Calgary Outdoor Escape Games – Riotous Roundup: A Fun-Filled Urban Adventure
If you’re looking for a way to experience Calgary’s city center beyond the usual sightseeing, the Riotous Roundup offered by Cluesolvers might just be your ticket. Starting at 304 8 Ave SW, this outdoor mystery game takes you on an approximately 90-minute adventure through Calgary’s indoor +15 system and streets, solving clues about a prankster who’s stolen zoo animals and hidden them around town. The cost is $61.43 per group, which makes this activity perfect for small groups of 2 to 5 people, making it both intimate and fun.
What we love about this experience is how it combines scavenger hunt excitement with elements of an escape room and race against the clock. It’s a great way to see parts of the downtown core that you might overlook—hidden gems, public art, and interesting spots—all while solving puzzles on your phone. Also, the flexibility of starting anytime during daylight hours is a real plus, letting you fit it into your schedule easily.
One potential consideration is the activity’s limited operating hours—Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM—so it’s best to plan accordingly. Also, since the clues are permanently in place and not locked inside a room, this means there’s no pressure of a tight time limit—just enjoy the walk and the puzzles at your own pace.
This tour best suits adventurous travelers, families, or small groups of friends who enjoy problem-solving and exploring a city with a twist. If you’re the type who loves urban exploration with a playful challenge, this activity fits the bill.
Key Points

- Flexible scheduling allows you to start anytime within opening hours
- Self-guided adventure with clues delivered via an easy-to-use app
- Ideal for small groups seeking a mix of fun, challenge, and sightseeing
- No time limit, so you can enjoy the experience at your own pace
- Includes interesting spots and hidden gems, not just the typical tourist trail
- Suitable for most travelers with comfortable footwear and a sense of adventure
A Closer Look at the Riotous Roundup Experience
When we first read about Calgary’s Riotous Roundup, it felt like a more playful alternative to the typical city tour. Instead of just wandering around and taking photos, you’re actively involved in solving a story—a mischievous prankster has made off with zoo animals and hidden them around Calgary’s downtown. This imaginative premise adds a dash of humor and excitement, making the experience engaging for both kids and adults.
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The Route and What You’ll See
The activity begins at 304 8 Ave SW, a conveniently central location, perfect for meeting and starting your adventure. From there, the clues will guide you through the indoor +15 system—a network of enclosed walkways connecting Calgary’s downtown buildings—plus some outdoor spots in the city core.
The indoor +15 system is one of Calgary’s unique features, a series of glass-enclosed bridges and walkways that keep you sheltered from the Calgary weather while offering glimpses of urban life. If you’ve never experienced this network before, it’s quite distinctive and adds an interesting dimension to your walk, especially if the weather isn’t perfect.
Throughout the route, you’ll encounter hidden gems and public art—details that locals often overlook—and these add to the charm of the activity. It’s not just about solving clues but also about seeing Calgary from a different perspective. One reviewer mentions that the clues are “permanently in place,” meaning that you can take your time and revisit some puzzles later without feeling rushed.
The Clues and Puzzles
The clues are delivered through an app, which makes for a seamless experience. Each puzzle guides you to the next location, often requiring you to think creatively or observe carefully. The activity is designed to be interactive and engaging, blending the fun of a scavenger hunt with the challenge of an escape room—minus the locked doors.
We appreciated that there’s no strict time limit—the game is built to take around 90 minutes, but you can pause or slow down at any point. This flexibility ensures you’re not rushing, allowing you to enjoy the sights and puzzles at your own pace.
Authentic Calgary Experiences
One of the highlights is that the activity takes you to areas most travelers might miss. The clues guide you around local spots and lesser-known corners of downtown Calgary, offering you a more authentic glance at the city. It’s a clever way to combine urban sightseeing with interactive entertainment.
Group Dynamics and Cost-Effectiveness
The activity is perfect for small groups of 2-5 people, which means it’s suitable for couples, families, or friends. The price per group is reasonable, especially considering it’s a fun, interactive experience that lasts around 90 minutes. You’re paying for the entertainment, the sightseeing, and the challenge, all rolled into one.
Practical Considerations
A couple of things worth noting: The activity runs Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, so planning your start time within these hours is essential. Also, since most of the activity takes place inside or along accessible walkways, it’s manageable even for those with limited mobility, and service animals are welcome.
We recommend wearing comfortable footwear because while most of the activity is indoors, you’ll still be walking around the city’s core, and it can be a bit of a stretch if you’re not used to walking.
Authenticity and Value

