alike. We did encounter a few sticky spots along the way, including a missing piece and mechanics that failed to activate after we solved them. Fortunately, the tablet hint system connected us quickly to our game master so we could keep moving forward without missing a beat. In terms of accessibility, the experience includes steps to climb and a few tight spaces that require crawling. Overall, it's a sweet adventure that we highly recommend! We were very impressed with the quality of this game from SOS Aventures, and we are looking forward to going back!
KappaExode - ÉvasionEscape roomIRLPuzzles 🧩: 7/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 8.5/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 8/10 Fun Factor 🤘: 7.5/10 "Kappa" features a wonderfully built set that looks great and perfectly captures a distinctly Mean Girls energy, and is spot-on for the Greek sorority storyline. We appreciated the atypical theme of this game and creativity in the storyline. We didn't quite escape though, it was the first game in a while we didn't finish on time. The game leans heavily on search-and-find, and we spent more of the hour hunting than solving (and sometimes we didn't know what or where we had to continue to search). Language was part of the problem... though this game is available to play in both English and in French, when we'd requested to play in English, the intro video and our clues came in French anyway, which was a bit of a barrier for us. When we asked for hints we ended up reverting to French and our French is intermediate. In addition, some of the translation choices in-game actively pointed us the wrong way, and the room is light on signposting to begin with. We felt like a handful of the puzzles had a lot of red-herrings and required a leap in logic, though in fairness we'd just come off a six-hour drive and weren't at our sharpest. We recommend playing with a group of at least four players. Some puzzles cover a lot of physical ground and you'll want the extra pairs of eyes to cover it.
Un Homard à la MerLillojeuxEscape roomIRL🦞⚓️🛟🛳️ Puzzles 🧩: 8/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 8.5/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 9/10 Fun Factor 🤘: 9/10 We extended our trip out to the Gaspé Peninsula and found this gem tucked into a small coastal Quebec town, close to beautiful national parks, Chaleur Bay, and sightseeing. The game lives inside Lillojeux, a charming board game store, and we were greeted by our warm and friendly game master. A note for anglophones: it runs in French only, but we'd say intermediate French is plenty — 95% of the game doesn't lean on language at all. We were also allowed to bring our personal belongings in, so a translator app is likely a viable backup if you need it. This was our first game in French, and we never felt stuck on the language. The best part is the whimsy. "Un homard à la mer" has a "hand-made with love" feel, and the theming is perfectly matched to the region: nautical, maritime, lobster fishing. Fun fact — Dan's family heritage includes some lobster fishermen, which made freeing the captured lobsters an especially comical mission for us. The puzzles are a mix of mechanical locks and inventive diegetic work, all of it in service of the lobster-saving theme. Everything functioned exactly as intended, and more than a few puzzles got a real laugh out of us. One practical caveat: there are some tight spaces to crawl through, so we'd cap this at around three players. A great time, and a must-play if the Gaspésie is on your itinerary. And if you can keep going to Percé, Gaspé and Forillon National Park, you're in for a wonderful trip.
Prisoner of AzkaranRoom Escape AtlanticEscape roomIRLOur nephews are escape room converts too, so we tried this local game during a visit to New Brunswick. The room runs in both English and French and handles big groups, making it a solid bet for families and larger crews (we were a group of 8). The puzzle count is generous, and newcomers get a helpful safety net: a binder of clues with answers that only appear under blacklight. It's a clever touch, though the puzzles lean more script-heavy so expect to do a fair bit of reading. That's worth flagging if you're bringing younger kids; we'd steer this toward older ones. The best part is structural. Your group gets split between a prison cell and a wizard school, and the two halves have to actually talk to each other to get anywhere. The puzzles themselves have some lovely physical elements too, including a good deal of wizarding paraphernalia that will land nicely with Harry Potter fans. Overall: an enjoyable family activity with a few real surprises tucked in. Puzzles 🧩: 5/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 5/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 6/10 Fun Factor 🤘: 6/10
Marcheurs de rêves [The Dreamwalkers]Cabinet MysteriisEscape roomIRLPuzzles 🧩: 8/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 8/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 8.5/10 Fun Factor 🤘: 8/10 We stopped by Cabinet Mysteriis to play The Dreamwalkers [Marcheurs de rêves], which landed at #47 on the global TERPECA list in 2020. The game is story-driven and its handmade craft helps immerse you into its dreamlike atmosphere. The room features a mix of mechanical locks alongside a good variety of satisfying diegetic puzzles, and makes use of a clever clue delivery system. We had a fantastic game master who explained different parts of the game afterwards. A few elements are showing wear, and some puzzle mechanisms had us checking with the game master to confirm we'd actually solved them. We still recommend this game if you are in the area!
