Discover the Filming Locations of Virgin River
Discover the captivating filming locations of the beloved Netflix drama Virgin River Explore the authenticity of the town, Mel's enchanting waterside cabin, and the iconic Jack's bar Unveil the magic behind this small-town series
Netflix has recently released Part 2 of Season 5 of Virgin River featuring beautiful backdrops as the town celebrates. Is the town real or fictional? Let's investigate the show's filming locations to find out. Since its debut in 2019, Virgin River has become one of Netflix's most beloved shows, with a staggering 13.6 billion minutes viewed in 2022, ranking at number six on Nielsen's streaming chart.
The story is straightforward, with the official synopsis stating: "A nurse practitioner relocates from LA to a secluded Northern California town in search of a new beginning and is taken aback by what – and who – she encounters."
This secluded town is a picturesque, secure, and welcoming environment to gain insights into life while in pursuit of finding "the one." Therefore, amidst the release of Season 5 Part 2, here is our comprehensive knowledge of the filming locations.
Is Virgin River a real town?
Netflix
Virgin River is not an actual town, but rather a fictional creation by author Robin Carr. This made-up location is featured in over 20 of her novels. When asked about her creation in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Carr explained, "People often ask where it is and express a desire to visit, but I have to remind them that it only exists in our imaginations."
Carr sets the scene in a picturesque town nestled among the towering redwoods of Northern California, boasting cascading waterfalls and excellent fishing opportunities.
However, despite the town being a fictional creation, the filming locations used to depict Virgin River in the show are actually in Canada, not California.
Where is Virgin River filmed? Filming locations explained
The TV show Virgin River is filmed in the picturesque British Columbia, with a focus on Vancouver and the surrounding areas. One of the key locations used for filming is Snug Cove on Bowen Island, which is notable for being the same location where Nicolas Cage filmed his infamous Wicker Man remake.
Where is Mel’s waterside cabin in Virgin River?
Other locations used for filming include New Westminster, where Doc Mullins’ clinic is located, Burnaby for the Mayor’s house and Paige’s food truck, Port Coquitlam for various shops and bars, and Richmond, which serves as the double for Steveston Harbour.
Mel's waterside cabin, located in Murdo Frazer Park on Vancouver's North Shore, is where much of the magic of Virgin River takes place. This stunning spot has been featured in popular shows like Fringe, The Flash, and Once Upon a Time.
W. Robert 'Fluffy' Millar, the location manager and scout, informed Netflix about the house, saying, "The interior, of course, is in a soundstage. They use large photographic backdrops hanging from the ceiling, so when you're inside and look out the window, it's actually high-resolution photos taken of the area around the real cabin."
Describing the surrounding area, he added, "It's a beautiful little park with tennis courts, running trails, and a pond with turtles. Last year, we almost couldn't go there because right next to it is a massive British Columbia hydro substation. They were upgrading it, so we had all these logistical challenges."
Where is Jack’s bar in Virgin River?
Last year, it was discovered that the District of North Vancouver was granted funds to restore the cabin, as it is gradually sinking. The foundation is sinking into the soft earth due to the water table near the pond. They will need to perform a house lifting operation, similar to the ones seen on Discovery Channel, to address the issue.
Jack's bar is actually the Watershed Grill in Brackendale, located just north of Vancouver. While the interiors are shot on a soundstage, the outside offers a picturesque view overlooking the Squamish River.
Millar describes the location as a prime spot near the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world, where they come to eat, feed, and mate. The exterior shots are always filmed on the dike by the river at Jack’s Bar. One interesting observation is that when you view Jack's Bar from the river in drone shots or establishing shots, it looks narrow and lacking in trees. However, the interior shots are done on a soundstage, revealing a big fireplace, a billiards table, a long bar, and a staircase leading up to Brie's room, which is not visible from the dike.
Virgin River Seasons 1-5 are available to stream on Netflix now. Check out more of our coverage below:
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of Virgin River, I am thrilled to share my thoughts and feelings about the show's filming locations. The breathtaking backdrops and charming small-town setting have captivated audiences worldwide, and it's exciting to learn more about the real-life places that bring the story to life.
The town of Virgin River may be fictional, but the filming locations chosen to represent it are equally enchanting. The show's creators have done an incredible job in selecting picturesque and authentic locations in British Columbia, Canada, that perfectly capture the essence of a small, secluded town nestled among towering redwoods and cascading waterfalls.
One of my favorite filming locations is Mel's enchanting waterside cabin located in Murdo Frazer Park on Vancouver's North Shore. This stunning spot, surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil pond, exudes the peaceful and romantic atmosphere that defines Virgin River. It's easy to imagine Mel finding solace and inspiration in this cozy cabin as she embarks on her new journey in the town.
Another notable filming location is Jack's bar, which is actually the Watershed Grill in Brackendale, just north of Vancouver. The show's creators have cleverly transformed this real-life restaurant into the iconic Jack's bar, where characters gather to socialize, share stories, and enjoy a drink. The picturesque view overlooking the Squamish River adds to the charm and authenticity of this location, making it a fan favorite.
Overall, the filming locations of Virgin River play a crucial role in bringing the show to life. The stunning natural landscapes, quaint small-town settings, and carefully selected locations create a cohesive and believable world that draws viewers in and makes them feel part of the story. As a passionate fan, I can't wait to continue exploring the beautiful filming locations of Virgin River and discovering more about the town's secrets and charms in future seasons.
