Historic themes give an escape room a story you already half know. Whether you’re a bootlegger in the 1920s, a captive in ancient Rome, or an outlaw in a sheriff’s holding cell, the setting does a lot of the work, and the best rooms build puzzles that feel like they belong in that time and place.
This list covers every historic room we’ve played, wherever we’ve played it, from Toronto to Spain. It’s ranked by our review scores and only includes rooms that are still open.
1. King of the Bootleggers (Toronto)
Our score: 9.5/10 · Secret City
Rocco, the King of the Bootleggers, has been running the town since the good stuff was banned, and he’s waiting for you behind the speakeasy door at Casa Loma. This room has some of the best live actors we’ve seen in a Canadian escape room, guiding a group of 12 with subtle nudges and a fantastic intro and conclusion. There are no combination locks, only a few keyed locks, and lots of thoughtful puzzles. Only a couple of audio cues were present, and you’ll get the most out of it with at least six players.
Read our review of King of the Bootleggers
2. Imperio Romano (Madrid)
Our score: 8.8/10 · Coco Room
The Roman market is waiting for captives like you, and only ingenuity will get you out. Just a commuter train ride from Madrid, this room has excellent build quality, great ambient lighting and audio, and a delightful host who stayed in character for the intro, hints, and finish. All the materials that matter are translated into English. The hints come through small speakers, which made them a bit hard to understand at times.
Read our review of Imperio Romano
3. The Secrets of Edison’s Office (Peterborough)
Our score: 8.3/10 · Lift Lock Escape
Can you find Edison’s secret in one hour? This was one of our first favourites, with some of the most unique locks and puzzles we’ve seen, and physical and mental challenges that need real teamwork. The environment is immersive, though the puzzles lean a bit fantastical. Parking near the venue can be a little tricky, but it’s worth the drive.
Read our review of The Secrets of Edison’s Office
4. Escape the Wild West (Mississauga)
Our score: 8/10 · Escape From The 6
You’re North America’s most wanted outlaws, locked in the sheriff’s holding cell overnight, and this is your only chance to break out. You start blindfolded and handcuffed to a bench, and from there it’s an excellent build with a variety of physical and mental puzzles to keep up to six people busy. We don’t recall much immersive audio. It can also be played head to head for corporate events or large groups.
Read our review of Escape the Wild West
5. Legend of the Mayan Temple (Kingston)
Our score: 8/10 · Improbable Escapes
Your archaeological team needs you to find the King’s lost cup before the helicopter leaves without you. Starting in a camp and heading deeper into the jungle, this is a physical room where you’ll break just about every rule you usually hear in an escape room intro. There are lots of puzzles to explore, which makes it great for groups of 4 to 6. It’s likely one of Improbable’s older rooms and is missing some of the finishing touches of their newer spaces.