Neverland: Heist On The High SeasImprobable Escapes - WonderlandEscape roomIRLTo Neverland's high seas we sailed, a pirate-themed delight, With many creative details and a stunning set in sight. The game components have evolved and cared for through the years, A passionate and well-kept space that brings out happy cheers. From starting locked inside the brig to hunting down the loot, The varied mechanics and puzzles let us chart a clear and clever route. The density of challenges was satisfyingly grand, With plenty of clues scattered across both sea and land. Teamwork and clear communication were the keys to be set free, And alas, we got our treasure in the end with some giddy glee! Puzzles 🧩: 8.5/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 8.5/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 8.5/10 Fun Factor 🤘: 9/10 Note: When we played, we learned that several components and puzzles have been changed recently in this game. We love that Improbable Escapes takes care in maintaining, improving and updating their wonderful games over time!
Seven Dwarfs: Mining MissionImprobable Escapes - WonderlandEscape roomIRLOur Kingston day trip was quite a treat, With four escape rooms to make our day complete! "Seven Dwarfs: Mining Mission”: was our last (but not least) room, Where we helped the poison apple meet its doom! As we unlocked the mysteries untold. The opening room was a sight to behold, We found a room updated with much grace, With many varying and cute puzzles in the space. A group of three or four is best to tread Where dwarf-mined tunnels and rich ore are spread. We're so glad that we made the journey here, We’ll be back to Kingston and Improbable Escapes, that’s clear! Puzzles 🧩: 8.5/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 9/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 8/10 Fun Factor 🤘: 9.5/10 🏅We broke the record time with more than 22 min to spare! 🗓️ The Seven Dwarfs: Mining Mission is the oldest remaining room at Improbable Escapes’ Wonderland location. There was a major upgrade to it three months ago (April 2026). This changed several puzzles and appears to have improved the gameplay based on the gamemaster feedback.
Down the Rabbit HoleImprobable Escapes - WonderlandEscape roomIRLDown the Rabbit Hole we fell, the newest Wonderland treat, A whimsical aesthetic that is wonderful and sweet. To Lewis Carroll's famous world, we quickly slipped away, With eye candy and vibrant hues surrounding us to play. The tactile, custom-crafted props were beautifully designed, With clever logic puzzles and a cute party-theme in mind! The variety (!!) in buttons...was for sure a fidgeter's dream, And taking just a couple hints proved helpful to our team. It took some true collaboration, eyeing everything around, Plus our other senses to track down every sound! We absolutely loved the game, the whimsy and design, A highly recommended room where art and play combine! Puzzles 🧩: 8/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 9/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 8/10 Fun Factor 🤘: 8/10
The Mysterious Miseries of Franklin N. SteinImprobable Escapes - WonderlandEscape roomIRLPuzzles 🧩: 9/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 8.5/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 8.5/10 Fun Factor 🤘: 9/10 At last, our Kingston excursion, with four games in line, We started with Miseries of Franklin N Stein! The story was lovely, the theme was a treat, Immersed in the tale from the very first beat. The puzzles were varied and quite a delight, Using senses and logic to get them all right. With hands-on mechanics and itches to scratch, Each clean, unique answer was an excellent match. The whole game flowed smoothly, a joy to work through, You can split up the tasks or work close with your crew. We highly recommend you give this one a play, A fantastic escape to kick off a great day! Extra notes: The board game cafe and the bar are a dream, With food, easy parking, and such a great team! Inclusivity and accessibility kept clearly in mind, A community this supportive is a gem of a find!
