Murder Mystery Detective Experience in St Johns NL

Getting a feel for the Murder Mystery Detective Experience in St. John’s NL

If you’re after something a little different during your visit to St. John’s, this Murder Mystery Detective Experience might catch your eye. We haven’t personally tried it, but based on what’s on offer, it’s designed to turn you into a detective for a couple of hours, solving a fictional crime while exploring the city.

Two things stand out right away: First, the affordable price point—just over $11 per person—makes this an accessible, low-commitment activity if you’re curious about trying a murder mystery but don’t want to splurge on a fancy dinner or tour. Second, the flexibility of the experience, with options for walking or driving, means you can tailor it to your interests and mobility preferences.

However, a potential snag is that some users, like Tammy, found the route less engaging, mentioning that the game took them to random buildings rather than notable sights, which might feel more like a scavenger hunt than a sightseeing tour. So, if you’re hoping for a scenic exploration of downtown St. John’s with some mystery thrown in, this might not fully meet that expectation.

This experience seems best suited for mystery fans, small groups, or couples looking for a fun, interactive way to see parts of the city while testing their detective skills. If you enjoy audio adventures, puzzles, or simply want a different way to explore St. John’s, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible activity for a wide range of travelers.
• Includes professional voice acting to bring the story and characters to life.
• Options for walking or driving make it adaptable to different preferences and weather conditions.
• Requires a charged smartphone and earbuds for the best experience, and you’ll need your own transportation.
• The experience isn’t suited for children or those sensitive to mature content like profanity.
• Customer service help is available if you run into issues during your adventure.

What Is This Murder Mystery Detective Experience?

Imagine an interactive audio adventure where you’re cast as a detective trying to solve a crime right in the heart of St. John’s. This experience is not a traditional guided tour but a self-guided game that combines storytelling, GPS technology, and your curiosity. You receive a mobile link after booking, which unlocks the audio stories and maps.

The story involves a murder on the streets of St. John’s, with voice actors bringing 16 different characters to life. Whether you opt for walking the downtown area or driving on the outskirts, you’ll visit 10 specific locations where you gather clues, listen to clues, and piece together the mystery. The final goal is to make your deduction, potentially issuing an arrest warrant, and earning a Case Performance Score based on your detective skills.

The duration is approximately 2.5 hours, but you’re encouraged to take breaks or explore at your own pace. It’s a casual, on-your-own-time activity that’s perfect for small groups, couples, or even solo travelers who enjoy puzzles and storytelling.

How Does It Work?

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive an email and text with getting started instructions. The experience is available anytime after booking, offering you the flexibility to choose a time that suits your schedule.

You’ll need to bring your own smartphone and earbuds or headphones—these are essential for hearing the story clearly. The game guides you via GPS and turn-by-turn directions, whether you’re walking in the city or driving outside downtown.

You can play on one device if you’re a duo or small group, but keep in mind that the number of tickets you buy equals the number of devices you’ll need. Larger groups can split up into teams or compete for the best score.

You also have a choice of difficulty level—Normal Mode or Hard Mode—so whether you’re looking for a casual stroll or a real challenge, there’s an option.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

Included in the experience are built-in scoring, detailed maps for walking or driving, and customer support if you get stuck. The driving map uses your mobile app for turn-by-turn directions, while the walking map lets you explore the city’s downtown area.

What you’ll need to bring yourself: headphones or earbuds for clear audio, a charged smartphone, and your means of transportation (walking or driving). This means no extra cost for tickets, but you’ll want to plan for your own logistics.

The Route and What You Can Expect at Each Stop

The adventure begins at Queens Cove in St. John’s, a central location where your detective story kicks off. From there, the story and clues unfold across 10 mapped locations. In the walking version, you’ll stroll through parts of downtown, which offers a chance to see the city’s street life and architecture, though some reviewers have noted it doesn’t necessarily lead to iconic sights, just random buildings.

In the driving version, you’ll be outside the city, using GPS navigation to visit spots on the outskirts. This might be preferable if the weather’s uncooperative or if you want a less hurried exploration.

Each location is a scene in the story, with the voice actors providing the narration. As you visit each spot, you gather clues, listen to characters’ stories, and try to connect the dots. The critical part is listening carefully—since audio clarity is key, using earbuds or headphones is highly recommended.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Reviews are mixed but generally positive about the concept. One reviewer, Tammy, said, “It took us to random buildings that were not even sights to see and crisscrossed us back and forth wasting time.” That suggests the route might feel disjointed if you’re expecting a sightseeing tour.

On the other hand, some users appreciate the affordable price and the chance to test their detective skills. The game’s live GPS and audio bring the story alive, making it a different way to see the city.

The inclusion of professional voice actors indicates a quality production, which can make the experience more immersive. Still, it’s worth noting that mature content, including profanity, means it’s probably not suitable for children or sensitive travelers.

Is It Worth the Price?

At just over $11 per person, the cost is quite reasonable for a 2.5-hour interactive adventure. You’re paying for an experience that combines storytelling, GPS-guided exploration, and a bit of puzzle-solving—all in one.

However, remember that you’ll need your own transportation, and the experience doesn’t include tickets for sightseeing or traditional guided tours. For puzzle lovers or fans of detective stories, this could be a fun, inexpensive way to add some mystery to your trip. If you’re hoping for a scenic sightseeing tour of St. John’s or a family-friendly activity, this might not be the best fit.

Who Would Love This?

This experience is well-suited for mystery enthusiasts, small groups of friends, or couples looking for a unique adventure. It works well for those who enjoy audio storytelling and GPS-guided outdoor activities.

Given that it’s not specifically family-friendly due to adult content, young children might not find it suitable. Also, if you’re someone who prefers a guided tour with direct human interaction or detailed sightseeing, this might feel a bit impersonal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an affordable, engaging way to explore parts of St. John’s while solving a fictional crime, this murder mystery experience offers a fun, low-stakes challenge. Its flexibility means you can do it at your own pace, whether you want to walk around downtown or drive outside the city.

The main perk is the interactive storytelling brought to life by professional voice actors, making it more than just a GPS walk. The scoring system adds a little friendly competition, especially if you’re playing in teams. But be prepared for some routes that might not feel as scenic or well-planned as traditional sightseeing tours, based on user feedback.

All in all, if you’re curious about detective stories, enjoy outdoor activities, and want to add a twist to your trip, this might just be the quirky adventure you’re looking for.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
Not really; it contains adult themes and profanity, so it’s best for adults and older teens.

Do I need my own transportation?
Yes. The experience requires a charged smartphone and your own transportation, whether walking or driving.

Can I do this activity at any time?
Yes, once booked, it’s available for you to start anytime within the operational hours, which are from noon to late evening daily.

How long does the experience take?
Approximately 2.5 hours, but you can take breaks or extend your exploration as you like.

Is it possible to play alone or do I need a group?
You can play solo, with a partner, or in groups. The number of tickets purchased corresponds to the number of devices you’ll use.

Is the activity family-friendly?
No, it’s not suitable for children due to adult language and themes.

What if I have trouble during the experience?
Customer service help is available if you run into issues or need assistance during your game.

Exploring St. John’s through a murder mystery is an unconventional way to spend your time, blending storytelling with outdoor exploration. Whether you’re a puzzle fanatic or just looking for a new way to see the city, it’s worth considering if the idea of solving a crime in scenic Newfoundland sounds appealing.