Have you ever watched a TV show or a movie and thought, “I need to go there!“
Well, I have. Plenty of times.
When I started watching Grey’s Anatomy in 2005, I instantly wanted to visit Seattle. And guess what? We finally did!
Then, a few years ago, I finally got around to watching Virgin River (several years late) and added another destination to my bucket list.
So when my sister-in-law recommended a Seattle-and-Vancouver road trip, I was so in. No need to twist my arm!
Once our flights, train tickets, and accommodations were booked, it was time to start planning. I knew visiting a few Virgin River filming locations was a must.
There were two places in particular that were important to me: Jack’s Bar and Mel’s Cabin. If we had reached the end of the trip without seeing them, I definitely would’ve been disappointed.
Although Virgin River is set in Northern California, almost the entire series is filmed in British Columbia, Canada. Many of the show’s most recognizable filming locations are within an hour or two of Vancouver, making them surprisingly easy to visit.
If we hadn’t been traveling with a group, I probably would’ve convinced Chris to visit even more filming locations. But since we were with family, I showed remarkable restraint and kept the list to two—ha!
I knew both places would be beautiful, even for anyone who didn’t watch the show. Luckily, my sister-in-law also loves Virgin River, so adding them to our itinerary was an easy sell.
We visited Jack’s Bar and Mel’s Cabin on two separate days. They were the only two locations we specifically sought out, but I’ve also included several other filming spots at the bottom of this post for anyone planning their own Virgin River-inspired trip.
Jack’s Bar (Watershed Grill)
Jack’s Bar is actually a real restaurant in Brackendale, just north of Squamish, called Watershed Grill. The exterior shots in Virgin River are filmed there, including the restaurant, the bike path, and the surrounding scenery.
The interior of Jack’s Bar is filmed on a soundstage, so the inside of Watershed Grill looks different from what you see on the show. Outside, though, everything is instantly recognizable.
Standing outside Watershed Grill felt surreal. Behind the restaurant were snow-capped mountains, the Squamish River, and the same bike path the characters walk along in the show.
And let me tell you: if you think it looks gorgeous on Netflix, it is ten times more beautiful in person. It may be the most beautiful view I have ever seen, and it’s currently the wallpaper on my phone.
I mean, comeeeee on!!
We visited Jack’s Bar on the day we drove the Sea-to-Sky Highway. I’ll link that full road trip recap here, but Watershed Grill was one of our stops along the way. We timed it perfectly so we could stop for brunch.
I wanted to sit outside on the patio, but it was so windy that day that we decided to eat inside instead. We still spent plenty of time taking in the scenery afterward.
We all ended up ordering breakfast because when brunch is an option, you have to take it. The food was great, the service was good, and I would absolutely eat there again.
The bike path featured in the show is open to the public, so I highly recommend taking a walk along it after you eat. Even without the Virgin River connection, the view alone makes Watershed Grill worth visiting.
Then, just to rub salt in the wound, I found out they filmed at Watershed Grill about three or four weeks after we were there. So close! It would’ve been so cool to see the cast in person, but honestly, getting to visit one of my favorite filming locations was pretty incredible on its own.
Mel’s Cabin
Our second stop was Mel’s Cabin, which Chris and I visited on our last day in Vancouver. It was the only day of the trip that the two of us explored on our own.
We started the morning by heading to Murdo Frazer Park, where the cabin is located. It was originally built as the park caretaker’s cabin, and yes, you can walk right up to it.
We found it easiest to park near the Pitch and Putt golf course in Murdo Frazer Park. From there, it’s a short walk past the pickleball courts, across a small bridge, and straight to the cabin. The walk only takes a few minutes, and once you spot the cabin, you’ll know you’re in the right place.
When we visited, the door was locked. It didn’t look like they had filmed there yet that season, although I could definitely be wrong.
The cabin looks exactly like it does on the show. It honestly felt like we had stepped onto the set. The size, the setting, and the land surrounding it all felt instantly familiar. Even the pond behind the cabin is really there.
For some reason, I didn’t look through the windows. I think I was worried about seeming too nosy, but now I’m kicking myself for not taking a quick peek!!
There is also a small deck on the back of the cabin that I don’t remember seeing very often on the show. And yes, even the large tree in the front yard is real and exactly where you would expect it to be.
Shannon Falls
Shannon Falls isn’t as recognizable as Jack’s Bar or Mel’s Cabin, but fans of the show have probably seen it more times than they realize. Several waterfall and running scenes throughout the series were filmed here, so it was fun recognizing the scenery while we explored the park. Even if you aren’t a Virgin River fan, Shannon Falls is absolutely worth visiting.
More Virgin River Filming Locations to Visit
Here are a few other Virgin River filming locations I came across while researching our trip. I didn’t personally visit these, but they’re worth adding to your itinerary if you’re hoping to see even more filming locations.
- Doc Mullins’ Clinic: 122 1st St, New Westminster, BC
- The Town of Virgin River: Fort Langley and Snug Cove (Bowen Island)
- Hope McCrea’s House: 6450 Deer Lake Drive, Burnaby, BC
- Mel & Jack’s New House: New Langley, BC
Tips For Visiting Virgin River Filming Locations
- Rent a car if you’re staying in Vancouver
- Allow a half day if you’re combining Watershed Grill with the Sea-to-Sky Highway
- Visit early if you want photos without crowds
- Grab a bite to eat at Watershed Grill while you’re there
Final Thoughts
Of all the Virgin River filming locations around Vancouver, Jack’s Bar and Mel’s Cabin were at the very top of my list, and they lived up to the hype.
Visiting these locations ended up being one of my favorite parts of our Vancouver trip, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Hopefully next time I’ll get lucky and stumble across a filming day.
(And yes, Chris still insists I planned the entire vacation around Virgin River. I maintain that’s simply not true… it was just a very happy coincidence.)
Have you visited any Virgin River filming locations?
Let me know below if there are any other places I should add to the list!
More From Our Vancouver Trip
- Four Days in Vancouver: Our Complete Itinerary
- Our Sea to Sky Highway Day Trip From Vancouver
- Exploring Kitsilano in Vancouver
- Vancouver vs. Seattle: Which City Did We Like Better?
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