The Netflix series Sullivan’s Crossing has drawn viewers into its heartfelt story of family, healing, and new beginnings set against stunning mountain landscapes. If you’ve watched the show and felt drawn to those scenic valleys, rustic lodges, and forest trails, you’re looking at real places you can visit in British Columbia, Canada.
This guide shows you where Sullivan’s Crossing was filmed, how to reach these locations, what you can see and do there, and how to plan a visit that captures the spirit of the show while respecting the communities and natural environments that made it possible.
Where Was Sullivan’s Crossing Filmed?
Sullivan’s Crossing was filmed primarily in Squamish, British Columbia, along with surrounding locations in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor between Vancouver and Whistler. The fictional town and iconic Sullivan’s Crossing property were created using real locations in this mountain region, approximately 65 kilometers north of Vancouver, with additional scenes shot in various Metro Vancouver studios and outdoor sites.
The Main Filming Location: Squamish
Squamish serves as the heart of Sullivan’s Crossing’s filming locations. This town of roughly 24,000 residents sits at the head of Howe Sound, where coastal fjords meet the Coast Mountains, creating the dramatic backdrop you see throughout the series.
The town itself offers a genuine small-mountain-community feel that translates naturally to the fictional Sullivan’s Crossing. When you visit, you’ll find outdoor recreation outfitters, locally owned cafes, breweries, and restaurants along Cleveland Avenue, the main downtown street.
Why Squamish Works as Sullivan’s Crossing
The landscape around Squamish delivers exactly what the show requires: towering granite peaks, dense evergreen forests, glacier-fed rivers, and that sense of being surrounded by wilderness while still having access to amenities. The area’s natural beauty doesn’t need enhancement for cameras.
Squamish is also a genuine outdoor recreation hub, known for rock climbing at the Stawamus Chief, mountain biking, kiteboarding on Howe Sound, and hiking trails ranging from easy valley walks to challenging alpine routes. This authentic outdoor culture aligns perfectly with the show’s themes.
The Sullivan’s Crossing Property Set
The show’s central location, the Sullivan’s Crossing general store and surrounding property, was created specifically for filming using private land in the Squamish area. This is not a public attraction you can visit, as it stands on private property without public access.
The production built structures and modified the landscape to create the fictional crossing, but these sets are not maintained as permanent tourist destinations. Attempting to locate or visit private filming sites can lead to trespassing issues and disrupts landowners who have no obligation to accommodate visitors.
Respecting Private Property
Film tourism has grown significantly in British Columbia, but it’s important to distinguish between filming locations on public land or at businesses open to visitors and those on private property. Landowners in the Squamish area have been generous in allowing productions to use their property, but this doesn’t extend to public access.
If you’re hoping to experience landscapes similar to what you see in the show, focus instead on the publicly accessible natural areas, parks, and viewpoints throughout the region that offer equally stunning scenery without crossing boundaries.
Accessible Natural Areas That Capture the Show’s Setting
While you can’t visit the actual set, Squamish and the surrounding Sea-to-Sky Corridor offer numerous accessible places where you can experience the mountain, forest, and river landscapes that define Sullivan’s Crossing’s visual character.
Alice Lake Provincial Park
Located about 13 kilometers north of Squamish, Alice Lake Provincial Park features four freshwater lakes surrounded by dense forest and mountain views. The park offers easy walking trails around the lakes, swimming beaches in summer, campgrounds, and picnic areas.
The peaceful lakeside atmosphere and forested setting evoke the same sense of retreat and natural beauty central to the show. The park is accessible year-round, though some facilities close in winter, and day-use parking fees apply during peak season.
Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Shannon Falls, British Columbia’s third-highest waterfall at 335 meters, sits just south of Squamish along Highway 99. A short, wheelchair-accessible trail leads from the parking area to viewing platforms where you can watch the falls cascade down the granite cliff face.
