After being hidden away for more than a century,
the vision of Harriston’s original postmaster has come to fruition.
Can you solve The Postmaster’s Riddle?
Visit a remarkable heritage building to work as a team and solve puzzles in one of Ontario’s most unique escape rooms.
Your goal? Beat the clock, climb the tower and ring the bell for all to hear:
there’s a new postmaster in town.
Booking Information
FEES
Adults: $42 + HST per person
Students & Seniors (55+): $35 + HST per person
Groups of 6 or more
Adults: $40 + HST per person
Students & Seniors (55+): $33 + HST per person
A minimum of 4 players and a maximum of 10 players is required for all games.
GAME TIMES
Can’t find a time that works for your group? Additional time slots are available outside of regular hours. Please email us to discuss your group’s needs.
Thursdays: 7:15 p.m.
Fridays: 5:15 p.m. / 8:15 p.m.
Saturdays: 10:15 a.m. / 1:15 p.m. / 4:15 p.m. / 7:15 p.m.
Your game will last 90 minutes. Most groups win the game on their second visit.
LOCATION
Escape the Old Post is located on the 3rd floor of the historic former Harriston post office, in the centre of downtown Harriston.
Can’t make the weekend work?
We accept special bookings outside of regular hours to accommodate your group’s schedule.
Please email us with your preferred date and time to learn more and book your game time!
Looking for a memorable or last-minute gift for a friend or family member?
Escape the Old Post gift certificates make an amazing experience gift. They’re redeemable online, and you will receive a printable version with online redemption code to give to the recipient.
Escape the Old Post Reviews
The Postmaster’s Riddle
The Old Post has seen its share of renovations in the last couple of years, and no area more so than the attic.
For more than a century, this magical space was only accessed by an old wooden ladder through a small hatched opening in the second storey ceiling. The potential of this mostly forgotten floor was begging to be explored.
Once restoration of the first and second floors were complete in early 2016, interest inevitably turned upward to the mysterious and completely untouched third floor. With unique characteristics such as a clock tower, a 1,200 pound bell, the small “archer’s” room with six slender windows, and the massive central skylight structure, the design possibilities were extraordinarily interesting to say the least.
But what to do…
WHO WAS THE MCCREADY FAMILY?
It was obvious from our research that the McCready family was going to play a very prominent role in the history of The Old Post. Alexander McCready was appointed Postmaster of Harriston in 1859.
He was a respected citizen of the town, but was also remembered as somewhat of an enigma, being a bit eccentric and known to be a master storyteller. Holding the position for 45 years, he handed over the title to his eldest son Robert in 1905.
ALEXANDER MCCREADY’S DREAM
Sadly, Alexander died in 1908, just a few years before the construction of the Old Post began in 1912. His long-desired dream of gazing up at the four storey clock tower and hearing the ringing of the bell was not meant to be.
Robert McCready was Postmaster until 1939 when he, in turn, handed over the reins to his only son, Archibald. This was the first time a third generation appointment had ever been made. Archibald was Postmaster until he retired in 1970.
Now, how does all this relate to what’s been happening on the third floor?
Well, even though old Alexander McCready died prior to construction of the Old Post, his influence has very much been felt.
Amid the cleanup of the third floor, some documents were discovered hidden in an old crate.
Two of the articles within these documents became immediately noteworthy.
The first was a rudimentary sketch of the third floor dated 1914, diagramming possible design features and concepts, and covered in extensive notes and descriptions.
The second article was a lyrical poem or “riddle” written by none other than old Mr. Alexander McCready. It was instantly clear that the two articles were related and that somebody, predictably Robert McCready, envisioned the construction of a fairly peculiar endeavour on the third floor of The Old Post based on his late father’s riddle.
Why the plan never became a reality is a mystery.
Perhaps the fact that the country would soon join the First World War has something to do with it.
After being hidden away for more than a century, the combined vision of Alexander and Robert McCready has come to fruition.
Can you solve The Postmaster’s Riddle?
Create A Complete Escape Experience
Complete your Escape the Old Post experience with a visit to the Café before or after your game!
The Café at the Old Post is a community-focused café offering locally-sourced specialty coffee, handcrafted sandwiches and soups, baked-in-the-building sweet treats, and soft serve ice cream. A curated selection of Ontario craft beer, cider and cocktails are also available.
The Café features indoor seating, and a street-side courtyard that offer the perfect setting for pre-game strategizing and post escape room debriefing.
For larger groups, the Post Script event space on the lower level can be booked before or after your game.
FAQs
Booking Questions
How much does the Postmaster’s Riddle game cost?
$35 + HST per person. Special rates for students and seniors. See online booking for details.
