A Well-Crafted Detective Experience in Saint John
If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to spend a couple of hours in Saint John, the Murder Mystery Detective Experience offers an engaging twist on sightseeing. While I haven’t done this exact tour myself, reviews and info paint a clear picture of what to expect, making it worth considering if you enjoy puzzles, storytelling, or just a break from traditional city tours.
What I really like about this experience is its flexibility—offering both walking and driving options—and its affordability, with tickets costing just over $11 per person. Plus, the fact that it’s available anytime after booking means you can fit it into your schedule without stress. The potential downside? Since it’s audio-based and involves mature content, it may not be suitable for children or those sensitive to adult themes.
This experience suits solo travelers, couples, or groups of mystery fans who want to explore Saint John in a different way, combining outdoor activity with story-driven intrigue. If you’re after something interactive, budget-friendly, and uniquely local, this could be just your thing.
Key Points

- Flexible Format: Choose between walking or driving to suit your pace and comfort.
- Engaging Storyline: Solve a murder case with audio clues and character voicings by professional actors.
- Cost-Effective: Priced at just over $11, offering a full detective experience without breaking the bank.
- Time Friendly: Lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with the freedom to start anytime after booking.
- Interactive & Competitive: Work as a team or compete for the highest score with the built-in scoring system.
- For Adults Only: Contains mature content, so it’s not suited for kids.
What to Expect from the Saint John Murder Mystery Tour
This experience is designed to be simple to set up and flexible in execution. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email or text with instructions on how to start, and you can begin whenever it fits your day. The tour features 16 unique characters, voiced by professional actors, which adds a layer of authenticity to the storytelling.
The core of the experience involves visiting 10 different locations, either downtown with the Walking Map or on the city’s outskirts using the Driving Map. Both options use a mobile app that provides a GPS-guided story, clues, and turn-by-turn directions—making it a fairly hassle-free way to explore. You’ll stop at each spot, listen to audio clues, gather evidence, and ultimately make your deductions.
The overall duration is around two and a half hours, but you can pause or take breaks whenever needed, making it adaptable if you want a more relaxed pace. For those who prefer privacy or are traveling with others, the number of tickets you purchase corresponds to the number of devices you can use, so multiple people can play on their own devices if they want to compete or compare scores.
Planning more time in Saint John? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Route and Its Highlights

Starting at 100 King St, the tour takes you through the downtown streets, with stops at ten carefully mapped locations. While the exact addresses are not listed here, the downtown walk offers a chance to see some of Saint John’s local sights amid the mystery. If you opt for the driving map, you’ll explore the city’s outskirts, which might appeal to those who prefer a less crowded, more vehicle-oriented experience.
Each stop involves listening to snippets of the story, with adult themes woven into the narrative. From what we gather, the audio is quite immersive, and hearing the story voiced by professional actors adds to the overall appeal. Plus, the built-in scoring system allows you to see how well you piece together clues—adding a fun competitive edge.
Travelers have noted that hearing audio clearly is important, especially if sharing a device, and earbuds are recommended for walking. For the driving option, the vehicle’s sound system provides a communal experience, perfect for those who prefer not to juggle devices or earbuds.
The Experience’s Strengths and Considerations

The biggest draw here is the cost-to-value ratio. At just over $11, you get a fully guided mystery with a compelling storyline, multiple routes, and an interactive scoring element. It’s a clever way to explore Saint John from a different perspective, especially if you enjoy puzzles or detective stories.
However, the mature content and adult themes mean this isn’t suitable for children. If you’re traveling with younger family members, you might want to look for more family-friendly options. Also, since the experience involves audio and GPS, a charged smartphone and possibly earbuds are essential for a smooth experience—something to keep in mind if your device’s battery is low or if you prefer not to carry extra gear.
A few reviewers have mentioned that the experience’s flexibility is a real plus—being able to do it anytime after booking means you won’t have to work around tight schedules. Also, the option to compete or work together suits a variety of group dynamics, whether you’re into friendly rivalry or cooperative problem-solving.
Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re into mystery stories or enjoy interactive outdoor activities, this tour offers a fun, budget-friendly way to see Saint John differently. It’s especially appealing for solo travelers or small groups who want a mix of exploration and storytelling without the hassle of traditional guided tours. Its flexible format and the ability to choose downtown or outskirts make it adaptable to different preferences and energy levels.
While it might not be ideal for families with young children or those looking for a purely historical or scenic tour, it’s a solid pick for mystery enthusiasts, groups of friends, or couples who like a bit of intrigue with their sightseeing.
Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Saint John NB
FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it contains adult material such as profanity and mature references, so it’s best for adults or older teens.
Can I do this tour at any time?
Yes, after booking, you can start the experience at any time between 12:00 AM and 11:30 PM, giving you lots of flexibility.
What do I need to participate?
A charged smartphone is essential, and earbuds are recommended for the best audio clarity, especially if sharing a device. The experience is designed for your own device use, and the number of tickets purchased equals the number of devices you can use.
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, but you can pause or take breaks as needed. It’s a flexible, self-paced adventure.
Is transportation included?
No, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the start point and for visiting the locations if you choose the walking option. The driving map option is on your own vehicle.
What’s the main appeal of this experience?
It’s a fun, interactive way to explore Saint John that combines storytelling, outdoor activity, and a bit of friendly competition—all at a very reasonable price.
The Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Saint John offers a playful, affordable way to see the city through a different lens. It’s perfect if you love solving puzzles, enjoy storytelling, or just want an unconventional activity to spice up your visit. Just remember to bring your phone fully charged and earbuds if you want the best experience. It’s a strong choice for mystery fans and those seeking a unique, engaging way to explore Saint John’s streets.
More Tour Reviews in Saint John
More Saint John experiences we've covered
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Saint John NB
- Best of Saint John Small Group Tour w/Fort La Tour + Martello
- Shore Excursion:Saint John History Walking Tour
- Saint John Walking Tour
- Create your own Stained Glass Masterpiece
- Fundy Shore Tour By Bus
- Shore Tours
- Indigenous Storytelling Walk on Harbour Passage
- Go Fundy Tours
- Bay of Fundy Tour by Bus
- Private Bay of Fundy & City sightseeing (Saint John, NB)
- Private Guided Fundy Tour in Saint John
