You’ve never done an escape room and aren’t sure what to expect? Or you’ve done a few but can’t decide which scenario to choose? This guide answers the three most common questions before booking: how long it actually lasts, how much it costs, and how to choose the right difficulty level for your group.
What Exactly Is an Escape Room?
An escape room—also called an escape game—is an activity where a group of players is placed in a themed room and must solve a series of puzzles to “escape” before the countdown ends. Padlocks to unlock, codes to find, hidden mechanisms and objects to combine: each room is an immersive puzzle designed to test your group’s teamwork, logic and observation skills.
Escape rooms arrived in Quebec in 2015 and have since become one of the province’s most popular group activities. Today, you’ll find them in most major cities, with themes ranging from crime mysteries and science fiction to horror.
How Long Does an Escape Room Last?
The Game Session: 60 Minutes
The vast majority of escape rooms offer 60-minute sessions. In reality, the timer starts once the game master has finished the introduction and everyone is settled inside the room. Those 60 minutes go by surprisingly fast—most groups feel like the time passed in half as long.
Total Visit Time: Plan for 90 Minutes
Including check-in, the pre-game briefing (rules and scenario introduction) and the post-game debrief, the overall experience usually lasts between 80 and 100 minutes. Plan on spending about 90 minutes so you don’t feel rushed.
Arriving Early Is Essential
Booking an escape room is a bit like catching a flight: if you miss your time slot, the room won’t wait. Most venues recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes early to check in, sign the waivers and get ready for the experience. Arriving late usually means losing valuable game time.
How Much Does an Escape Room Cost in Montreal?
| Situation | Approximate Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular rate | Price listed on the website | Varies depending on the number of players |
| Monday promotion at BoulZeye | 25% off | Excludes holidays and special periods |
| Escape package (escape room + meal) | Depends on the selected package | Includes 1 hour of gameplay plus 1 hour at the resto-pub |
| Groups (birthdays, corporate events) | Quote upon request | Contact us directly for group pricing |
For current pricing, visit the BoulZeye pricing page.
Which Difficulty Level Should You Choose?
This is the most important—and most overlooked—question. Choosing the wrong difficulty level is the number one cause of frustration in an escape room. Beginners placed in an expert-level room often feel overwhelmed, while experienced players in an easy room may get bored. Here’s how to choose the right level.
Easy to Medium: Perfect for First-Time Players
You’ve never played an escape room before, or you’ve only completed one or two. Your group includes players with different experience levels, and your goal is to enjoy the adventure rather than focus on performance.
At BoulZeye, the Antidote scenario is rated Easy to Medium, making it an excellent choice for first-time players.
Intermediate: For Players with Some Experience
You’ve successfully escaped from two or three rooms already. Your group understands the format, communicates well and is looking for a greater challenge. The puzzles become less obvious and the progression less linear.
Expert: For Escape Room Enthusiasts
You regularly play escape rooms, have a strong success rate and are looking for a real challenge. Even the best teams don’t always escape expert-level rooms—and that’s completely normal. The experience itself is what matters most.
What’s the Ideal Group Size?
- Minimum of 2 players. Reservations are generally not available for solo players.
- Maximum of 6 players per room. Larger groups make it difficult for everyone to participate actively.
- At least one adult per room. If children are participating, an adult must accompany them.
- The ideal group size is 3 to 5 players. Large enough to divide tasks, but small enough for everyone to stay involved.
5 Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Escaping
- Communicate constantly. Share everything you see, find and think. Poor communication is responsible for many unsuccessful attempts.
- Organize your clues. Keep important objects in one central location so multiple players don’t unknowingly work on the same puzzle.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for hints. Most successful teams ask for at least one hint. It’s not cheating—it’s part of the experience.
- Keep an eye on the clock. If you’ve been stuck on one puzzle for more than five minutes, move on or request a hint.
- Never force anything. If a lock doesn’t open easily with your code, the solution is probably incorrect. Well-designed escape rooms never require physical force.
Before and After the Game: Make the Most of Your Visit
An escape room lasts about 60 minutes, but a great night out lasts much longer. Choosing a venue that also offers bowling, laser tag or arcade games lets you extend the fun naturally. At BoulZeye, all four escape rooms are available seven days a week and can easily be combined with laser tag, bowling and a meal at the resto-pub for a complete evening.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to Escape?
Now that you know how long an escape room really lasts, what it costs and which difficulty level is best for your group, all that’s left is to book your adventure. If you’re in the Montreal area, BoulZeye’s escape rooms offer four immersive scenarios available seven days a week, with the option to combine your experience with laser tag, bowling, arcade games and an on-site meal for the perfect night out.
