04/17/2025
FANTESCAPES IS CLOSING ITS DOORS
(But the Story Isn't Quite Over)
After eleven years of wonder, riddles, and magic, we are closing the physical location of Fantescapes, our beloved escape room in the heart of downtown Guelph.
This decision was not easy. Fantescapes has never been about profit—it’s been a labour of love, a place where curiosity, story, and mystery came alive. Over the years, we’ve been honoured by the kind words of escape room fans who called us their favourite destination, and we’re proud to have created experiences that truly transported people to other worlds.
We’re leaving behind three unforgettable games:
The Lamp of the Genie – where players helped free enlightened genies trapped by the chaotic one.
The Magicarium – a two-sided wizard’s maze, with Light and Dark sides played in opposite directions, each filled with unique cabinets and puzzles.
The Arcane Archives – a secret society hidden in a library of otherworldly objects, where new members were drawn into a mission through time.
And we’re leaving behind our enchanted lobby—a place that delighted newcomers with its steampunk-meets-Victorian charm. With its dark, warm, and playful ambience, secret toys and oddities —it was a world unto itself.
We are so grateful to our brilliant and creative staff, Crystal and Mac, who helped shape every puzzle and every player’s experience. You were part of the soul of this place...
Why are we closing?
-Our rent was raised beyond what we can afford by a new landlord.
-There are no suitable commercial spaces left in our price range.
-The City will be tearing up our street for at least two years to redo the sewers and streetscape.
-The commercial rental market has become increasingly difficult to navigate, with misinformation and hidden costs at every turn.
-And looming economic uncertainty, including the possibility of a new recession, has made it impossible to keep going under our current model.
We’ve always run Fantescapes to break even—not to make profit, but to make magic. And for 11 wonderful years, we did just that.
But we recognize that magic doesn’t have to be confined to walls.
We are now dreaming of a new chapter: Fantescapes is ready to explore moving beyond the walls — bringing puzzles, storytelling, and adventure into outdoor spaces, from the alleys and landmarks of downtown Guelph to the trails and clearings of nearby parks and forests. We want to create larger group games, outdoor mystery hunts, and immersive quests that don’t require a building—but still spark the same sense of wonder.
To every person who stepped through the door and into our strange and whimsical world: thank you. You made the dream real.
With deep gratitude,
Shawn, Glenn, Crystal & Mac
