If you’re looking for a night out that’s truly different, try Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience in New Westminster, BC. I first saw it on an Instagram Reel and couldn’t stop thinking about it.
I decided to book a VIP couple ticket for me and my partner as a spontaneous gift. He only knew we were going to see a magician, and the rest was a surprise. VIP costs a bit more, but you sit in the front row, see the magic up close, and even choose the type of tricks you want to watch.
The show is intentionally small and intimate. Magician Shawn Farquhar (two-time World Champion of Magic, featured on Ellen, Masters of Illusion, and Fool Us) builds the set as it goes. No two shows are ever the same and the interaction makes it feel very personal.
One thing that stood out for me was how the “agenda” for the night didn’t exist until the audience created it. During the show, we were asked to pick objects from the front stage (there’s a lot of them!), and each choice became the start of a magic trick and a story.
Some picks that night included a mystery bag, which revealed a series of surprises inside, and a “play a game” challenge where a locked box was involved. In that trick, one partner guarded the box while the other answered a few questions like name, dream travel destination, the time they’d like to go. When the box was finally opened, there was a paper inside with every answer they had just given, even though the box had been locked the entire time!
Another favourite was something like hide-the-rock game, where a couple concealed a tiny gem in one of their hands. In one case, the lady hid the gem in her pocket (not the game rule but she did it anyway which was fun), and somehow the magician still guessed correctly.
Part of the fun starts before the show. After booking on hiddenwonders.ca, the “secret” address arrives closer to the date. The entrance looks like a vintage shop filled with a bunch of quirky treasures, and from there, staff guide you through a hidden passage to the theatre. I didn’t take any photos beyond that because it’s best to go in without spoilers!
Some tips if you’re going for the first time:
- Book early. Seats fill pretty quickly, so aim for 1–2 months ahead. I booked mine two months in advance.
- Consider VIP. The front-row experience is worth it, especially if it’s your first visit. I originally thought it would be a one-time thing, but by the end of the show I was already thinking about coming back.
- Go with the right company. It’s perfect for date night or a small group of friends.
If you’re in Metro Vancouver and want something unique, this is the one.
Have you been to Hidden Wonders before? Leave a comment below and share your experience, I’d love to hear it!
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[…] And by the way, if you’re hanging around New West or planning a little date night in the area, don’t miss the hidden magic. […]