Ian CheesemanI have to admit, I haven’t tried virtual reality gaming until some friends invited me to play VR at their house. As a total newbie, I was afraid of looking ridiculous.
But the moment I strapped on that headset and found myself being chased by zombies, blowing their brains out with a virtual shotgun, I was hooked.
From that day on, me and my friends went on a mission to discover the best virtual reality experiences in and around Toronto.
Now, I’m here to share my top-rated picks with all the newbies and seasoned gamers alike. Get ready to have a blast!
How much is a VR experience in Toronto?
The cost of VR experiences in Toronto ranges from $20 to $40 per hour of gameplay. Factors that may affect the price include the type of VR experience, the popularity of the venue, and whether additional services or amenities are included.
Additionally, special promotions, discounts for group bookings, and membership packages may influence the overall cost.
How We Chose the Best Virtual Reality Experiences in and around Toronto
1. Levelup Virtual Reality Arcade
We came to Levelup Virtual Reality Arcade for a mind-blowing VR experience, and they did not disappoint.
Their setup is top-notch, with a spacious layout and well-kept equipment.
They also have a whopping selection of over 80 single and multiplayer games. Guests can choose from action, adventure, sports, horror survival, and escape room thrills.
We tried their Serious Sam game and wow—fighting monsters and feeling like a total badass in another world is an experience like no other!
Levelup offers packages for 1 to 10 players or private events of up to 24. And for the budget-friendly peeps (like me!), they frequently run promos and discounts.
By the way, kudos to their stellar customer service! Their staff are always on hand to assist, whether you need help navigating a game or figuring out the equipment.
Just a heads up though, it’s a cashless facility.
Pros
- Spacious layout and well-kept equipment
- Over 80 single and multiplayer games
- Packages for 1 to 10 players
- Hosts private events of up to 24
- Frequently run promos and discounts
- Stellar customer service
Cons
- Cashless
Great place for adults and kids!
“Great place for adults and kids! We hosted our sons 10th birthday here and it was a blast. Each kid has their own pod. The staff were patient and accommodating, helping the kids along the way. The place was clean! Definitely a 5 Star experience.”
Olga Donchenko, Google Review
Great VR location and setup
“Great VR location and setup. Very spacious and well kept. Layout is efficient and all equipment is cleaned before/after use. Staff are monitoring and can help out without even needing to call for help. Brought my kids (smallest was 8 years old), and had games that they enjoyed. No hesitation in recommending Levelup. The staff were friendly and helpful. Washrooms were clean and well kept. Good job! A+.”
C Tam, Google Review
2. Sandbox VR
Sandbox VR’s exclusive stories, crafted by former EA, Sony, and Ubisoft developers, gave us a top-notch experience. No wonder they raised over $60M from big-name investors like Justin Timberlake and Kevin Durant!
With motion capture tech and custom gear, Sandbox VR brings you a realistic and immersive experience.
We were actually spoilt for choice—from cooperative or competitive gameplay in various genres like sports, science fiction, fantasy, and horror. We finally settled on their Seekers of the Shard and Squid Game experiences, and they were phenomenal.
You can gather your squad (online booking up to 6 is available) and try one of their seven exclusive experiences, from zombie battles to swashbuckling adventures.
Sure, there were some technical hiccups along the way, but the adrenaline rush and sheer excitement of the gameplay more than made up for it.
Pros
- Crafted by former EA, Sony, and Ubisoft developers
- Raised over $60M from big-name investors
- Top-notch motion capture tech and custom gear
- Wide range of exclusive games
- Online booking up to 6 is available
Cons
- Some technical hiccups
The best VR experience ever in Toronto
“The best VR experience ever in Toronto, literally feel like we’re in another world. Derek took good care of us! The highlight video at the end is hilarious! 10000000/10”
Angelina, Google Review
VR here is so much fun!
“VR here is so much fun! The staff is super friendly and the whole experience itself is pretty cool. I would recommend getting new weapons from time to time and adding more games though 😅 you do get two short clips of the game highlight! You have to try it if you haven’t!”
Victor, Google Review
3. VR Escapism
At VR Escapism, you’ve got loads of gaming adventures waiting for you and your crew, from escape rooms to action-packed VR games.
We tried Ninja Trials and Pirates Plague, and they were amazing! The graphics and sound effects were so lifelike, we totally forgot we were in a gaming center.
But if you’re more into free-roaming adventures, they have stuff like Corsair escapades and post-apocalyptic showdowns.
