If you’re hunting for something different to do in Orillia, this Murder Mystery Detective Experience might just catch your eye. It’s a game that places you right in the middle of a crime story, challenging your detective skills as you explore the town. Whether you’re a puzzle lover or just want a fun way to see some local spots, this activity is worth considering.
What we really like about this experience is its flexibility—offering both walking and driving maps—so you can tailor it to your mood or weather. Plus, the professional voice actors bring the story to life, making the clues more immersive. That said, it’s not without its quirks, like the longer duration which some found a tad tiring, especially with dead phone batteries or audio hiccups. This tour seems best suited for mystery enthusiasts or groups looking for an active, interactive outing.
Key Points
- Flexible format: Choose between walking or driving routes based on your preference.
- Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours, but can be extended or shortened by breaks.
- Price: Around $11.13 per person, offering an affordable, interactive experience.
- Tech requirements: A charged smartphone and earbuds recommended for the best experience.
- Group size: Up to the number of devices purchased, suitable for solo detectives, couples, or groups.
- Audience: Not suitable for children due to adult content and references.
What the Experience Offers
Imagine stepping into the shoes of a detective, with your mission to solve a murder that’s rocked Orillia. The experience is designed to be interactive and immersive, with a storyline voiced by professional actors, making you feel like you’re part of the investigation. Once you book, you’ll get clear instructions via email or text, and you can start anytime within the operational hours, which are pretty flexible—any time from noon to late at night.
The tour is set to last around 2 hours and 30 minutes, but you can pause or take breaks whenever you need, making it manageable even for those who prefer a relaxed pace. You won’t be stuck with a strict schedule, which is a bonus if you want to combine it with other sightseeing or dining plans.
The Route and Its Highlights
One of the biggest draws of this experience is the ability to choose your mode of exploration. You can opt for the Walking Map if you’re up for some fresh air and want to explore the downtown area. Or, if the weather isn’t cooperating or you prefer a more laid-back experience, the Driving Map takes you around the outskirts of Orillia, with the audio telling the story as you pass by scenic spots or quiet streets.
The 10 mapped locations are carefully chosen to create a narrative arc, and you’ll visit each of them as you gather clues. Some reviewers mentioned that the audio quality is key, especially when walking, so using earbuds is highly recommended for clarity. For the driving route, your car’s sound system will do the trick, which makes this a good option if you’re traveling with companions.
What You’ll Experience
As you follow the map, you’ll encounter 16 different characters voiced by talented professionals. Their voices help bring the story to life, providing clues, background, and even some humor. The storyline involves not just solving the murder, but also engaging with various characters, deciphering clues like counting windows or examining evidence.
The scoring system adds a competitive element, whether you’re working alone or in teams. Some reviews mentioned that this game can be quite engaging, especially if you enjoy trying to beat your previous score or challenge friends. The game also offers a hard mode, which ramps up the difficulty for those wanting a more intense experience.
Authentic Feedback from Participants
One reviewer, Amy, shared that she enjoyed the experience but found herself second-guessing details like the number of windows in a scene, recounting it multiple times. That highlights how some clues can be a little tricky and require keen observation.
Another reviewer, Ryan, said, “This was a lot of fun but it was a bit too long,” noting that phone batteries drained by the end and that audio sometimes didn’t work, forcing them to read parts of the story. The creators seem responsive to this feedback—there’s a new version designed to shorten the experience.
These insights suggest that while the tour is generally well-received, it does have some technical hiccups and a length that might test patience, especially if you’re not prepared with extra charging options.
The Cost and Its Value
At just over $11 per person, this experience offers a budget-friendly way to spend a couple of hours. Considering the professional voice acting, the interactive nature, and the fact that it includes both a map and story, it feels like a fair price. However, keep in mind that you’ll need your own smartphone and earbuds, which are extra costs if you don’t already have them.
The activity’s flexibility—being available any time after booking—means you can fit it into your schedule without much hassle. It’s a self-guided adventure, so you get to decide how long you want to spend, where to stop, or how many clues to pursue, making this a personalized experience.
Practical Tips for Your Journey
- Charge your phone fully before starting, especially if you plan on using the walking map.
- Bring earbuds for clearer audio, particularly if you’re walking in a noisy downtown area.
- Download the maps and instructions right after booking to avoid delays.
- If you’re in a vehicle, just connect your sound system and let the story unfold.
- Allow yourself some flexibility—it’s easy to pause if you need a break or want to explore a particular spot longer.
- For a better experience, ideally keep the group small—2 people per device is recommended.
- Keep an eye on the time if you’re on a tight schedule, but remember, you can pause and continue later.
- This activity is not suitable for children, as it contains adult language and references.
- If audio issues occur, don’t hesitate to contact customer service—they’re available to help.
Who Would Love This?
This is a great pick for mystery fans, history buffs, or anyone looking for a fun way to explore Orillia without the usual tourist spots. If you’re traveling with a small group or a partner, you’ll enjoy the interactive challenge, especially if you love solving puzzles or competing for high scores.
It’s also suitable for those who want to combine outdoor activity with storytelling—a perfect mix of light adventure and mental stimulation. Just be prepared for some adult themes and the need for a charged device. If you’re after a quiet, serious historical tour, this probably isn’t it. But if you’re open to a fun, immersive game, it could be just the ticket.
Final Thoughts
The Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Orillia offers an enjoyable, budget-friendly way to turn a walk or drive into a story-driven puzzle. The blend of professional voice acting, interactive clues, and flexible routes makes it stand out as an unconventional sightseeing activity. While some technical issues and the longer duration have been noted, the overall experience seems to deliver solid entertainment for those who love mysteries and exploration.
If you’re visiting Orillia and want an activity that combines outdoor adventure with a bit of brain-teasing fun, this could be a charming addition to your day. It’s best suited for curious, puzzle-loving travelers who are comfortable with smartphones and adult content. For a different kind of city experience that’s both interactive and memorable, it’s worth a try.
Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Orillia ON
“I enjoyed it but when we got to the counting the windows I never counted the options given and I recounted it 4 times”
FAQ
Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it contains adult material such as profanity and mature references, so it’s not recommended for kids.
How long does the experience last?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, but you can take breaks or pause as needed.
Can I do this alone?
Yes, it’s suitable for solo detectives, but you can also do it as a duo or group, with the activity accommodating multiple devices.
What do I need to participate?
A charged smartphone, earbuds or headphones for clearer audio, and your own transportation—either on foot or by car.
Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, once booked, you can start the experience any time during the operational hours, which are from noon to late at night.
Is the experience weather-dependent?
You can choose to walk or drive, so it’s flexible; however, poor weather might make walking less enjoyable.
How many locations will I visit?
You’ll visit 10 mapped locations around Orillia, following the story as clues unfold.
What if I experience technical issues?
Customer service is available to help, and it’s recommended to download everything beforehand to avoid problems.
How is the scoring system?
It tracks your detective skills and performance, adding a fun competitive element whether you’re alone or in teams.
Is the price justified?
At around $11, it’s a pocket-friendly activity that offers a unique storytelling experience, especially considering the professional voice talent involved.
This adventure isn’t for everyone, but for those who enjoy mystery stories, a bit of outdoor activity, and interactive fun, it’s a clever way to spend a couple of hours in Orillia.