Updated on 17 February 2026 at 16h02
This article written in french by Nicholas Pereira was automatically translated using AI
For the second year in a row, the escape game Magnifico at Escaparium Laval has been ranked number one worldwide by the Top Escape Rooms Project (TERPECA).
This immersive experience outperformed Magic Universe and Monster Mashers, located in Spain and Belgium respectively, in the top three.
“This game is a source of pride,” says Jonathan Driscoll, owner of Escaparium Laval. “Five years ago, we never would have thought we’d be able to build something like this. With the acting, we aim to evoke strong emotions. We’re getting closer and closer to what you see in the movies.”
Magnifico is a 2.5-hour experience set in a circus-themed environment. It combines puzzles and theatrical segments during which participants meet several characters.
Five Times in the Top 100
Magnifico is not the only experience offered at 5545 des Rossignols Boulevard to rank in the global top 10.
Ctrl Alt Reboot reached fifth place in the rankings, while The Forgotten Cathedral sits in eighth position. The latter has been in the top 10 for three consecutive years.
“Our games age very well,” says Jonathan Driscoll. “We have an in-house design team that is constantly repairing and improving our games so they stay current.”
For example, Ctrl Alt Reboot is a revamped version of Rain Corp., which is completely different even though it takes place in the same universe.
The Wardrobe for Sale ranked 36th in TERPECA, while The Lost Island of the Voodoo Queen placed 78th.
Tourism
Escaparium Laval’s success extends beyond the greater metropolitan area. Escape room enthusiasts travel from all over to try the Laval-based creations.
In fact, the company doubled its proportion of players from the United States in less than a year, increasing from 4% to 8%. In total, nearly 10% of participants come from outside the country.
“People who come from abroad come to Quebec specifically to play our games,” says Jonathan Driscoll proudly. “That’s the main reason they’re here. Then they spend money in restaurants, other escape rooms, and activities. That makes us proud!”
Even some celebrities are eager to test the games. That includes Neil Patrick Harris, known for his role as Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother, who tried several experiences for his birthday in 2025.
“He really came to Quebec for that, and he told us it was among the best experiences of his life!” Driscoll says.
Future Projects
The Escaparium Laval team is always seeking innovation to further develop the escape room market.
They are currently working on opening an immersive bar within their facilities. Visitors will encounter actors, specialty cocktails, and décor featuring various creatures.
Plans are also underway to add a new horror-themed escape game. Jonathan Driscoll assures that “it will be quite scary.” The opening is expected by August.
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