Rustic Romance and Nature VIBES
Traversing the Small-Town Magic OF VIRGIN RIVER
From charming seaside communities with majestic mountain views to idyllic rural townships bursting with character, discover the real-world locations that bring Virgin River to life. Pack your camera and sense of adventure as we explore the places where Mel, Jack, and the whole Virgin River community come together.
These locations represent living landscapes and communities that deserve respect and protection. Practice Leave No Trace principles and help preserve these spectacular places for future generations of explorers and film enthusiasts.
Essential Planning Tips
Peak Season (June-September)
- Warm, sunny days showcase the locations at their most vibrant
- Popular locations like Jack’s Bar can get busy – reservations recommended
- Book accommodations well in advance, especially in Squamish and Bowen Island
Shoulder Season (April-May, October-November)
- Fewer tourists means more authentic small-town experiences and better rates
- Fall colors create stunning backdrops for photos
Transportation Tips
A vehicle is essential for reaching most filming locations and winter tires are required between October 1 and March 31 in the Squamish area. Make BC Ferries reservations in advance for Bowen Island visits. Some locations require short walks on forest paths.
Day 1: Squamish Valley – Where Virgin River’s Heart Beats Strongest
Morning Light at Jack’s Bar
Begin your journey on the stunning sea-to-sky corridor, home of the Watershed Grill, the real-life location of Jack’s Bar. As morning mist rises from the Squamish River, the Watershed Grill emerges like a familiar friend – instantly recognizable as Jack’s Bar, the heart and soul of Virgin River. Sitting on this expansive riverside deck, watching eagles soar over glacier-fed waters, you’ll understand why it was chosen to be such an iconic part of the series.
The Watershed Grill sits on the traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish People), who have fished these waters and gathered along these banks for countless generations. Eagles are abundant, particularly during dawn and dusk, so get a spot on the deck for a prime vantage point. In cooler months, a river mist creates a dreamy atmosphere while Mount Alpha provides a stunning backdrop all year-round.
Valley Adventures: Paradise Valley Road, just off Highway 99, winds through landscapes straight from the show’s opening credits. Stop at Tantalus Lookout, where granite peaks pierce the clouds, creating the same sense of awe Mel felt upon first arriving in Virgin River. Continue to Alice Lake Provincial Park, where easy walking trails circle mirror-like waters, offering constant views of the mountains beyond. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is also worth a stop to deepen your understanding of these majestic lands.
Along your journey through this stunning corridor, be sure to stop at two stunning waterfalls that were featured in the early seasons of the series: Shannon Falls and Brandywine Falls. And for those particularly adventurous, the Sea to Sky Gondola offers a breathtaking view and rest stop at the top from episode 2 of season 5.
Afternoon in Paradise Valley
Follow the winding Sea to Sky Highway north into territories that double as Virgin River’s scenic backdrop. These majestic landscapes appear throughout the series, their towering peaks and verdant valleys providing the backdrop for many of the show’s most memorable moments.
Mindful Exploration: The Sea to Sky corridor represents centuries of Squamish and Lil’wat Nations’ stewardship. Practice Leave No Trace principles as you explore:
- Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive alpine ecosystems
- Pack out what you pack in
- Keep a respectful distance from wildlife
Day 2: Lynn Canyon & Bowen Island – Natural Beauty and Small-Town Dreams
Morning Mist at Lynn Canyon
Start your day where Virgin River filmed some of its most dramatic moments – the breathtaking Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Known in the show as the Fitchett Creek Bridge, this 50-meter-high crossing offers the same spine-tingling views that provided the backdrop for several pivotal scenes.
The morning mist rising through ancient cedars creates an almost mystical atmosphere that perfectly captures Virgin River’s blend of drama and natural beauty. Local photographers know to arrive just as the park opens, when morning light creates ethereal beams through the forest canopy. Oh and did we mention that access to Lynn Canyon is free?