Firefighter Rescue MissionEscape From The 6Escape roomIRLPuzzles 🧩: 8/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 8/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 8/10 Fun factor 🤘: 8/10 Stepping into the boots of a first responder, this room begins as a seemingly routine day at the fire station before rapidly escalating into a high-stakes emergency dispatch. It is a highly unique theme that you don't see very often, and the ensuing challenges and exploration was perfectly on theme of a rescue mission apt for the title of the escape game. The gameplay features non-linear puzzle design, so it is absolutely a fantastic room for a larger group where players can divide and conquer. As a group of two plus mom's first escape game, we needed more time to solve, but the puzzles themselves were solid first generation style puzzles (lock and key) and weave incredibly well into the overarching story of the emergency response. Overall, it is a very well-rounded, enjoyable room with a great concept. If you can bring a full squad to tackle the multi-tasking, you are going to have an excellent time saving the day!
Botanica GreenhouseDaydream Adventures - BrimleyEscape roomIRLPuzzles 🧩: 9/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 8.5 /10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 8.5/10 Fun factor 🤘: 9/10 We wrapped up our "Interstellar Botanical Expedition" at the Botanica Greenhouse a few weekends ago and it is a remarkably well-constructed room that leans heavily into a highly satisfying, hands-on experience. The physical build of this room is fantastic. The set design is robust (for kids) and gorgeous, creating an environment that is a genuine tactile pleasure to explore. The puzzles are where this room truly shines, they are incredibly fun to solve, chunky, and encourage you to just play around. The gameplay is elevated by how seamlessly the puzzles are integrated into the story. There are clever callbacks woven throughout the game, and the interactions have some genuinely great humour built in. Our only critique comes down to the room's technical audio balance. We experienced some frustrating issues with the speakers being too quiet or muffled. It made it difficult to hear the story beats and the hint system, which unfortunately took a slight edge off an otherwise highly immersive narrative. Overall, despite the audio hiccups, Botanica Greenhouse is a fantastic, premium-feeling room with excellent puzzle flow and a great sense of humour. A highly memorable and fun expedition that is well worth playing and good for families!
Brimley ManorDaydream Adventures - BrimleyEscape roomIRLPuzzles 🧩: 9/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 8 /10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 8.5/10 Fun factor 🤘: 8.5/10 For our job as amateur ghost hunters, we loaded up the van and headed into Brimley Manor. Rather than a terrifying horror room, this leans into a delightfully spooky, fun adventure where the goal isn't to bust the restless spirits, but to interact with and help them. The room features an impressive set with a surprising amount of space to explore as you work to uncover the spirit realm. While the physical build didn't have quite the same "wow" factor as the Botanica Greenhouse, it is still beautifully designed and highly engaging. The puzzles were fantastic and were a major highlight for us. There is a great variety of puzzle types that keep the gameplay fresh, and they flow perfectly with the room's narrative. We absolutely loved the whimsical storyline and the unique, lighthearted take on a haunted house. Overall, it is a fantastic room with solid puzzle design, and our team had an absolute blast from start to finish!
The Show Must Go OnEscape Manor ElginEscape roomIRLPuzzles 🧩: 8/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 7/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 7/10 Fun factor 🤘: 8/10 The newest room in Ottawa - (not sure if it’s the same one in Hamilton’s EM location) This might be our favourite room from Escape Manor to date! There were a good variety of puzzles, including one sweet puzzle that we've not seen before in Ottawa! Our Game Master was enthusiastic and absolutely fabulous as well. We finished in 37 min, so it is a smaller room. The Show Must Go On would be fabulous for for families, friends and colleagues, and folks can take advantage of their nice lounge and events as well as all that Elgin St has to offer :)
The VisitorsLockdown Ottawa Escape RoomEscape roomIRLPuzzles 🧩: 6/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 5/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 5/10 Fun factor 🤘: 6/10 A short and sweet escape room (30-45min) from Lockdown Ottawa is a first gen classic escape room that’s good for maybe beginners new to ERs.
