The soaring scenery in the opening credits of Netflix’s hit “Virgin River” immediately drew me into the show. The gorgeous outdoor spaces, charming small towns, historic homes, farms and gardens form an integral element of the series and almost feel like a character. With filming for Season 7 wrapped and set to air late 2025 or early 2026, I decided to explore the sites where the show filmed near Vancouver, British Columbia. Virgin River enthusiasts can visit most of the outdoor filming locations in British Columbia.
(In case you haven’t watched as closely as I have, Virgin River tells the story of Melinda “Mel” Monroe. After a series of devastating losses, she leaves Los Angeles. She moves to the fictional town of Virgin River, located in remote Northern California, to make a fresh start working as a nurse/midwife. Through her eyes, we get to meet the quirky characters who inhabit Virgin River. I love every one of them!)
Editor’s Note: Destination British Columbia coordinated an itinerary and hosted the writer during this trip.
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Historic Fort Langley
- Onscreen Role – Exterior shots of downtown Virgin River, tree-lined streets and vintage buildings create the small town atmosphere the series is known for.
- Real World Location – Fort Langley, British Columbia
- What You Can See When You Visit – Enjoy exploring the streets of Fort Langley and see if you recognize the town from any scenes in Virgin River. Explore the interiors not in the show with a variety of shops, and restaurants.
- Explore Beyond the Frame – Fort Langley is the birthplace of British Columbia. Visit the Fort Langley National Historic Site and hike or bike the Fort-to-Fort Trail.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Stay at the Sandman Signature Langley and for slightly more than the base room price, book the Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette. I stayed in thesespaciouse rooms and loved thehotel’s central locatiol.
Krause Berry Farms
- Onscreen Role – Virgin River characters Preacher and Julia meet cute at the Myrtle Farms market area.
- Real World Location – Krause Berry Farms, Langley, British Columbia
- What You Can See When You Visit – Explore the beautiful spaces surrounded by flowering plants and shop for fresh produce.
- Explore Beyond the Frame – Krause Berry Farms serves up their famous waffles with seasonal berries that visitors line up for. Enjoy farm activities like picking berries, wine tasting and shopping.
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Queen’s Park
- Onscreen Role – Shown in walking and talking scenes, the park provides green space for background, and the Rose Garden oozes romance in a few scenes.
- Real World Location – Queen’s Park, New Westminster, British Columbia
- What You Can See When You Visit – Enjoy hiking on the trails throughout the park, relax on one of the many Adirondack chairs in the gardens or have a picnic.
- Explore Beyond the Frame – Plan to stop at Banette Brunch, where every bite tells a story. Owner Jenny turns fresh ingredients into works of art, and all of her entrees and baked goods are housemade. I recommend eating in.
Doc’s Clinic
- Onscreen Role – The historic home stands in for exterior shots of Doc’s Clinic and scenes entering through the double front door.
- Real World Location – Breezehurst 122 First Street, New Westminster, British Columbia
- What You Can See When You Visit – Located close to Queen’s Park, visitors can stroll the area taking in all the historic homes. Breezehurst, built in 1889, is a private home and not available for tours.
- Explore Beyond the Frame – Walk to everything in the neighborhood, known as Uptown New West. With an international flair, enjoy eclectic cuisines and unique shops just a short distance from Doc’s Clinic and Queen’s Park.
Westminster Pier Park
- Onscreen Role – Virgin River characters often strolled along this waterfront boardwalk while sharing conversations.
- Real World Location – Westminster Pier Park, New Westminster, British Columbia
- What You Can See When You Visit – Stroll along this gorgeous waterfront park on the boardwalk and take in the views of the Fraser River.
- Explore Beyond the Frame – Visit the Fraser River Discovery Centre and other nearby museums. Pier Park connects to the Waterfront Esplanade Boardwalk and many waterfront shops and restaurants.
North Vancouver
Plan to make the Shipyards District in North Vancouver your base while exploring the next Virgin River filming locations.
I stayed at the Seaside Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel, and just fell in love with this area. I loved that I could walk to all the Shipyard District sights and even catch a SeaBus to downtown Vancouver.
The revitalized waterfront overlooks downtown Vancouver. Visitors can walk to all the shopping and dining in the area. During my stay, I experienced the Shipyard Night Market. The district offers events and activities year-round.
Lynn Canyon
- Onscreen Role – Known as the Fitchett Creek Bridge in the show, the bridge has a ghostly appearance in the early morning mist and serves as the backdrop for several key scenes. The Lynn Canyon Cafe, housed in a stunning building, appeared in scenes as well.
- Real World Location – Lynn Canyon Park and Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver, British Columbia
- What You Can See When You Visit – Plan to spend some time here enjoying the lush forest. Hike the well-maintained trails, cross the suspension bridge, nosh on a picnic and in warm weather take a dip in a swimming hole.