The cabin itself is a working park facility, so interior access isn’t available (and interior filming was at a film studio anyway), but the surrounding grounds offer beautiful photo opportunities and walking trails.
Bonus tip: just east of the park is Delany’s Coffee, a local independent chain, and the spot from episode 7 when Jenny had a call with Mel.
Mel’s Cabin
Perhaps no location captures the heart of Virgin River quite like the charming Murdo Cabin, nestled in North Vancouver’s Murdo Frazer Park. This rustic caretaker’s cottage, with its weathered wood exterior and classic front porch, is instantly recognizable as Mel’s cabin – the sanctuary where her Virgin River journey began. Built in the 1950s and surrounded by towering cedars and lush ferns, the cabin’s exterior appears throughout the series as Mel’s home, while its picturesque setting within the park creates those perfect establishing shots that make viewers dream of their own escape to Virgin River.
Afternoon Ferry to “Virgin River” – Bowen Island
A 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay transports you to Bowen Island’s Snug Cove, where the show’s small-town magic truly comes to life. The journey itself offers spectacular views of Howe Sound’s mountainous coastline – keep your camera ready for seals playing in the ferry’s wake or eagles soaring overhead.
Getting to the Island: BC Ferries can get busy in the summer so check for updated schedules and book online. You may also decide to walk-on, as Bowen Island is pretty accessible on foot.
Island Exploration: Begin at the marina, where boats bob gently in the harbor just as they do in the show’s establishing shots. The Bowen Island Public Library, which makes several appearances in the series, offers a perfect starting point for your walking tour. Explore the island’s local treasures, from handmade delights at Cocoa West Chocolatier and creative displays at Artisan Square galleries to the cozy ambiance of The Snug Cafe. Or venture further to Sandy Beach, where locals share stories and sunset views.
Then settle in at the Bowen Island Pub or Barcelona Tapas & Wine Bar as day winds down. The sunset over Snug Cove creates the same warm glow that ends so many Virgin River episodes, with seabirds wheeling over the harbor while ferries glide silently across the sound – it’s easy to understand why the show’s creators were drawn to this magical spot.
You might even find yourself thinking, as Lilly did in season 2, episode 7: “I would give anything for just one more afternoon…”
Remember to check the ferry schedule carefully – you don’t want to miss the last sailing back to Horseshoe Bay. Though honestly, getting “stuck” overnight on this charming island might be the most Virgin River experience of all!
Day 3: Heritage Abounds in Burnaby & New Westminster
The park itself plays multiple roles in the series, with the scenic shores of Deer Lake and Foreshore Park providing the picturesque backdrop for Paige’s Bakeaway food truck scenes. These waterfront locations offer the same peaceful atmosphere that made them perfect filming locations, with walking trails that wind past several recognizable spots from the show.
On-Water Adventures: The canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals available at Deer Lake offer visitors the same peaceful water experience that Denny and Lizzie enjoyed during their paddle boating scene.
Festival Lawn Experiences: During the summer months, the Festival Lawn hosts concerts and community events such as Symphony in the Park and the Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival.
Arts and Cultural Immersion: The Burnaby Village Museum‘s free admission includes access to working heritage buildings, such as a blacksmith shop and an old-fashioned ice cream parlour, housed in an authentic 1920s setting. Within a 10-minute walk, the Burnaby Arts Museum showcases a diverse range of featured works by emerging and established artists across Canada.
Burnaby’s Deer Lake Park: From Heritage Homes to Festival Grounds
The elegant residences around Deer Lake Park feature prominently in the series, with two particularly significant locations for fans to discover. The stately Edgar Residence at 6450 Deer Lake Drive serves as the exterior of Hope McCrea’s house, where the mayor of Virgin River holds court and dispenses wisdom over cups of tea. Just a short walk away stands the Hart House Restaurant, built in 1912, which appears several times throughout the series in various exterior shots. Both homes are surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens that provide many of the show’s more genteel outdoor scenes.