Is there a minimum number of people who can play? What is the maximum number of players?
We recommend 6-8 players for the Postmaster’s Riddle game. If you’re up for a challenge, you can book with only 4 people. We do not allow more than 10 people, or less than 4, to play at one time.
What age do the players need to be?
We recommend that the players be 13 years of age or older. Younger players are welcome to join their family or group, but may find the puzzles to be challenging. All participants will pay the regular pricing, regardless of age (student and senior rates available).
How do I book/reserve my game?
All of our bookings are completed online on our website. Click here to check the availability of time slots for Escape the Old Post. All modifications and changes to your game booking are also completed online before you and your team arrive.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my game?
We require 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your game. Cancellations, re-scheduling and other modifications to your booking should be completed online. Check your confirmation email for links to modify your booking.
Can I change the number of players once my game has been booked?
Yes, you can add players to a maximum of 10 people. All booking changes and additional player fees must be paid in advance of arriving at Escape the Old Post.
Do you offer group rates or bookings for special events?
For special group rates, please contact escapetheoldpost@gmail.com for more information.
Is there a room we can rent before or after our game? What can we do before or after we play?
Yes, if you are looking for a private area for your group, please contact us at 519-510-2222. We can assist with this as well as arrange potential food and beverage options. We also highly recommend local restaurant Harry Stone’s Social House. Contact the restaurant directly to make a reservation for your group.
Before or after you play, there are many other local experiences that we suggest to enhance your time. Just ask one of our customer service staff members and they will be happy to give you some suggestions. You can also visit the Treasures of Minto website for more details on local attractions and events, restaurants, accommodations and more.
Game Questions
How long is each game?
Each game will be a maximum of 90 minutes to complete. The introduction will take about 10 minutes and after the game we’ll have some time to chat and take a picture of your group. You can expect to leave Escape the Old Post at the latest 2 hours after your booked time begins.
Does the room have any scary elements or require physical effort?
Our game focuses primarily on the mental challenge of solving puzzles. The experience is not intended to be scary. There are some narrow walkways and spaces that you may find challenging. You are never locked in or confined to a space – there are always distinct exits. There may be light lifting, twisting, turning, reaching, stepping up or down, or kneeling to solve or find clues. There may be some elements that may not be suitable for children under the age of 13.
Can I bring my phone/ bags/packs into the game?
No. We do not allow ANY technology to be brought into the game. There will be a safe place to lock up your cell phones and belongings.
Do you give us hints if we get stuck on a puzzle?
Staff members will be monitoring your game and will assist you with clues if your group asks for assistance.
Is there surveillance?
All game areas and public spaces have cameras. Cameras in the game zone allow us to observe your progress and assist you directly if your team requests a clue or other help. Surveillance also helps ensure the safety of you and your team.
Is everything in the room part of the challenge?
No. Items such as fire extinguishers, sprinklers, duct work and some fixtures/furniture may not be touched. These items will be clearly marked and will be discussed during your team’s game orientation.
Can I leave the room to go to the bathroom?
We have washroom facilities within the game playing zone. If for any reason you require leaving the game, the game will continue. You are not permitted to return to the game and no discounts and refunds will be given.
How often do you change the game/puzzle?
We will announce any new games or changes on our website and via social media.
How should I dress to play your games?
Please dress comfortably, in clothing that allows you to move comfortably, search, bend down and solve puzzles.
Are we actually locked in the room?
No, the door will not be locked. You can leave at any time though you are not permitted to return. If you exit, no refund or discount will be given.
Can participants be refused entry to the room?
Yes. For safety and insurance reasons, if it appears that a participant is intoxicated or behaving inappropriately, they will be refused entry. For everyone’s safety, we maintain the right to refuse any person(s) from entering our premises and/or the game room and no refund will be given.
Other Questions
Where should I park/how do we access Escape the Old Post?
Escape the Old Post is located on the 3rd floor of the historic former Harriston post office, in the centre of downtown Harriston. You can find directions here.
There is street parking in front of the building, and a free parking lot located behind the building. You can park outside of Escape the Old Post and enter through the doors on the right at the front of the building. Your gamemaster will meet you in the Armory (first floor) just before your game.
Are your games suitable for pregnant women, those with health conditions, or people on crutches?
You are required to sign a waiver prior to the start of your game. When you sign your waiver, you release us from any liability. You are to use your own judgement. As indicated on the waiver, any health conditions that may affect your participation should be disclosed to staff.
Is Escape the Old Post wheelchair accessible?
We have one game that is located on the 3rd floor of the building. Due to the building’s age and heritage designation, the building does not have an elevator. We apologize for any inconvenience.