This quick stop takes only 20 to 30 minutes but delivers a powerful taste of the region’s natural drama. The falls run year-round, with peak flow during spring snowmelt and after heavy rains.
Sea-to-Sky Gondola
The Sea-to-Sky Gondola, located just south of downtown Squamish, carries you 885 meters up the surrounding mountains in about ten minutes. At the Summit Lodge, you’ll find viewing platforms overlooking Howe Sound, hiking trails including the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, and a mountainside cafe.
While this is a commercial attraction requiring paid admission, it provides accessible mountain views and forest trails that would otherwise require strenuous hiking. Verify current ticket prices, operating hours, and seasonal schedules before your visit, as these change throughout the year.
Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
For those comfortable with challenging hikes, the Stawamus Chief Trail climbs the second-largest granite monolith in the world. Three separate summits offer progressively more difficult hikes, with the first peak requiring about two to four hours round trip and involving steep sections, chains, and rock scrambling.
The Chief is not suitable for young children, anyone uncomfortable with heights, or visitors without proper footwear and fitness levels. However, the summit views across Howe Sound and the surrounding peaks are among the region’s most impressive.
Getting to Squamish
Squamish sits along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99), one of Canada’s most scenic drives. From Vancouver, the drive typically takes 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic and weather, covering about 65 kilometers.
The highway hugs the edge of Howe Sound for much of the route, offering dramatic ocean and mountain views but also sharp curves and steep drop-offs. Drive with caution, especially in winter when snow, ice, and reduced visibility can create challenging conditions.
Transportation Options
Having your own vehicle provides the greatest flexibility for exploring Squamish and surrounding areas, as many trailheads and viewpoints are spread out. Rental cars are available throughout Metro Vancouver.
Public transit via BC Transit serves Squamish itself, but regional bus service along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor can be limited. Private shuttle services and tours operate between Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler, though schedules and availability vary seasonally.
When to Visit
The Sea-to-Sky region experiences distinct seasons that significantly affect your visit. Summer from June through September offers the warmest, driest weather and full access to hiking trails, lakes, and outdoor activities, but also brings the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices.
Spring and fall provide milder temperatures, fewer visitors, and beautiful seasonal changes, though you’ll encounter more rain and some higher-elevation trails may remain snow-covered or muddy. Winter transforms the region with snow-capped peaks and opportunities for winter sports at nearby Whistler, but shorter days and winter driving conditions require preparation.
Weather Considerations
Coastal British Columbia weather can change quickly, and mountain conditions differ significantly from valley temperatures. Even in summer, bring layers, rain gear, and prepare for cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
Check current weather forecasts, trail conditions, and highway reports before traveling. The DriveBC website and Parks Canada’s trail updates provide current conditions that affect safety and access.
Where to Stay
Squamish offers accommodations ranging from budget motels to boutique hotels and vacation rentals. Booking ahead is essential during summer weekends and holiday periods when outdoor enthusiasts fill available rooms.
For a longer stay exploring the region, consider basing yourself in Squamish rather than making day trips from Vancouver. This allows you to experience the town’s pace and proximity to trails without highway commutes.
Camping Options
Several provincial park campgrounds operate in the area, including Alice Lake and Porteau Cove. These campgrounds typically require advance reservations through the BC Parks reservation system, especially for summer weekends.
Private campgrounds and RV parks also serve the region. Verify current reservation systems, opening dates, and available services directly with parks or campgrounds, as these details change seasonally.
Other Filming Locations in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor
Film and television productions frequently use locations throughout the Sea-to-Sky Corridor and Metro Vancouver. While Sullivan’s Crossing centers on Squamish, additional scenes may have been filmed at various sites not specifically disclosed by the production.
British Columbia’s film industry maintains a careful balance between supporting location filming and protecting communities from excessive tourism pressure. Not all filming locations are publicly identified, particularly when they involve private property, sensitive ecosystems, or small communities.
