How long are escape rooms?

Escape rooms have become a popular pastime, drawing players in with the chance to engage with puzzles, uncover mysteries, and feel a bit like the lead in an adventure film. Participants are placed in a carefully set-up environment where, for instance, they might need to «rob a bank»—all in a fairly limited amount of time. Yet many people wonder exactly how long these experiences tend to last. The answer depends on a few key factors, which we’ll cover below.

The Classic 45–60 Minute Format

The most common type of escape rooms in Canada playthrough usually runs for 45 to 60 minutes. This timeframe enables you to quickly immerse yourself in the storyline, tackle the tasks, and manage to escape before time runs out. One hour is enough for a team to:

Split up the tasks amongst themselves

• Familiarise themselves with the playing area
• Use the hints
• Find the way out

This format is brilliant for beginners, as it gives them enough time to learn how adventure room in work and crack the puzzles without being overly stressed.

The Extended 75–120 Minute Format

Some escape rooms require a longer duration of 75 to 120 minutes. These are usually larger scenarios, often covering multiple zones and featuring techy elements—for instance, VR-based rooms—with a more elaborate plot. Such quests stand out because they offer:

• A bigger set of puzzles
• A tighter level of team collaboration
• The chance to delve further into the story

This format generally appeals to more experienced players keen on facing new challenges and trickier tasks. With extra time, everyone has more opportunity to experiment, discuss tactics, and come up with inventive solutions.

How Do Difficulty and Team Size Affect the Duration of a Quest?

A room’s official limit isn’t the only factor determining playing time; it also depends on how quickly your team solves the challenges. If the puzzles are really tough or if players are a bit disorganised, they could easily use up the entire allotted time without ever unlocking those elusive doors. On the flip side, more seasoned teams are likely to finish before the clock runs out.

It’s also worth noting that team size influences the pace. In practice, an overly large group can find themselves getting in each other’s way, so three to five participants is generally considered the sweet spot.

Time Before and After the Quest

Bear in mind that the «pure» game length is just one part of your overall visit to the venue. Before the quest begins, the organisers will brief you and explain the storyline, and once you’re finished, you can have a chat and perhaps snap a few photos. So the entire affair can last an hour and a half or even two hours, especially if there’s a dedicated photo area for participants.

How Do You Choose the Best Format?

We suggest taking note of both the difficulty and length of the escape room in order to decide which one’s ideal for you. If you’re a bit inexperienced, best go for a 60-minute room. Those looking for a challenge might try anything above 75 minutes. If you’re going with a big group, make sure the room can accommodate that many people, and do remember how vital it is to have good teamwork.

Keep in mind that escape rooms in Edmonton typically last between 45 and 60 minutes, but can extend up to 90–120 minutes in fuller experiences with more involved storylines. Your final impression will depend on how well you coordinate as a team, each individual’s experience, and the unique features of the chosen room. Our top tip: don’t fret too much over the time limits stated in the quest details; instead, focus on working together, spotting hints, and simply savouring the thrill of solving mysteries.