The Burns Bog Conservation Society is bringing the escape room concept to the outdoors this month.
Burns Bog Escape, a first-time event, takes place along the inner loop of the Delta Nature Reserve where participants will be faced with a series of puzzles to solve.
"In order to move forward and solve the mystery they need to open each box and solve each puzzle," explains society director Kirsty Peterson.
The premise of the game is that a group of archeologists are on a peatland expedition and begin to receive cryptic messages.
"You soon realize you're never going to escape the bog unless you can solve the mystery, essentially," says Peterson.
She explains that traditional escape games are timed, usually between 45 minutes to an hour. The bog escape however, doesn't have a time limit, so all players will be allowed to complete it.
It could take between an hour to two hours, Peterson estimates, depending on the group's skill level and how much assistance they need. She adds there will be help available for groups who get stuck.
The society website describes the event as a "5D gaming experience."
That basically means you'll be using all of your senses, explains Peterson.
"Maybe you won't be tasting anything, but maybe you will. Who knows, right?" she says with a laugh.
The term is also used because the game takes place outside in nature.
"You're outside, so anything you see or hear or touch or can engage with can potentially be a clue."
There will be a daytime component geared towards families and an evening component geared towards an older audience, she explains.
"The difference between those for the most part is just your scare factor because it's going to be dark, you're going to have flashlights."
Peterson, who's a big fan of escape games, says the biggest piece of advice she'd have for people wanting to take part is that "everything can possibly be a clue."
Communication with your team members is also important.
"You can never get through these things without actually working together as a team."
Burns Bog Escape runs rain or shine Friday, Aug. 19, Saturday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21.
The bog society will have a table set up at 10388 Nordel Crt. (Planet Ice Delta) where participants will be led into the Delta Nature Reserve.
The cost to take part is $20 for adults and $10 for kids (anybody under 18) during the daytime. There is also a subsidy families can apply for if planning on a daytime visit. During the evening the cost is $30 per person. The event is a fundraiser for the Burns Bog Conservation Society.
To register for the event visit www.burnsbog.org/burnsbogescape, email [email protected] or call 604-572-0373.
Participants are asked to book in advance.