Experiencing the Spirit of Sullivan’s Crossing
Rather than seeking exact filming spots, focus on experiencing the landscape, outdoor activities, and small-town mountain culture that inspired the show’s setting. Squamish and the surrounding region offer genuine versions of what Sullivan’s Crossing represents.
Spend time on lakeside trails, visit local cafes and breweries, talk with outfitters about guided adventures, and take in the mountain views that draw both film crews and travelers to this part of British Columbia. This approach respects local communities while giving you authentic experiences.
Supporting Local Businesses
Film tourism benefits communities most when visitors support local businesses beyond quick photo stops. Eat at locally owned restaurants, shop at independent stores, book guides and tours through area operators, and stay in local accommodations when possible.
Squamish’s economy depends significantly on tourism and outdoor recreation, but sustainable tourism requires visitor spending that genuinely supports the community rather than simply extracting photo opportunities.
Planning Your Visit
A weekend in Squamish gives you time to explore several natural attractions, experience the town itself, and perhaps try one outdoor activity like hiking or a gondola ride. Three to four days allows for deeper exploration, including day trips to Whistler or longer hiking routes.
Create a realistic itinerary that accounts for driving time, trail difficulty, seasonal daylight hours, and your fitness level. Overloading your schedule with too many activities or underestimating travel time between locations creates stress and reduces enjoyment.
What to Pack
- Layered clothing suitable for changing mountain weather
- Rain jacket and waterproof outer layer
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good tread
- Sun protection including hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Water bottle and snacks for trails
- Basic first aid supplies
- Navigation tools including charged phone and backup power
- Bear spray if hiking in remote areas
Responsible Visiting
British Columbia’s natural beauty attracts millions of visitors, and popular areas like the Sea-to-Sky Corridor face pressure from increasing tourism. Practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, keep appropriate distances from wildlife, and avoid disturbing plants or geological features.
During busy periods, popular trails and parking areas fill quickly. Arriving early, choosing weekdays over weekends, or visiting less-trafficked alternatives helps reduce crowding and environmental impact.
Wildlife and Safety
Black bears, cougars, and other wildlife inhabit the forests and mountains around Squamish. Learn how to respond to wildlife encounters, make noise on trails to avoid surprising animals, and store food properly whether camping or picnicking.
Wilderness injuries, getting lost, and weather exposure present real risks in mountain environments. Tell someone your plans, carry the ten essentials for hiking, check trail conditions before departing, and turn back if conditions deteriorate. Cell service can be unreliable or absent in many areas.
Making the Most of Your Sullivan’s Crossing-Inspired Trip
The landscapes that brought Sullivan’s Crossing to life exist as real places with genuine communities, protected ecosystems, and visitors who share the trails and viewpoints with you. Approaching your visit with respect for these realities creates better experiences than chasing fictional locations.
Squamish and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor reward travelers who come for the mountains, forests, and outdoor culture rather than simply filming sites. These places existed long before cameras arrived and will continue welcoming visitors who appreciate them on their own terms.
Before You Go
Start planning by checking official sources for current conditions and requirements. The Tourism Squamish website, BC Parks, DriveBC, and Parks Canada provide updated information on trail conditions, road status, park facilities, and seasonal considerations that affect your visit.
Verify all practical details including accommodation availability, attraction operating hours, parking requirements, and permit needs directly with official sources, as these change frequently and affect your ability to access certain areas.
Sullivan’s Crossing has introduced viewers to one of British Columbia’s most compelling regions, where coastal mountains meet fjords and small communities thrive amid dramatic wilderness. By focusing on accessible natural areas, respecting private property and local communities, and planning thoughtfully, you can experience the landscapes that made the show possible while contributing positively to the places that host you. Check current conditions with Tourism Squamish and BC Parks, prepare appropriately for mountain weather and wilderness travel, and head to Squamish ready to discover what makes this corner of British Columbia special beyond any television screen.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Sullivan’s Crossing filming locations and the beautiful Squamish region. For more destination planning support, explore our other helpful Tourist Destination articles.