Sweetwater Secrets

Your Guide to British Columbia’s Hidden Riverdale Gems

Currently streaming in Canada on Netflix and Apple TV.

As Jonathan Kent once told his son, “Your abilities may be extraordinary, but your character makes you special.” This three-day journey through the actual filming locations of Smallville in beautiful British Columbia embodies that spirit, taking you from humble rural farmlands to lakeside vistas and grand mansions, all while following in Clark Kent’s footsteps. These locations sit on the traditional territories of several First Nations, including the Coast Salish, Kwantlen, and Songhees peoples, whose stewardship of these lands spans thousands of years.

Practical Considerations

Photography Tips

  • Buntzen Lake is most photogenic in early morning light
  • Hatley Castle photographs best in late afternoon
  • Many locations allow tripods, but check venue-specific rules
  • Consider weather conditions – overcast days can provide ideal lighting for architecture shots

Travel Notes

  • Book Hatley Castle tours well in advance
  • Check BC Ferries schedules and consider reservations for Victoria day
  • Some locations may have seasonal hours or closure dates
  • Consider shoulder season (September-October or April-May) for fewer crowds
  • Many outdoor locations require appropriate footwear and weather gear

While many iconic indoor scenes were filmed at BB Studios in Burnaby and remain off-limits, these outdoor locations truly connect to *Smallville’s* world—just be sure to respect private property and the natural surroundings. After all, even heroes know the importance of playing by the rules.

Day 1: The Heart of Small-Town Smallville

Morning: Fort Langley and Aldergrove

Begin your day in Fort Langley, the historic village that served as a backdrop for numerous Smallville scenes. Start with breakfast at Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe, which captures the series’ small-town charm. While enjoying your morning coffee, view the quaint streets and heritage buildings that echo Smallville’s classic hometown feel.

Take time to explore the Fort Langley National Historic Site https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/langley , built on traditional Kwantlen First Nation territory. While not a filming location, it provides essential context about the region’s history and the relationships between European fur traders and Indigenous peoples.

Drive down to 843, 248 St, through Aldergrove’s agricultural community, where the iconic yellow Kent Farm scenes were filmed. As Martha Kent wisely observed, “The farm is more than just our home Clark. It’s where your father and I fell in love, where we made our life together, where we raised you.” While the actual farm is private property, the surrounding rural roads offer views of the agricultural landscape that made this area perfect for representing Kansas. Stop at JD Farms Specialty Turkey Store & Bistro for lunch – a working farm that embodies the agricultural spirit of the Kent Farm.

FOR LUNCH:

Try the nearby Vault Restaurant, housed in a former bank building from 1910 for dinner. While not a filming location, its historic atmosphere matches the architectural character seen throughout the series.

Afternoon: Cloverdale

Head to 176th Street of downtown Cloverdale, where you’ll find the historic Clova Cinemawhich served as the exterior of The Talon. While no longer operating as a cinema, the building’s facade remains recognizable from its appearances in the show. Keep an eye out for other familiar landmarks from the show, like the Smallville Antiques Shop, Nil’s flower shop and Fordman’s department store.The surrounding historic downtown Cloverdale maintains much of its period charm that made it perfect for the series.

 

Day 2: From Metropolis to Crater Lake

NOTES:

Head to the Marine Building at 335 Burrard St., famously known as the Daily Planet in Smallville. Completed in 1930, it was once the tallest building in the British Empire and remains one of the city’s last standing Art Deco landmarks.

Morning: Vancouver/Burnaby

Start your day in downtown Vancouver, which doubled as Metropolis in the series. While many shots were enhanced with CGI, you can still recognize numerous buildings and streets that formed the backdrop for Clark’s future home. Begin with breakfast at Cafe Medina, offering a sophisticated urban contrast to yesterday’s rural experiences.

Afternoon: Buntzen Lake

Make your way to Buntzen Lake(https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/buntzen-lake/) in Anmore, which served as Smallville’s Crater Lake. As Clark often reminded us, “Every person has a dark side,” this beautiful but mysterious location, which created metahumans in the show’s storyline, perfectly embodies that duality. This stunning location, known as “Lake Beautiful” before 1905, offers hiking trails and viewpoints that appeared throughout the series. When visiting, remember to:

  • Stay on marked trails.
  • Pack out what you pack in
  • Maintain distance from wildlife
  • Check trail conditions before hiking

The lake is within the traditional territory of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, which has long considered these waters sacred. Review the interpretive signs about Indigenous history and the area’s ecological significance.

Stop at Float 30 Restaurant in Port Moody for a late lunch or early dinner.- While not a filming location, its waterfront setting and quality dining make it a perfect end to your day of exploration.

Day 3: Victoria and Luthor Mansion

NOTES:

The scenic 90-minute journey through the Gulf Islands offers stunning photo opportunities. Upon arrival in Victoria, start with breakfast at the Fairmont Empress’s Q Restaurant, setting the tone for a day of luxury worthy of the Luthor family.

Morning: Ferry and City

Take an early BC Ferries(https://www.bcferries.com/newfares?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtYy9BhBcEiwANWQQL_TtRKs06bAU-msMwn-xLcJXtNG4J_Ig7a_j7ehIoE4f3aHxSKjBwxoCkJwQAvD_BwE) sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.

Afternoon: Hatley Castle

The crown jewel of your Smallville pilgrimage is Hatley Castle(https://hatleycastle.com/) at Royal Roads University, which served as the iconic Luthor Mansion. As Lex once mused, “In my experience, there’s no such thing as too much security.” You’ll understand why when you see this imposing structure that perfectly embodied the Luthor family’s power and presence in Smallville. The castle, built in the early 20th century, offers guided tours that must be booked in advance through their website. The castle’s Scottish-inspired architecture and manicured gardens made it the perfect setting for the Luthor family’s power plays and schemes.

The castle sits on the traditional territories of the Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Lekwungen (Songhees) peoples. Take time to visit the nearby Hatley Park National Historic Site, where you can learn about the property’s history and enjoy the Japanese, Italian, and Rose gardens.

Between your castle visit and dinner, consider a visit to Craigdarroch Castle(https://thecastle.ca/). While not a filming location for Smallville, this Victorian-era mansion, with its period furnishings and Gothic architecture, offers another glimpse into the world of wealth and power that defined the Luthor family aesthetic. The castle’s stained-glass windows and intricate woodwork create an atmosphere that feels straight out of the show’s most dramatic scenes.

For a truly memorable finale to your Smallville journey, book a table at the Fireside Grill , located in a restored heritage tudor estate, offering farm to table cuisine, and a unique Victorian dining experience.. 

Beyond the Set

If you’re visiting between May and November, consider ending your evening with a ghostly walk through Victoria’s historic streets with Discover the Past’s guided tours (https://discoverthepast.com/ghostly-walks/) – while not connected to Smallville, these tours capture the mysterious atmosphere that made the show so compelling, complete with tales of Victorian-era power brokers who could rival the Luthors in ambition.