Charlotte CampbellEver feel like you need a break from the same old weekend routine? Something more thrilling than binge-watching TV, but less risky than, say, skydiving?
Then you’ve got to try the escape rooms in Halifax, where getting locked in a room is actually the goal! Yes, you and your crew have 60 minutes (sometimes more) to crack codes, solve puzzles, and escape before the clock runs out.
And don’t worry, this isn’t your average “oh no, where did I leave my keys” situation. It’s like stepping into a real-life video game, minus the extra lives.
Warning: May cause uncontrollable fist-pumping and high-fiving.
1. Captured Escape Rooms
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Website: https://capturedescaperooms.com/
Address: 1684 Barrington St Suite 400
Contact: +1 902-422-2224
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12–10 PM
- Sunday: 12–8 PM
Captured Escape Rooms isn’t just your average escape room spot; it’s a history lesson wrapped in a puzzle, with a side of adrenaline! With seven games on the menu, it’s like Halifax’s greatest hits, but with more locks and fewer snooze-worthy dates.
Found right in the heart of downtown Halifax, this is the perfect place to get your brain buzzing before or after you fill up on some local grub.
Rooms are for ages 13 and up, so it’s a teen-friendly haunt, though anyone under 16 needs an adult around.
With room for up to 14 players, it’s also prime territory for birthday parties, work events, or just a regular Friday night with a twist (or several).
Just make sure to block off about an hour and a half for the full shebang. Showing up 10 minutes early gives your Game Master time to lay down the law: rules, locks, and all that jazz.
Once you’re in, the clock ticks for an hour, but if you’re quick on the draw, you might just outwit the room in record time. And, of course, there’s always time afterward to debrief and take photos, whether you’re basking in glory or laughing off the defeat.
Captured’s all about keeping it intimate, so you won’t get stuck with strangers in your group. Most rooms are for ages 13 and up and accessibility can be hit or miss, so check ahead if needed!
If you’re ready for a challenge, Citadel Hill and Morela’s Dark Fortunes are their heavy hitters. Be warned, though, they’re not for the faint of heart.
If you’re looking for something less hair-pulling, Plunder at Sea or Distress Signal might be more your speed.
| Pro Tip: Brush up on your Halifax history before you go. You never know when a local factoid might save your escape! |
2. Trapped Halifax
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Website: http://www.trapped.ca/
Address: 1313 Barrington St
Contact: +1 902-406-0011
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 2–9 PM
- Friday: 2–10 PM
- Saturday: 12–10 PM
- Sunday: 12–9 PM
Trapped Halifax is the place where Hollywood meets Halifax but with fewer special effects and more brain-twisting puzzles!
Located just a scream down the street from Captured, this escape room joint offers five cinematic-themed rooms that take you on a wild ride through time, space, and sheer panic!
You can think of it as starring in your own movie, except the clock is ticking, and your co-stars are just as clueless as you are.
Each room comes with its own rating. It’s like a movie night but with more sweating and less sitting!
You could find yourself in the shadowy depths of the Great Pyramids of Giza, trying to escape a 14th-century prison (don’t drop the soap!), or freaking out in a contaminated remote island hospital.
They even offer memberships; because once you escape one room, you’ll definitely want to get trapped again. Level two or three members unlock special themes and events that are top secret. Sorry, we won’t be revealing spoilers here!
If you have a crew bigger than 10, Trapped will let you split up and take on different rooms at the same time, so everyone can enjoy that special feeling of impending doom.
Most rooms are kid-friendly, but keep an eye on the ratings. Some are 14A, which means teens can have fun while the adults panic. Kids 12 and under need adult supervision in all rooms.
| Pro Tip: Teens absolutely lose their minds over the Below the Sphinx room. But for those who really want to flex their mental muscles, the Cursed Expedition or Death Note rooms are where it’s at. |
3. Mind Hack Room Escape
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Website: https://mindhackescape.com/
Address: 475 Sackville Dr 2nd Floor
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM
Mind Hack Room Escape isn’t just another escape room; it’s where you’ll question your intelligence, bond with your friends, and maybe even end up dressing like a pirate!
With locations in both Dartmouth and Sackville, these folks have you covered whether you’re in the mood for a mental workout or just want to scare the living daylights out of yourself.
Just imagine being locked in a room where the only thing standing between you and sweet freedom is a bunch of mind-bending puzzles that will make you feel like either a genius or a complete fool.
The goal? Get out within 60 minutes using nothing but logic, critical thinking, and the collective brainpower of your crew.
And speaking of crews, you’ll need between four and ten players, so bring your squad or you’ll risk solving riddles solo which is, honestly, way less fun.
If you’re 14 or older, you’re in the prime age group to tackle these challenges. Younger players might find some puzzles a bit too tricky, so maybe leave the little ones at home unless they’ve been secretly training to be escape artists.
The lighting is set to ‘creepy ambiance,’ so while you’ll never be plunged into total darkness, you might still get that eerie, something’s-about-to-jump-out-at-me vibe.
For Dartmouth, Tohua Island is the room that’ll have you questioning your sanity, but if you’ve always wanted to be part of a heist (and who hasn’t?), the Greenleaf Heist room will have you channeling your inner Ocean’s Eleven.
Over in Sackville, things take a darker turn with the Funeral Parlour room: a spooky choice for those who like their fun with a side of fear!
If that’s not your jam, the Time Machine and Great Western Bank Heist rooms offer just as much adrenaline without the ghostly undertones.
| Pro Tip: Go the extra mile and dress in character. After all, if you’re going to pretend to rob a bank or travel through time, you might as well look the part! |