- Explore Beyond the Frame – Stop by Delany’s Coffee in a nearby shopping center for coffee and fresh-baked pastries. Mel, one of the characters in Virgin River, filmed a scene here.
Mel’s Cabin, Murdo Frazer Park
- Onscreen Role – The former caretaker’s cabin in Murdo Frazer Park stands in for Mel’s cabin. Tucked away in a lush forest, it just oozes character. The darling small pond with turtles just adds to the ambiance.
- Real World Location – Murdo Frazer Park, North Vancouver, British Columbia.
- What You Can See When You Visit – In addition to the cabin, enjoy the surrounding trails, which weave through an old-growth forest.
- Explore Beyond the Frame – Enjoy even more nature at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. One of the most popular attractions in North Vancouver, visitors can explore a museum, hike, take a guided tour, dine at the Cliff House and shop.
Snug Cove, Bowen Island
- Onscreen Role – The exterior of the Bowen Island Library featured in several scenes. The charming 1924 Tudor-style building just fits into the Virgin River community. The Snug Cove Marina features in the show’s establishing shots.
- Real World Location – Bowen Island Library, Snug Cove, British Columbia
- What You Can See When You Visit – Explore Snug Cove on foot. The library has benches on the grounds for a rest stop. Enjoy a variety of shops and restaurants.
- Explore Beyond the Frame – Take a drive up the hill to Artisan Square. This beautiful tree-filled square is filled with galleries and the yummy Artisan Eats Bakery and Cafe. Get here early because it is insanely popular. You’ll understand when you see the stunning views.
Squamish and the Sea-To-Sky Highway
After departing Bowen Island via the ferry to Horseshoe Bay, follow the Sea-To-Sky Highway to Squamish. A variety of backdrop scenery, including many of the aerial shots filmed in this area.
The Sea-To-Sky Highway took my breath away the first time I drove it. Stunning views abound as you traverse from the sea to the mountains. Squamish is a good stop along the highway for lunch and a break before continuing to Whistler and Pemberton.
Unique Slow Rise Bakery
- Onscreen Role – Shannon Falls featured in several scenes in the early seasons. The fictional Fitches Bed and Breakfast offered views of Shannon Falls and featured in several scenes.
- Real World Location – Unique Slow Rise Bakery, Klahanie Campground, Squamish, British Columbia
- What You Can See When You Visit – Unique Slow Rise Bakery, located on the first floor, has become Instagram famous for its Dim Sum and Hong Kong style bakery items. I enjoyed a yummy meal with gorgeous views of Shannon Falls. Well worth the stop.
- Explore Beyond the Frame – Before arriving at the Unique Slow Rise Bakery, stop at the Sea to Sky gondola for panoramic views. Additional Virgin River scenes filmed at the summit.
Jack’s Bar
- Onscreen Role – Jack’s Bar overlooks Virgin River (the river, not the town) and all the outdoor scenes filmed here. Just about every episode of Virgin River has at least one scene that takes place at the bar.
- Real World Location – Watershed Grill, Brackendale, British Columbia
- What You Can See When You Visit – Arrive early. I visited in the summer and winter, and it is always crowded. Located just off the municipal dyke, enjoy waterfront views of the Squamish River and burn off calories with a walk along the gravel trail on the dyke. From November through January, Bald Eagles winter in the area, one of the largest concentrations in the world.
- Explore Beyond the Frame – The newly opened Squamish Canyon gives visitors a new way to explore the rainforest on an elevated walkway, which protects the trees and forest floor.
Whistler and Pemberton
Continue your trip on the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Squamish to Whistler. Along the way, stop at Brandywine Falls Park, which appears in establishing shots. Plan to spend the night in Whistler Village. Park your car once and walk to everything. A
Although Whistler and Pemberton weren’t featured in Virgin River, the two towns still have the vibe. I stayed at the Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa, which just completed renovations and is gorgeous.
Once a year, the Araxi Longtable Series takes place at the North Arm Farm in Pemberton. The event timed perfectly with my trip and made a great grand finale. I arrived as a stranger and left with new friends.
I couldn’t help but think it felt like a scene from Virgin River. Dining family style in a field surrounded by gorgeous scenery while sipping fine wines was a great ending to my trip.
Travel Tips
I drove to the starting point of this road trip from Washington and found the border crossing not crowded at all. Tourism is down between the U.S. and Canada, making it a good time to visit.
Another option is to fly to Vancouver and rent a car. I allowed 6 days/5 nights for the trip, with Day 1 and Day 6 travel days.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Travel to Canada and enjoy what I call the American discount. The exchange rate varies, but during my trip, I benefited from $1 USD = $1.30 CAD. That cuts almost 30% off the cost of lodging and food.
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