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Where Is ‘Virgin River’ Filmed? Plus, 6 Other Burning Questions Answered

It's filmed in Canada (not the U.S.)

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where is virgin river filmed
where is virgin river filmed

All five seasons of Virgin River are now streaming on Netflix, and there’s another one in the works. While we patiently await our reunion with Mel, Jack and the rest of the gang, we admit, we've still got a few burning questions. For example, when will the sixth season premiere? Where is Virgin River filmed? And finally, why is it called “Virgin River”?

Keep scrolling for answers to seven of the most commonly asked Virgin River questions.

where is virgin river filmed mel jack
Courtesy of Netflix

1. Where Is Virgin River Filmed?

Contrary to popular belief, Virgin River was mainly filmed in Vancouver, Canada—not in America. The crew also set up basecamp in several nearby destinations, including Snug Cove, New Westminster, Squamish, Agassiz and Port Coquitlam.

Other filming locations include the caretaker’s cabin in Canada’s Murdo Frazer Park, which doubles as Mel’s cabin. The Watershed Grill, which is located in Brackendale, is used for exterior shots of Jack’s Bar. Oh, and Vernon “Doc” Mullins’s Family Practice Clinic is located at 122 First Street in New Westminster.

where is virgin river filmed brady melissa
Courtesy of Netflix

2. What Is Virgin River About?

Based on the best-selling book series by Robyn Carr, Virgin River tells the story of Melinda “Mel” Monroe, a nurse practitioner who takes a job in the remote California town (Virgin River) to get a fresh start on life. As she adjusts to small-town living, she soon learns that her past secrets can only stay buried for so long.

where is virgin river filmed preacher
Courtesy of Netflix

3. Where Is Virgin River, California?

Unfortunately, the town is fictional, but it’s not totally made up. The Virgin River is a tributary of the Colorado River, which runs through Utah, Nevada and Arizona. While it’s not a real California town (like on the show), the series was inspired by the real-life river.

where is virgin river filmed the clinic
Courtesy of Netflix

4. How Long Is the Virgin River?

The real Virgin River is about 162 miles long, making it no walk in the park. The tributary was designated as Utah’s first wild and scenic river in 2009, so it’s a pretty big deal.

where is virgin river filmed mel
Courtesy of Netflix

5. Why Is it Called ‘Virgin River’?

The Virgin River is named after Thomas Virgin, who discovered the water source in 1826. Although he originally called it “Adams River” after then-president John Quincy Adams, it was later given its current name by mapmaker John C. Fremont.

where is virgin river filmed mel jack kissing
Courtesy of Netflix

6. Will Virgin River Return for Season Six?

It sure will. Netflix hasn’t released an official premiere date for the follow-up season, but it's safe to say that the main cast, including Martin Henderson and Alexandra Breckenridge, will return. 

where is virgin river filmed brady
Courtesy of Netflix

7. What Netflix Show Is As Good As Virgin River?

If you’ve already watched all five seasons of Virgin River on Netflix, you’re probably experiencing withdrawal. To hold you over, we highly recommend starting another feel-good show like Sweet Magnolias, Hart of Dixie or Gilmore Girls.



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