Having lived in Edmonton for several decades, Crystal Zhang is more than familiar with the cold. In fact, it’s one of the driving forces behind her business, Edmonton Escape, an indoor activity located in the heart of the city. “Living here, we’re always looking for things to do indoors,” she says. “I was drawn to this business because it’s one of the most fun and unique indoor activities you can do, especially during the winter.”
Crystal and her father spent a lot of time thinking about what kinds of new activities could be brought to Edmonton. It was Crystal who first discovered escape rooms, and the father-daughter duo concluded that it would be perfect for their city. Edmonton Escape opened in 2015 and curious people come in to see what it’s about almost every day.
“When people ask me what an escape room is, I tell them it’s basically a big puzzle,” she says. “We lock you and a group of people in a room and you have to solve a series of puzzles and riddles related to the theme of the room.”
If you’ve never done an escape room before, you’ve got to try this. You’ll be tested with puzzles, logic and hidden clues to escape a room using only the objects inside. The more friends you can bring to help find solutions, the better. They have theme rooms with great backstories: Back to the Future, National Security and, if you’re feeling brave, The Ring-inspired Samara.
Escape rooms, which became popular in Europe and then spread to North America, are the latest trend in entertainment. A group of friends (two to six people) are locked into one of the theme rooms and have 45 minutes to escape. You start by watching an instructional video, which explains your theme and the storyline, then you search for clues and solve puzzles that will help you get out of your room. You’re allowed to ask for two hints from the game master, and there are various levels of difficulty.