The tour offers a unique way to explore Calgary that’s unlike traditional sightseeing. Its interactive format encourages teamwork and curiosity, making the city’s highlights come alive through puzzles and stories. For travelers who enjoy learning by doing, this activity provides a memorable experience that combines urban exploration with playful problem-solving.
Compared to typical city tours, the Riotous Roundup offers great value for those looking to combine fun with sightseeing. Its self-guided nature means you can control your pace, and the flexibility to start anytime during the day makes it convenient for various schedules.
Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to experience Calgary in a different way. It’s ideal for small groups, especially those who enjoy puzzles, riddles, or competitive fun. Families with kids, couples, or friends looking for a lighthearted challenge will find it particularly enjoyable.
However, it might not be the best fit for those who prefer guided, structured tours or who have mobility issues, given the walking involved and the outdoor sections. But for anyone keen on a playful, engaging, and local experience, this game should definitely be on your list.
The Sum Up

The Calgary Outdoor Escape Games – Riotous Roundup offers a refreshing twist on city sightseeing. It combines urban exploration, puzzle-solving, and storytelling into a compact, enjoyable adventure through Calgary’s downtown core. The activity’s self-guided format, flexible scheduling, and interactive puzzles deliver excellent value, especially for small groups of friends or families wanting a memorable day out.
What truly elevates this experience is the chance to see hidden corners of Calgary—from public art to secret spots—while having fun working together to solve clues. The knowledgeable guides or storytellers (if involved) seem well-rated, and the stunning views and unique indoor + outdoor route make it a distinctive activity in Calgary’s array of attractions.
In essence, if you’re looking for a light, playful challenge that combines sightseeing with a bit of mystery, the Riotous Roundup is an ideal choice. It’s a way to turn a ordinary city walk into an adventure—perfect for those who like to think, explore, and laugh along the way.
FAQ
Is this activity suitable for children?
It’s designed for small groups of 2-5 people and involves puzzles that can appeal to all ages, but the activity’s difficulty and outdoor walking might be better suited for older children or teenagers.
Can I start the game at any time?
Yes, you can begin anytime during daylight hours when the activity is open—Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM—and follow the clues at your own pace.
Do I need to download anything?
Yes, all clues are delivered via the Cluesolvers App, which is included in the booking, making the experience seamless and easy to follow.
Is the activity indoors or outdoors?
It’s a combination of indoor and outdoor, primarily taking place in Calgary’s indoor +15 system and nearby outdoor streets, providing shelter and view variety.
How long does the game take?
While designed to take around 90 minutes, there’s no strict time limit, and you can take as long as you like to complete the puzzles.
What’s included in the price?
The game app and series of fun clues are included. There are no additional charges for the activity itself.
Are there any restrictions?
The activity is not available on Sundays and only runs Monday through Saturday. It’s best suited for those comfortable walking around the city.
Can I participate if I have limited mobility?
Most of the activity takes place on accessible paths, but some outdoor walking is involved. It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes and plan accordingly.
What should I wear?
Comfortable footwear is recommended, especially since the experience involves walking around the city. Dress for the weather, as some outdoor segments are unavoidable.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it a personalized, private experience perfect for family or friends.
In the end, Calgary’s Riotous Roundup provides a playful, engaging way to see the city’s hidden corners while testing your puzzle-solving skills—an excellent choice for curious travelers eager for a fun challenge.
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