Folks can get a taste of the escape-room phenomenon sweeping the country at EEscape Edmonton, where groups of 2–8 friends, coworkers, or family members use their wits to succeed in a mind-bending game. And even if players don't manage to escape within the 45-minute time limit, the game still provides plenty of entertainment in the form of riddles, puzzles, and searches for clues. Amateur sleuths with a knack for problem solving can check out the following scenarios:

• Sinking Boat: A destructive storm has sent the captain and most of the crew aboard the SS Jumbo Unsinkable fleeing, but you're determined to find your mates before the ship sinks.

• Samara: Since you and fellow paranormal journalists watched a mysterious tape seven days ago, you've been experiencing all manner of disturbing occurrences. Now your investigation has led you to a desolate cabin—what could possibly go wrong?

• Held Hostage: You and your teammates have to locate and rescue your friend, Elizabeth. She was kidnapped after being promoted to bank manager, a position that gave her access to the vault, cash drawers, and safety-deposit boxes.

• National Security: Your team of FBI agents must discover the identity of a terrorist who has managed to infiltrate the White House. If you fail, he or she will trigger a biological attack that threatens Washington, DC.

• Back to the Future: On your way back to 1955, your time machine malfunctioned. You'll be stranded in the past unless your team can figure out some time-bending puzzles without the help of the Internet.