They even have a chill area with foosball and board games, perfect for cooling down after an intense virtual battle.
Additionally, they’re open for private bookings, and we heard they’re great for kids’ birthday parties.
As a bonus, you can book a slot online, and you don’t even need to whip out your credit card until you get there. Super convenient, right?
Even though their game selection is a bit on the limited side, we’d still go there again!
Pros
- Lifelike graphics and sound effects
- Foosball and board game area
- Open for private bookings
- Can book a slot online but pay onsite
Cons
- Comparatively limited VR game selection
Good selection of Virtual Reality games for all ages
“Walk inside and there are about 4 rooms that can be played in. There’s a foosball table outside and they sell drinks as well. They offer a good selection of Virtual Reality games for all ages. Staff is nice and helpful.”
K W, Google Review
Nice staff and great VR equipment
“This was great. Went with 4 other people. We did the horror storyline escape room. Will be coming back to try the space one or dragon one. Nice staff and great VR equipment, they use the meta quest 3. We didn’t finish our escape room cause we weren’t cognizant of the time, but apparently they have analog clocks in the room so that was our fault. I highly recommend this place.”
Paawan, Google Review
4. Zero Latency Toronto
We had so much fun playing VR games at Zero Latency Toronto.
We love their selection of cool games—you can annihilate zombies, explore alien worlds, or command battle robots. As for us, we dove into Far Cry and Outbreak, and wow, it was unreal!
While you’re waiting for your turn, you can even kick back in their lounge area and catch the action on screen.
Also, while some places can only accommodate groups of up to 6, they’re ready to take on up to 8. For VR addicts, they offer memberships too, so you can keep the fun going all month long.
And if you’re planning a big bash, they offer special bookings for parties of 10 or more, complete with access to the lounge and food prep area.
We did notice they’re a bit on the pricey side. Still, with features in Forbes, Wired, and more, you know you’re in for a top-notch experience.
Pros
- Carries popular games like Far Cry
- Can accommodate groups of up to 8
- Has a lounge area
- Offers memberships
- Offers special bookings
- Featured in notable publications
Cons
- A bit pricey
VR is top quality and very immersive
“The most fun I’ve had this year. Went with a group of 8 guys, (all decent gamers already) to play Outbreak Origins. We had an amazing experience. Went back in for a second round of Undead Arena. VR is top quality and very immersive. Haven’t laughed that hard in a while. Highly Reccomend”
Johann Keens-Douglas, Google Review
It honestly blew away all my expectations
“This was my first time here, it honestly blew away all my expectations. This was truly the kind of VR experience I’ve been looking for! The facility is extremely well kept and clean, with a very sleek look. The staff is very kind, helpful, courteous and enthusiastic! They really help you feel welcomed and will walk you through the basics, handling and safety with peace of mind. They’re very engaging and is clear they love what they do because it shows how passionate they are!”
Peter Lee, Google Review
5. Mirage VR
We were able to step into a whole new world (literally!) at Mirage VR.
They’re all about taking gaming to the next level with their full-body, free-roam VR experiences. No more sitting on the couch with a controller—here, you’re living the game.
With no wires to trip over and no uncomfortable teleportation, you’re free to move and explore as you please. And trust me, it’s a workout—fighting, kicking, touching, you name it!
They’ve got something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a total newbie.
We tried out Best of Both Worlds, and it was a blast—but I gotta say, the customer service left something to be desired. After some headset issues, we were left waiting without much help.
On the other hand, we think their gaming room is perfect for a night out with friends or even team-building exercises for larger groups of up to—wait for it—40!
Pros
- Full-body, free-roam VR
- Completely wireless
- Wide range of stationary and free-roaming VR
- Can book groups of up to 40
Cons
- Subpar customer service
The best VR experience I’ve ever had
“This was the best VR experience I’ve ever had, there was a man working at staff whom I should’ve asked for his name. He provided the best customer service I’ve ever received in my life, he was super helpful, funny, enthusiastic, and he seemed to love his job. The tutorial game was super fun and there are many games to choose from.”
Colin Phan, Google Review
Had an absolutely fabulous time at Mirage VR
“We had an absolutely fabulous time at Mirage VR. I booked a birthday party with 9 people for my 17 yr old daughter and they all loved it. I especially want to thank Dion and Princess who were wonderful hosts. They made the experience that much more enjoyable. They were patient and professional and extremely polite. They both deserve a pat on the back and their day in the sun. Keep up the good work guys. It’s hosts like you that keep people coming back.”
shaun r, Google Review
