“Driver Picks the Music, Shotgun Picks the Locations”
A Supernatural BC ADVENTURE
For fifteen seasons, Sam and Dean Winchester traversed the backroads of America hunting monsters and saving people – the family business. While the show was set across the United States, many of its most memorable scenes were actually filmed in and around Vancouver.
This guide will take you through the most iconic filming locations, weaving together both the supernatural and natural heritage of this remarkable region.
Practical Considerations
Timing: some of these locations could still be active film sets, so visiting during early morning or weekend hours often provides better access. While photography is generally permitted at public locations, be mindful of any current filming activity and respect posted signage.
Accommodation: For the true fan experience, consider staying at the Rowing Club Hotel in Stanley Park – while not a filming location, its historic architecture and wooded setting capture the show’s aesthetic perfectly. Remember to bring good walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (Vancouver’s weather can change quickly), and a camera to document your journey.
Respect: As you explore these locations, remember that many hold deep cultural significance for local First Nations communities. The supernatural elements in the show often drew from various cultural mythologies, but the real histories and stories of these lands are equally fascinating. Consider taking a guided Indigenous cultural tour through Talaysay Tours (www.talaysay.com) to learn more about the authentic supernatural beliefs and histories of the Coast Salish peoples.
Before You Go: Check each location’s current status and accessibility before visiting. Many of these sites are still active filming locations, not just for Supernatural but for other productions as well.
Day 1: The Heart of Supernatural’s First Encounters
Central Vancouver: Where It All Began
Our journey begins in downtown Vancouver, where the pilot episode’s memorable bridge scene was filmed at the Burrard Street Bridge. While the brothers weren’t actually driving across it (that was added in post-production), this art deco masterpiece offers spectacular views of False Creek and is worth visiting at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle.
Nearby, you’ll find Granville Island, home to the Public Market – while not a filming location, its eclectic mix of artisanal foods and craft stores feels like somewhere the Winchester brothers might stop for pie.
Be sure to explore around Queen Elizabeth Park, which features a quarry garden and a restaurant called Seasons in the Park that offers a high-end dining experience amongst breathtaking views of the North Shore mountains. Or for a more active afternoon, play a round of pitch-and-putt or frisbee golf, both located on the east side of the park.
Queen Elizabeth Park: Heavenly Encounters
Some of the show’s most powerful angel-themed episodes were filmed at Queen Elizabeth Park, particularly in the Bloedel Conservatory. This location served as Heaven’s Garden, while the rest of the park provided the dramatic backdrop for several celestial confrontations between Castiel and his fellow angels. The park’s highest point offers panoramic views of the downtown skyline and North Shore mountains
Embracing Vancouver’s Real Haunted History
While tracking the Winchester brothers’ fictional adventures through Vancouver, why not delve into some authentic supernatural encounters? Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours offers their “Lost Souls of Gastown” experience, a gothic theater experience that winds through cobblestone streets and shadowy alleys. As you traverse Gastown’s haunted locations, you’ll hear tales that would intrigue even the most seasoned hunter – stories of the Great Fire, smallpox outbreaks, and mysterious disappearances. The tour guides, much like Bobby Singer, are walking encyclopedias of local lore, though they deal in real Vancouver history rather than monster hunting.
For those drawn to the darker aspects of Supernatural, consider visiting the Vancouver Police Museum. Their “Sins of the City” tour explores Vancouver’s film noir period of gambling dens, smuggling rings, and unsolved mysteries. While Sam and Dean never filmed here, the museum’s former autopsy facilities and crime exhibits would certainly feel at home in their world. The museum’s historic morgue, complete with authentic examination tables and medical instruments, provides an appropriately eerie atmosphere that matches some of the show’s more macabre episodes.
Day 2: Britannia Beach – Into the Dark
After your mine adventure, recharge with a delicious meal at Outbound Station, the perfect spot to relax and refuel with one of their Instagram-worthy burgers.
Britannia Beach Mining Museum: Into the Dark
The Britannia Mine Museum, about 45 minutes north of Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway, appeared in several underground-themed episodes. This National Historic Site offers guided tours that take you deep into the mine – perhaps not as scary as the Winchester brothers’ adventures, but atmospheric nonetheless.
Day 3: Shadows & Spirits IN THE SUBURBS
Riverview Hospital: Where Nightmares Come Alive
Perhaps no single location is more significant to Supernatural than Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam. This former mental health facility served as various hospitals, asylums, and other creepy institutions throughout the series. While the buildings themselves are not open to the public, the grounds are accessible during daylight hours. The magnificent old-growth trees and historic architecture create an appropriately atmospheric setting. Due to ongoing film productions, access to certain areas may be restricted.
The park lies within the traditional territory of the Katzie First Nation, who have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial. Their oral histories speak of supernatural beings in these forests long before television crews arrived. If you’re hiking here, stick to marked trails and carry the essentials – the Winchester brothers might have been prepared for anything, but you should focus on safety basics like water, proper footwear, and navigation tools.
Deep Into The Woods: Alouette Lake and Golden Ears Provincial Park
Many of Supernatural’s forest scenes were filmed in Golden Ears Provincial Park, particularly around Alouette Lake in Maple Ridge. This is where Dean and Sam had numerous encounters with wendigos and other woodland creatures.
Cloverdale: Hometown Vibes
The charming town of Cloverdale, particularly its main street, appeared repeatedly throughout the series. The Cloverdale Fairgrounds hosted several carnival-themed episodes, while the historic downtown area served as various Middle American settings.
Stop by Hawthorne Beer Market & Bistro for lunch – its rustic atmosphere feels like somewhere Sam and Dean might grab a beer between hunts.
Stop by Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe on Glover Road – while not featured in the show, its cozy atmosphere and extensive collection of supernatural and folklore books make it a perfect themed pit stop.
Fort Langley: Small Town Americana in BC
The Fort Langley National Historic Site itself is a fascinating destination, established in 1827 as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post. Today, visitors can explore the reconstructed buildings and learn about British Columbia’s colonial history through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. The fort played a crucial role in the region’s development, serving as a fur trading post and later as the birthplace of British Columbia.
What makes Fort Langley particularly significant is its history as a place of cultural exchange between European settlers and indigenous communities. The Kwantlen First Nation, part of the Coast Salish peoples, had established relationships with the fort, trading salmon and other goods. Today, the site acknowledges this shared history, offering insights into indigenous perspectives alongside colonial narratives.
For Supernatural fans, wandering along Fort Langley’s Glover Road feels like walking through countless episodes. The community hall, antique stores, and heritage buildings have all served as filming locations. The Fort Pub & Grill offers hearty fare that would satisfy the Winchester brothers after a long hunt, while Blacksmith Bakery serves pie that would definitely meet Dean’s high standards.
Ready to start your adventure?