Petra, El Reino Perdido [Petra, The Lost Kingdom Full Expedition]PETRA - El Reino PerdidoEscape roomIRLA superb game in Bilbao with non-stop puzzles! We loved the unique set, mechanics and design of puzzles we hadn't seen before. Tons of creativity and fun in the game! We loved the first part and when we thought we were finished, there were even more puzzles and escaping to be done!! Highly recommend for those in town, and look out for their upcoming game. Puzzles 🧩: 9/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 8.5/10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 9/10 Fun factor 🤘: 9/10
Space Base: ExterminationSpace Base: ExterminationEscape roomIRLWow! Absolutely a must-play and one of our top three rooms in over 35+ rooms on our Spain escape room trip. A game in a new category of escape games with an incredible number of puzzles, perfect level of tension and adrenaline-rushing thrill while solving very engaging and interesting puzzles/missions/quests scattered throughout an expansive space. The puzzles are very diverse, and there is something for everyone. The game is replayable and we hope to be able to play again in the future. We completed just a small fraction of the possible puzzles there were, but had an incredible time exploring the massive space and probably didn't even see some of the 70 puzzles/missions in its many nooks and crannies. We would have loved to play this with a group of friends together or competing with different teams, but still had a blast as a duo. The room was playable in Spanish and English and while we played in English. all videos played in Spanish and English and we had no problems playing with a Spanish group. Puzzles 🧩: 10/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 10.5 /10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 10/10 Fun factor 🤘: 10.5/10
Una Aventura De Leyenda [A Legendary Adventure]Mayto KingdomEscape roomIRLA Legendary Adventure was an adventure-themed escape game experience with a captivating set and impressive production value. We felt like we were on an adventure and had a blast completing the puzzles, exploring the creative puzzles, challenges, and loved the spectacular cinematic moments near the end! Really fun moments, and we thought was also good for families.
Tú También Soñarás [You'll Dream Too]Mayto KingdomEscape roomIRLWe were lucky enough to be able to play Tu Tambien Soñaras in English. While we faced one of our worst fears, and whilst parts of this game were terrifying, we had an amazing experience playing this escape game. It is amazing in directing and drawing the player to the next steps they need to take... the puzzles were fantastic, creative and unique, giving it a nice balance with the atmosphere, and the set massive and also thrilling. Not for the faint of heart, but worth it if you can withstand some fear. The actors and game masters were wonderful in their roles. This was one of our top 5 escape rooms from our Spain escape room trip. Spectacular room - a must-play if you are so lucky to play. Puzzles 🧩: 9/10 Set/Wow Factor ✨: 10.5 /10 Story/Immersion 🔮: 10.5/10 Fun factor 🤘: 10/10
DragonBorn: El Hijo del Posadero [DragonBorn: The Innkeeper's Son]DragonBorn Escape RoomEscape roomIRLThe Inkeeper's Son was a joy to experience and exceeded our expectations, surprising us with the variety of its puzzles, fantastic game mastering, fun vibes and all the *extra* things it offered in the game, whether it was the detailed set and props, its puzzles, the thoughtful designs and humour weaved into the game. While it is older, and showing some wear, overall, thanks to our game master, we found it to be an excellent game that is worth playing still with some nice surprises.
![La ConFéeserie [The Fairy Confectionary]](https://images.morty.app/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_260/f_auto/v1/store/s/29b13c5b-66bc-4818-9459-0328f7fadaa6.png)
![Marcheurs de rêves [The Dreamwalkers]](https://images.morty.app/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_260/f_auto/v1/store/s/bbfe8c31-3ef3-4a18-8512-64afd95e84a4.png)
![Petra, El Reino Perdido [Petra, The Lost Kingdom Full Expedition]](https://images.morty.app/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_260/f_auto/v1/store/s/9a1c3c48-0706-42b8-9c17-00119c364f60.jpg)
![Una Aventura De Leyenda [A Legendary Adventure]](https://images.morty.app/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_260/f_auto/v1/store/s/b5d47b2f-0633-41ce-96bf-18b21e9630d9.jpg)
![Tú También Soñarás [You'll Dream Too]](https://images.morty.app/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_260/f_auto/v1/store/s/73f88c1b-2f88-43d4-81f3-472512e03a11.jpg)
![DragonBorn: El Hijo del Posadero [DragonBorn: The Innkeeper's Son]](https://images.morty.app/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_260/f_auto/v1/store/s/92eed052-84e7-4d41-96be-e2e9fc1e4d90.jpeg)
