There’s something completely different about exploring Fort Edmonton Park after dark, especially when you’re following lantern-lit clues through the historic buildings of 1885 Street and trying to solve a mysterious curse before time runs out.
Our family took on When Shadows Lie: The Next Chapter, an immersive escape game at Fort Edmonton Park that combines puzzles, storytelling, live actors, and exclusive after-hours access to historic 1885 Street.
Working together, we made our way through the historic buildings, searching for clues, uncovering hidden relics, deciphering messages, and trying to piece together the mystery. I thought I might have a bit of an advantage since I spent a summer working on 1885 Street and already knew the buildings, but the puzzles still had us searching and thinking right until the end!
An Outdoor Escape Game in Historic 1885 Street
One of my favourite things about When Shadows Lie was that it didn’t feel like a typical escape room. Instead of being confined to one room, we moved between different buildings along 1885 Street, with the historic setting becoming part of the game.
The live actors added another fun element to the Fort Edmonton Park escape game. They did an amazing job staying in character and helped bring the story to life as we worked our way through the different challenges.
And don’t underestimate the clock! Our family came surprisingly close to running out of time before we solved the final puzzle and revealed the theatrical surprise at the end.
What to Expect at When Shadows Lie
When Shadows Lie is recommended for ages 14+ and runs on select evenings from June 5 to September 12, 2026, with game times at 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm.
The experience takes 105 minutes in total, including instructions, with approximately 90 minutes of gameplay. Players are divided into teams of four, and tickets must be purchased online in advance. The game runs rain or shine and takes place both indoors and outdoors, so come prepared for the weather and wear good footwear. Our experience was also affected a bit by the rain, which added to the spooky atmosphere but made it tricky to keep our clue sheet dry!
If your family enjoys puzzles, escape rooms, or immersive experiences, When Shadows Lie at Fort Edmonton Park is a fun way to spend an evening. Exploring historic 1885 Street after dark makes the experience feel even more mysterious, and the combination of puzzles, live actors, and the historic setting makes this more than your typical escape room.
When Shadows Lie: The Next Chapter:
Date: Select dates June 5 to September 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM
Venue: Fort Edmonton Park
Address: 7000 143 Street NW, Edmonton
Cost: $35 per person (plus fees and GST)
Website: fortedmontonpark.ca
Summer Fun and History Come to Life at Fort Edmonton Park! 🚂 Learn more here.