Central Burnaby Sights
Just a few kilometers away, Burnaby’s Central Park adds another layer to Virgin River’s story, with its Upper Pond serving as the atmospheric setting for the Labor Day Carnival in the season 5 finale. The pond’s shoreline transformed into the perfect small-town celebration scene, capturing that quintessential Virgin River community spirit.
Beyond the filming location, Central Park’s 86-hectare offer visitors the chance to experience the same community spirit year-round. The Swangard Stadium area hosts local events throughout the summer, and the walking trails that wind around the park provide a serene space for anyone to find inner peace.
Culinary Adventures Near the Park: Just outside Central Park’s boundaries, the diverse dining scene reflects the multicultural community that makes Burnaby a special place. The Crystal Mall food court, tucked beside Metrotown, offers a kaleidoscope of flavours, from Taiwanese bubble tea to Northern Chinese dumplings to hot pots. For a taste of Mediterranean comfort, Ramie’s Greek serves authentic dishes like moussaka and souvlaki, that is definitely a must-try.
Sweet Discoveries: For over six decades, since 1957, Valley Bakery has been a beloved institution in Burnaby, crafting delicious European-style baked goods. This Burnaby classic was many families’ go-to spot for special occasion cakes, embodying the generational traditions that Virgin River celebrates. Alternatively, Chez Christophe offers Swiss chocolates, cakes, croissants, macarons, and specialty desserts, where the pastries appear to belong on a movie set.
The surrounding Queens Park neighborhood features a multitude of stately heritage homes, including one that served as the exterior for Doc Mullins’ Family Practice Clinic.
Queens Park, New WEstminster
The Queens Park area, with its verdant paths and Victorian gardens, appears throughout the series in various walking and conversation scenes. The 75-acre park itself, with its century-old trees and historic bandshell, provides many of the green spaces where Virgin River’s characters often find moments of reflection or connection. The rose garden is particularly photogenic and has featured in several romantic scenes.
Historic Columbia Street & Westminster Pier Park
The historic downtown strip of New Westminster, particularly along Columbia Street, lends its heritage architecture to various street scenes in Virgin River. Known once as “The Golden Mile,” the Victorian-era buildings and vintage storefronts create the perfect small-town backdrop. The iconic brick buildings date back to the 1860s, their detailed architecture and historic lampposts transporting visitors back in time.
Just steps away, Westminster Pier Park‘s modern boardwalk along the Fraser River provides several waterfront scenes in the show, offering stunning views and creating the perfect spot to experience that same peaceful riverside atmosphere that Virgin River’s characters often seek out for important conversations.
If you take a short stroll from Westminster Pier Park, Moodswing Coffee + Bar beckons with its warmly eclectic vibe, think textured artwork, cozy nooks, and a seamless blend of organic coffee by day and inventive cocktails by night. It’s the kind of place where you might lose track of time over a creamy latte or stay late for a house-made snack in soft light.
A few cozy blocks away, The Hide Out Cafe offers respite in a picturesque corner of New Westminster. Here, locally roasted, fair-trade coffee pairs beautifully with hearty grilled bagel sandwiches, light soups, and ooey-gooey cinnamon buns, all served with a side of friendly hospitality that welcomes both aimless readers and knowing locals alike.
Day 4: Langley & Abbotsford – Where Virgin River SCENES Come alive
Dawn in Historic Fort Langley
Continue your Virgin River journey in Fort Langley, where heritage buildings and tree-lined streets create the perfect small-town atmosphere that first drew viewers into the series. As morning light spills over the Fraser River, it illuminates the historic community that doubles as Virgin River’s downtown in many exterior shots. “Perspective is most often the key to happiness.” Jack says in the opening episode, and you’ll be reminded of this on Fort Langley’s charming Glover Road.
Local Heritage Adventures:
- Fort Langley National Historic Site tells stories of the region’s fur trade era
- The Fort to Fort Trail offers a scenic riverside walk with interpretive stations
- Local artisan shops showcase BC craftspeople and seasonal farmers market brings the community together every Saturday from April to December.
