Virgin River was filmed in Vancouver and parts of British Columbia, Canada, but the show is set in California.
Netflix's Drama show, Virgin River, dropped its 4th season in July 2022. Although the show is set in California story-wise, most of it was shot in Vancouver and other parts of British Columbia, such as Burnaby, Squamish, and Port Coquitlam.
What Is Virgin River About?
Virgin River is an American romantic drama television series that is only available on Netflix. The show is produced by Reel World Management and is based on the bestselling Virgin River novels by Robyn Carr. The first season premiered on Netflix on December 6, 2019. In September 2021, the series was renewed for a fourth and fifth season. Virgin River tells the story of Melinda “Mel” Monroe, who answers an ad to work as a midwife and nurse practitioner in the remote Northern California town of Virgin River, in hopes that the small town would be a perfect place to start fresh and leave her painful past behind. Monroe gradually discovers that small-town life isn't quite as simple as one would expect. Season 4 of Virgin River premiered on 20 July.
The Cast Of Virgin River
Virgin River is graced with a quaint cast of impeccable characters, such as; Alexandra Breckenridge as Melinda “Mel” Monroe, a nurse practitioner and midwife who recently moved to Virgin River from Los Angeles; Martin Henderson as Jack Sheridan, a local bar owner, and former U.S. Marine who suffers from PTSD; Colin Lawrence as John “Preacher” Middleton, a Marine and a close friend of Jack, who works as the chef at Jack's Bar; Jenny Cooper as Joey Barnes, Mel's older sister who lives in Los Angeles; and Lauren Hammersley as Charmaine Roberts, Jack's friend with benefits, among numerous others.
Locations In Virgin River
The series is renowned for its realistic drama, romance, distinguished cast, and shooting location which might be a dream holiday destination for many. Unfortunately, the northern California town of Virgin River is a place of fiction, which might upset many fans. It is one of the most asked questions that Robyn Carr, who wrote the novels that inspired Virgin River, receives from fans about the idyllic town it's based on. Carr’s reply to the question is as honest and humble as possible, saying, “I have to remind them that it only exists in our hearts and minds.”
According to the novelist, the feel of Virgin River can be experienced just about anywhere. “But to further that thought, we can have that sense of community in our neighborhood or school or church group or community center or library association. All we have to do is try to create it.” Which is more or less what the show's creators tried to achieve, but in Canada. As reported by Vancouver's tourism website, “In fact, the “town” of Virgin River is actually an amalgamation of filming locations in and around Vancouver.”
Virgin River, as many fans have understood, is supposed to take place in “Humboldt County, up in the Redwoods,” in California, as revealed by Tim Matheson, who plays Doc. He describes the town while speaking in an interview, saying “It has incredible beauty. Most of the people there have come there just to get away from some kind of pain or heartache or loss, to try to redeem themselves and turn their lives around.”
Here are the real-life locations of the popular places on Virgin River:
Jack’s Bar
Fans will also have recognized locations such as Jack's Bar. The show filmed the exterior scenes of the bar at the Watershed Grill in Brackendale, located 40 miles north of Vancouver, which means fans can actually go there and enjoy a meal. This quaint little grill’s Instagram bio says “Savory wild salmon, seafood, tacos, famous homemade burgers & more! Enjoy our unique waterfront setting. Everyone Welcome, Sorry, No Reservations!”.
Check out their Instagram here - Watershed Grill (@thewatershedgrill) • Instagram photos and videos
Doc Mullen’s Practice in Virgin River
Fans will also remember Vernon Mullins's Family Practice Clinic house, located at 122 First Street in New Westminster, according to Condé Nast Traveler. The house, built in 1889, went on sale in 2021 for a pocket-tearing $2.3 million, if fans want to experience life the way it is on the Virgin River. The home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two staircases, a wrap-around veranda, and some incredible gardens.
Mel’s Cabin in Virgin River
Another unique location in the series is Mel's cabin, gifted by Mayor Hope McCrea. The fun fact here is that it is actually home to the caretaker of Murdo Frazer Park, located in Canada. The house has been here since 1950 and is featured in a series of other Hollywood favorites like Stargate, Psych, The Flash, and more.
Hope’s House in Virgin River
Hope's house is an actual house, which is situated along Deer Lake Drive, close to Deer Lake Park, in Burnaby. Although Fitches Bed and Breakfast doesn't appear too much in the show, it is the Klahanie Campground in Squamish. Paige's Bakeaway Truck, which Lizzie works at after Paige is forced to leave town, is shot in Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park, which is close to Vancouver.
Other TV Shows and Movies filmed here
Viewers might find the location distinctly familiar as many other popular TV shows like Riverdale, Once Upon a Time, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, X-Files, The L Word, and more, have been filmed in the same locations.
When Will Season 5 Of Virgin River Release?
Virgin River’s seasons 3 and 4 were released a year apart in July 2021 and July 2022 respectively. This might indicate that Netflix may be aiming to release a season of the show each year, suggesting that season five could be released as early as July 2023. Fans will also be expected to know that there’s much more that’s coming up. There are 24 Virgin River books in the Robyn Carr book series that the show is based on. Viewers can expect many more seasons as the show closely follows Carr's source material in the Virgin River books.
FAQs about Virgin River
Q. Where is Virgin River filmed?
A. Virgin River was filmed in Vancouver and parts of British Columbia, Canada, while the show is set in California.
Q. How many seasons does Virgin River have?
A. Virgin River currently has 4 seasons. The 4th season released in July 2022, with the 5th season currently in the production phase.
Q. Who plays Mel Monroe?
A. Melinda “Mel” Monroe is played by Alexandra Breckenridge.
Q. Is Virgin River based on a book?
A. Yes, Virgin River is based on Robyn Carr’s best-selling novels of the same name.
