Mississauga punches well above its weight when it comes to immersion. Hint Hunt builds rooms with what we call 360 degree immersion, where the floors and ceilings get as much care as the walls, and Escape From The 6 (where one of us played our very first escape room) loves big, multi-level builds with themes you won’t find anywhere else. Captive and its next-door neighbour, Captive Kids, round things out, including a pirate adventure we played with our own kids.
This list is ranked by our own review scores, highest first, and only includes rooms that are still open.
1. The Crypt
Our score: 8.5/10 · Hint Hunt
A vampire sleeps in this crypt by day, and you have one hour before the last rays of sunshine to put an end to him. This is one of the few rooms where you can forget you’re in a commercial unit, thanks to stone walls and floors and high Gothic vaulted ceilings. Some props show wear and one puzzle near the end is tougher, but otherwise it’s a medium (or even easy-medium) room that would make an incredible first escape room.
2. Volcano Views: Aerial Tours
Our score: 8.5/10 · Escape From The 6
Your aerial tour of an active volcano island starts with your team strapped into airplane seats, and then something goes wrong. This room has probably the most spaces we’ve seen in an escape room, no traditional locks, and technology used in ways we hadn’t seen before. Be warned that it’s very physical, hints are delivered in person, and an electronic trigger misfired during our game, but it’s one of the rare rooms where six players may be even more fun.
Read our review of Volcano Views: Aerial Tours
3. Zen Room
Our score: 8.3/10 · Hint Hunt
Alongside private investigator James Murdock, you’re helping Miss Miharu solve a robbery in the heart of Tokyo. Walls, doors, floors and ceilings are all designed for an uninterrupted experience, even the HVAC and sprinklers are thoughtfully integrated, and the puzzles cover a great variety of physical, numerical, spatial and logical challenges. One game element could be frustrating if you don’t already know the game, and there are a few red herrings to stay focused past.
4. Trouble in Springfield
Our score: 8.1/10 · Hint Hunt
Springfield’s residents have vanished and the appliances are going haywire, so it’s up to you to prevent a meltdown. Hint Hunt nailed the tricky job of recreating a cartoon set we’ve all stared at for decades, and the puzzles all make sense in this non-linear, nostalgia-packed room. When we played it was very new with a couple of things left to finish, and we hit one big red herring, so bring three to five players to cover ground quickly.
Read our review of Trouble in Springfield
5. 13 Doors
Our score: 8/10 · Captive Escape Rooms
You’ve arrived at a deserted old mansion whose front door seems to be inviting you inside, and you need to know why she chose you. It’s a smaller room, but Captive gave it a real story, some clever personalization, and a help system woven right into the theme. A movable prop made one puzzle impossible without a hint, and it plays best with two to four people.
6. Escape the Wild West
Our score: 8/10 · Escape From The 6
You’re North America’s most wanted outlaws, stuck in the sheriff’s holding cell overnight before your transfer to federal prison. You start blindfolded and handcuffed to a bench, and the excellent build and variety of physical and mental puzzles can keep a party of six busy. This classic western was one of our first ever escape rooms and has been updated since, though we’d love more immersive audio and a more creative hint system.
Read our review of Escape the Wild West
7. Firefighter Rescue Mission
Our score: 8/10 · Escape From The 6
You’re firefighters on an ordinary day at the hall when the call of a lifetime comes in. Designed by one of the owners, who is also a firefighter, it serves up unique puzzles and tools and a realistic look at what a search and rescue team might face, and 100 rooms later we still bring it up as one of the most unique we’ve played. It gets pretty warm and involves stairs, so it’s not for anyone who has trouble with breathing or climbing.
Read our review of Firefighter Rescue Mission
8. Submarine: Deep Down
Our score: 7.8/10 · Hint Hunt
Your submarine’s engine has died and you’re sinking with only 60 minutes of oxygen left. It’s the best control room and ship build we’ve seen, with multiple spaces offering 360 degree immersion that almost had us feeling like we were moving. The room is shared with another storyline, which leaves lots of out-of-bounds items, and an issue at the very end left us a bit frustrated.
Read our review of Submarine: Deep Down
9. Pieces of Eight
Our score: 7.2/10 · Captive Kids
Blackbeard has turned the tables and locked your band of pirates in the belly of his sinking ship. We brought our kids (aged 10 to 17) and the difficulty was perfect for them, with thoughtful props and decor and two groups that each have to pull their weight. Our score reflects how much kids will enjoy it; it’s missing finishing touches like ambient lighting and sound, and you’re paying the same price as some of the most immersive rooms around.
Read our review of Pieces of Eight
10. Charlotte’s Attic
Our score: 7/10 · Captive Escape Rooms
Twenty years after the Grundy murders, your team returns to the scene of the crime to find out what really happened. The puzzles are well thought out with good variety, and the police siren call button outside the door is a nice touch. Some decor and props are worn or cheap, and we started with a single flashlight in the dark, so bring a larger group and ask for an extra one.