Cultural Connections: Fort Langley sits on the traditional territories of the Kwantlen First Nation, whose deep connection to the Fraser River continues to enrich the community.
Wind your way through the bustling market, where fresh produce spills from wooden crates just as it did in Preacher and Julia’s meet-cute scenes. The farm’s famous Waffle Bar fills the air with sweet aromas, while the estate winery’s tasting room offers the perfect spot to recreate those early moments of their courtship. Brie once said “If you go through life closed off then you’re not really living…” so go ahead and indulge in all this farm has to offer.
Seasonal Magic: Summer brings waves of purple-blue berries ripe for picking, with U-pick fields offering the quintessential farm experience (tip: berry picking is best within two days of rain). As autumn approaches, pumpkin patches and harvest celebrations transform the grounds into a wonderland of fall colors and festivities. The year-round market and bakery ensure there’s always something delicious to discover, from double-crust pies to freshly baked breads that would make any Virgin River resident proud.
Check the website for U-pick availability, wine-tasting reservations and upcoming special events. There is also plenty of parking and wheelchair access throughout.
A Sweet Stop: Krause Berry Farms (Myrtle Farms)
Follow in Preacher and Julia’s footsteps to this charming family-owned estate, where romance bloomed among blossoming berry fields and peaceful country gardens. The welcoming patio and market, known to Virgin River viewers as Myrtle Farms, capture that same sense of rustic comfort that makes the show so endearing.
Labrynths of Lavender
Tuscan Farm Gardens served as one of Virgin River’s most picturesque filming locations, and timing your visit during lavender season (June and July) lets you experience its breathtaking beauty firsthand.
Wander through the bright and sunny lavender labrynth and discover a gazebo surrounded by roses that could easily be where Jack might propose to Mel. Don’t leave without treating yourself to some lavender ice cream from their charming cafe, and visit the shop for some handcrafted natural soaps, honey, and spa products made right from the flowers and herbs they grow.
Fair warning: you’ll probably want to recreate every romantic scene you can think of among these gorgeous gardens – and honestly, who could blame you?
Adventures in Abbywood:
While you’re hunting down those dreamy Virgin River spots, here’s a fun rabbit hole to tumble down: Abbywood, the city’s delightful film tourism initiative that turns the whole area into one giant movie set waiting to be explored!
You’ll discover cozy cafés from Hallmark movies, scenic farms and charming streets that have doubled as countless small-town backdrops. Think of it as your backstage pass to Hollywood North – because why stop at one show when you can live out all your screen dreams in one picturesque Fraser Valley adventure?
As you wander the pastoral back roads between these dreamy farm destinations, keep your eyes peeled for charming roadside farm stands dotting the countryside – it’s the perfect time of year to get off the highway and explore Abbotsford’s country roads looking for farm-fresh blooms and seasonal treats.
These little gems are quintessentially Virgin River, offering everything from just-picked bouquets to homemade preserves, and they make the best souvenirs after a visit to the city in the country.
Most accept e-transfer, but bring some cash just in case – because nothing says small-town charm quite like stumbling upon the perfect farmstand find while meandering through Abbotsford’s scenic agricultural heartland.
Tulips and romance: A perfect pair
If you’re visiting in springtime and missing Tuscan Farm Gardens’ lavender season, don’t worry – make your way to Lakeland Flowers instead, where you’ll find yourself in the middle of a real-life fairy tale that’s perfect for channeling your inner romantic lead.
If you’re visiting in April or May, prepare to be blown away by the Abbotsford Tulip Festival, with over five million tulips creating vibrant fields that look straight out of the opening scene of Wicked (2024).
Come summer, the farm transforms into lush peony gardens and colorful meadows with mountains providing a picturesque backdrop, offering plenty of photo opportunities that’ll make your Instagram followers think you’ve escaped to the French countryside.
Ready to start your adventure?