There’s something addictive about an escape room. Maybe it’s the ticking clock. Maybe it’s the feeling of cracking a code no one else can figure out. Or maybe it’s just a great excuse to shout at your friends in a confined space.
Whatever your reason, Simcoe County has no shortage of creative, challenging, and downright fun escape rooms. Whether you're into high-stakes missions, eerie storylines, or historical adventures, there’s something for every kind of puzzler.
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Here’s where to try your next great escape.
1. Escape Room Barrie – 38 Ellen St, Barrie
One of Barrie’s OG escape rooms, this location offers multiple experiences with a wide range of difficulty levels. From spooky mysteries to classic jailbreak-style scenarios, their rooms are well-designed and filled with logical (but tough) puzzles.
They’re also great at accommodating large group sizes, which makes it ideal for birthday parties or team-building events.
Best for: Mixed groups looking for variety and solid design.
2. Trapped Barrie – 347 Cundles Rd E Unit M3, Barrie
Part of a larger franchise, Trapped Barrie brings polished, story-driven rooms to the north end of the city.
Their puzzles tend to be multilayered, meaning everyone on the team will have something to contribute. Rooms rotate regularly, so there’s always something new to try.
Best for: People who want big-production rooms with replay value.
3. Escape The Ghost Ship – 9 Simcoe St, Barrie
Located in the historic Five Points Theatre building, this nautical-themed escape experience is as unique as it gets.
The game is set aboard a haunted pirate ship, and it uses actors, sound design, and theatrical lighting to raise the stakes. It’s part escape room, part immersive theatre.
Best for: People who want an escape room that feels like a live-action adventure.
4. Escape Challenge North – Tay Township
Escape Challenge North offers a mobile escape room experience with seasonal and pop-up events around Tay Township and nearby communities.
Their themes are family-friendly but cleverly built, and they make a point to work with local organizations and community events.
Best for: Familie and people who like the idea of escaping without the pressure of a permanent location.
5. Bo’sun’s Brig at Discovery Harbour – Penetanguishene
Run seasonally at Discovery Harbour, this historical escape room is based on real stories from the early 1800s. Set inside a restored military brig, it offers an escape experience steeped in local history.
There’s a strong educational element, but make no mistake – the puzzles are tough.
Best for: History buffs and anyone who wants a unique, hands-on experience.
COMING SOON: Eclipse Escape Rooms – formerly in Barrie, relocating to Orillia
Previously located inside the Freaky Wizard shop in Barrie, Eclipse is in the process of setting up a brand-new space in Orillia. Known for fun, pop culture-inspired rooms, they’ve built a loyal following by creating interactive experiences that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Best for: Pop culture lovers and anyone excited to see what they come up with next.
How to get the most out of your escape room experience
- Book ahead – especially for weekends or evenings
- Choose a room that fits your group’s experience level
- Don’t split up too soon – communicate and work as a team
- Ask for hints if you’re stuck; there’s no shame in it
- Celebrate the win (or the almost-win) afterwards
Ready to escape?
Escape rooms are a great way to test your brain, bond with your crew, and try something different. Simcoe County’s escape scene keeps growing—and with new locations and themes popping up all the time, there’s never been a better time to play.
