Sandbox VR Expands Canadian Empire with New Vaughan Entertainment Hub

VAUGHAN, ON – January 08, 2026 – The landscape of Canadian entertainment is set for another high-tech evolution as Sandbox VR, a global leader in immersive virtual reality, announces the grand opening of its newest venue in Vaughan, Ontario. Set to open its doors on January 16, the location at the RioCan Colossus Center marks the company’s sixth and latest foothold in a nation that has demonstrated a strong appetite for next-generation social experiences.

This expansion is a significant move for the San Francisco-based company, which has successfully established a presence in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Montreal. By choosing Vaughan, Sandbox VR is not just adding a pin to its map; it's making a strategic play in a competitive suburban market, betting that its unique brand of full-body, shared virtual adventures will capture the local imagination. The company’s aggressive growth, fueled by a hybrid corporate and franchise model, has seen it become a dominant force in the location-based entertainment (LBE) sector, attracting nearly 150,000 players monthly across its global network.

Canada's Growing Appetite for Immersive Worlds

The Vaughan opening is the latest chapter in Sandbox VR's Canadian success story. The company's continued investment underscores a clear trend: Canadians are increasingly seeking out high-quality, social, and technologically advanced entertainment options. "Canada remains a key growth market for Sandbox VR, and we're looking forward to expanding into Vaughan," said Steve Zhao, the company's founder and CEO. "Our immersive, social VR experiences continue to resonate with guests, and we look forward to bringing Sandbox's innovative approach to entertainment to the Vaughan community."

This resonance is partly explained by the unique position location-based venues like Sandbox VR occupy. While home VR has faced hurdles with high hardware costs and a perceived lack of compelling content, LBE centers bypass these issues. They offer access to cutting-edge technology—including haptic vests and full-body motion tracking—and curated, exclusive experiences without the hefty personal investment. This model has proven effective, with the company’s first Canadian locations in cities like Toronto and Vancouver receiving overwhelmingly positive public reception and demonstrating viability even through challenging economic periods.

Industry analysis shows that while home VR adoption has been slower than predicted, the market for shared, out-of-home immersive experiences is thriving. Consumers, particularly younger demographics, are showing a strong willingness to pay for premium, memorable group activities that offer more than passive viewing. Sandbox VR is capitalizing on this demand, positioning itself as a compelling alternative to traditional outings like movies or bowling.

Transforming Vaughan's Local Entertainment Scene

The choice of the RioCan Colossus Center is a calculated one. By embedding itself within an established entertainment and retail hub, Sandbox VR is poised to benefit from existing foot traffic and a consumer base already primed for leisure activities. The new venue will compete with nearby escape rooms and cinemas but offers a distinctly different value proposition rooted in interactive, futuristic storytelling.

The Vaughan location is a significant local investment, spanning over 5,000 square feet. It will house four private VR rooms, known as 'holodecks,' where groups of up to six players can participate simultaneously, alongside a dedicated party room for events. This setup is central to the company’s social-first philosophy.

The expansion is being driven by local entrepreneurs through the company’s robust franchising program. "I'm honored to be a part of the Sandbox VR Franchise expansion," said Fiona Cheng, the Franchise Owner of the new Vaughan venue. "Opening at the RioCan Colossus Centre in Vaughan allows us to bring a truly next-level immersive entertainment experience to our community, and we can't wait to welcome guests through our doors."

This franchise model allows for rapid scaling while leveraging the passion and local market knowledge of owners like Cheng, creating a powerful engine for the brand’s North American and global growth.

A Powerhouse of Technology and Storytelling

What truly sets Sandbox VR apart is its proprietary platform and a deep library of exclusive content. Developed by a team of veterans from gaming giants like EA, Sony, and Ubisoft, the experience is designed for maximum immersion. Guests don gear that includes a VR headset, a haptic vest that simulates impacts and sensations, and motion sensors on their wrists and ankles. This technology allows players to see their own bodies and those of their teammates represented accurately inside the virtual world, creating a profound sense of presence and social connection.

The experience is further enhanced by a diverse and growing catalog of adventures. Leveraging major intellectual properties has become a cornerstone of the company’s strategy. In partnership with Netflix, it offers Stranger Things: Catalyst, an experience that lets players step into Hawkins National Laboratory, and Squid Game Virtuals, which pits friends against each other in challenges inspired by the hit series. Another collaboration with director Zack Snyder brought Rebel Moon: The Descent to life.

Beyond licensed titles, Sandbox VR has developed its own popular series, including the zombie-infested worlds of Deadwood Valley and Deadwood PHOBIA, the fantasy quest Seekers of the Shard: Dragonfire, and the futuristic combat of Amber Sky 2088. This blend of original and licensed content ensures a wide appeal, catering to everyone from hardcore gamers to families looking for a unique weekend activity. To cap off the premium experience, guests receive personalized highlight videos of their adventure, making the memories instantly shareable.

A Blueprint for Global VR Dominance

The Vaughan opening is a microcosm of a much larger, meticulously executed global strategy. Sandbox VR's rapid growth has earned it significant recognition, including being named one of Fast Company's 2024 Most Innovative Companies and landing at #129 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. This trajectory is backed by over $138 million in funding from top-tier investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, as well as celebrity backers including Justin Timberlake and Katy Perry.

Having sold over five million tickets across more than 65 venues worldwide, the company has solidified its position as the market leader. Its hybrid corporate-franchise model has proven exceptionally effective, with an average U.S. location reportedly generating around $1.7 million in annual revenue. This financial success allows for continuous investment in technology and new content, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation and expansion.

As the doors prepare to open in Vaughan, prospective guests are being offered a 20% launch discount with the code LAUNCH20 on bookings made before January 16. For the community, it represents more than just a new place to play; it's a local gateway to the future of shared entertainment, where the line between reality and the virtual world blurs, one unforgettable adventure at a time.