Supernatural Sleuthing
Following Dead Boy Detectives Through The Lower Mainland
On the misty shores of BC’s south coast, where the Pacific Northwest’s mysterious charm meets urban energy, the supernatural world of Dead Boy Detectives comes to life. This guide will take you through an immersive journey of filming locations and thematically appropriate destinations across the Lower Mainland, weaving together the show’s memorable scenes with local history, dining experiences, and hidden gems that would intrigue any paranormal investigator.
Getting Around
This itinerary is best experienced by car, as locations are spread throughout Surrey and Langley. Free parking is available at most locations, though downtown areas may require paid parking. Consider using the Park Mobile app for convenient parking payment in Surrey’s city center.
Day 1: Fort Langley and Surrey – Where History Meets Mystery
Begin your journey in Fort Langley, which stands in for portions of Port Townsend in the series. Start your morning at Fort Langley National Historic Site, where you can explore the original Hudson’s Bay Company trading post.
Time your visit to catch one of the site’s Indigenous interpretive programs, which explore the complex trade relationships between the Hudson’s Bay Company and local First Nations, including how the introduction of European trade goods transformed traditional economies.
Take time to explore Wendel’s Bookstore & Café, where you can channel your inner investigator while browsing through their extensive collection of mystery novels and supernatural fiction. The café’s house-made pastries provide the perfect fuel for your day of exploration.
In Downtown Fort Langley, walk the same streets where Esther’s chaotic Episode 8 scene was filmed.
As the afternoon approaches, head to Surrey’s historic Cloverdale neighborhood, where the Surrey Libraries – Cloverdale Branch served as the backdrop for Niko and Edwin’s research scene in Episode 3.
Next door, the Museum of Surrey features the Indigenous Hall, a permanent exhibition co-created with local First Nations, historic architecture, and contemporary art and culture.
Try their renowned Cantonese crispy noodles while reflecting on the day’s discoveries. Cap off your evening at the historic Hawthorne Beer Market & Bistro, where the ambient lighting and craft beer selection create the perfect atmosphere for discussing theories about the show’s mysteries.
For dinner, make your way to Ken’s Café & Restaurant, featured in Episode 5’s letter-writing scene.
Day 2: Richmond’s Waterfront Secrets
Your second day takes you to Steveston Village in Richmond, where the iconic waterfront scenes from Episode 1 were filmed.
Before exploring the Fisherman’s Wharf, visit the ‘Muuaqwin’ dugout canoe at the Steveston Tram Building. This 32-foot vessel, carved from a single cedar log by Squamish Nation master carver Ray Natraoro, offers insight into the sophisticated maritime traditions of Coast Salish peoples who have navigated these waters for millennia.
Take a mid-morning stroll along the boardwalk, following in the footsteps of our supernatural sleuths. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site offers fascinating exhibits about the area’s maritime history, and its atmospheric old buildings wouldn’t look out of place in one of the show’s ghostly flashbacks.
The slanted roofs and colorful facades of Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf served as the backdrop for Edwin, Charles, and Crystal’s arrival in Port Townsend. Begin your morning at The Cannery Cafe, where you can enjoy a delicious brunch with a perfect vantage point of the harbor where these scenes were shot.
For lunch, honor the show’s waterfront scenes with fresh fish and chips at Catch Kitchen + Bar.
In the afternoon, explore the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, where the wooden boardwalks and historic buildings create an eerily perfect backdrop for fans of the show’s Victorian elements. The site tells important stories about the Indigenous, Chinese, and Japanese communities who shaped Richmond’s maritime history, including displays about the discriminatory policies that affected these communities and their resilience in the face of adversity.
Day 3: Vancouver’s Gastown and Beyond
While you can’t go inside this film set, the surrounding area offers plenty of atmospheric exploration opportunities. Stop by the nearby Jam Cafe for a hearty breakfast that would fuel any supernatural investigation.
The heart of your Dead Boy Detectives pilgrimage lies in Vancouver’s historic Gastown district. Begin today’s journey at the exterior of the Tongue & Tail Butcher Shop on 324 Cambie Street, the Dead Boy Detectives Agency’s headquarters.
Although not a filming location, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is worth a visit to explore contemporary Indigenous art and learn about the cultural significance of transformation stories – tales of beings who move between human and spirit worlds, much like our ghostly detectives.
The Lamplighter’s stained glass windows and exposed brick walls provide the perfect atmosphere for an early dinner. As night falls, the gaslight-style street lamps of Gastown create an appropriately spooky atmosphere that matches the show’s aesthetic.
Visit The Lamplighter Public House for dinner and peek at the exterior of Clough Club, both featured in Crystal’s flashback scene in Episode 1.
For those interested in the darker side of Vancouver’s history, join the Lost Souls of Gastown Walking Tour, which begins at 7:00 PM, next door to The Lamplighter Public House. This theatrical walking tour aligns perfectly with the show’s supernatural themes while sharing authentic historical tales of Vancouver’s earliest days.
Day 4: West Vancouver’s Coastal Mysteries
The park is also home to one of the region’s premier scuba diving sites, where adventurous fans might spot some of the marine life that calls these waters home, including harbor seals and the occasional giant Pacific octopus. As you wander through this natural area, take a cue from our ghostly detectives and leave no trace of your presence. Stick to marked trails like a spirit gliding through the unseen, pack out what you bring so nothing lingers in your wake, and respect the wildlife and fellow travelers who share this space.
Your final day takes you to the rugged coastline of Whytecliff Park, featured prominently in Episode 4’s stunning ocean vistas. Start with grabbing some goodies at Goldie’s Donuts and Bakery in Horseshoe Bay before heading to the park.The park’s jagged coastline and small islands create a perfectly mysterious atmosphere that matches the show’s supernatural elements. If you’re visiting during low tide, you can carefully make your way out to Whyte Islet, featured in the series.
End your day by watching the sunset over Howe Sound from one of the park’s viewing points, much like the atmospheric shots featured in Episode 4. Consider how this stunning viewpoint has inspired stories and cultural practices for countless generations, from Coast Salish origin stories to contemporary television productions like Dead Boy Detectives.
Ready to start your adventure?