It was Mrs. Peacock in the library with the candlestick. Mystery solved! More than likely, you have enjoyed a round (or too many to count) of Clue over the years, and no matter how many times you play it, it never gets old.

Murder mystery games can make a fun and highly entertaining night (or day) with friends, and a Vancouver company - Vancouver Mysteries - is taking the murder mystery game one step further. This interactive game takes you around Vancouver's oldest neighborhood Gastown. Did we mention there is a Blood Alley in Gastown? True story.

What secrets does Gastown hold? — Photo courtesy of Xiao23

The Game

"Crime in Downtown" is the first of Vancouver Mysteries' games, and you can expect to see more coming from them. This interactive murder mystery game can be played with as little as two and as many as 40 players of all ages. You have the option to book with a smaller group and play against other teams, or book a private game for a larger group of friends. Your family reunion just got that much more interesting.

The game takes place throughout Gastown. As a player, you're given the following items to get you started:

• a roadbook
• a map
• a hand magnifier 
• crime scene pictures and clues
• a fingerprint analysis guide
• a compass
• a mirror
• and more . . .
  

The game is filled with clues, brain-teasers and a whole lot of mystery. It lasts for about two to two and a half hours, depending on how long you take to solve the mystery.

The Gritty Details

Where: You will meet your host at the entrance of the park located at the corner of Hornby Street and West Hastings Street.

When: Daily! Crime doesn't stop for anyone. When you're booking, you can see the times available. If you're booking a large group, contact them to set something up for you.

Who: All ages can go, but children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

What (to wear): Gastown's sidewalks are made from beautiful cobblestone, so you may want to leave those heels at home.

How (much): For two to four players, it's $25 per player. For five or more players, the cost is $20 per player.

Places to Explore Afterwards

If you're new to Vancouver, an added bonus to this experience is that you get to explore Vancouver's oldest city while playing "Crime in Downtown." There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops in the neighborhood that are worth checking out when your game has finished.

Also, if you're interested in learning more about the city's underbelly, the Vancouver Police Museum is just a short walk away.