Toronto Filming Locations Road Trip: Casa Loma, Schitt’s Creek and More

Written by Jaimz Dillman

Summertime calls for getting out and exploring the wide wonders of the road. So us travel boosties (spooky besties), celebrating a birthday and armed with an itinerary stretching across the vastness of Toronto, set out to find spots from IT Chapter One, IT Chapter Two, Welcome to Derry, Schitt’s Creek, Dawn of the Dead, DC Titans, and more.

First stop after landing was Casa Loma, easily one of the most filmed locations in town, boasting credits in dozens of movies including Chicago, X Men, Crimson Peak, and more. The amazing architecture of what was once a private home is definitely worth visiting to take in the Gothic Revival style mansion and gardens.

A small admission fee is required, but you have access to explore on your own or use an audio tour on your phone. Loads of rooms, tunnels, stables, a library, conservatory, towers, and garages give you a look into the lavish lifestyle of Sir Henry Pellatt. We were also pleasantly surprised by a visiting exhibit of costumes from Downton Abbey and a random wax museum featuring small scenes and actors from movies filmed on site.

I was impressed with the access we had to climb steep stairs for gorgeous city views from the tower balconies, the historic items on display, and the general freedom to take everything in at our own pace.

While the gardens were closed during our visit, there was a special concert event happening that evening for an additional ticket. Escape rooms are also offered as a separate attraction, along with a small cafe, gorgeous steakhouse dining room and bar, gift shop, and a small gelato station out front that was very popular on the warm day.

Tips for this location: check the website before visiting to see if any areas are closed to the public, find out if special exhibits are being offered, and give yourself plenty of time to wander and take in all areas of the grounds.

A couple of quick stops for locations from Black Christmas, including the sorority house (a private residence) and the police station, rounded out the evening’s plans. Then it was time to find food. I was on the hunt for poutine. We also always visit the area’s grocery stores for basic provisions, to find local goodies, and save on additional costs while out.

Day two greeted us with gorgeous weather to visit some of the exterior locations from Schitt’s Creek. The smallest little town four way stop served as the exterior for Rose Apothecary, Tropical Cafe, and George’s Garage. A block in either direction brings you to the Town Hall and Roland and Jocelyn’s house (private residences).

The only space that is still an actual business is now the Goodwood Mercantile, which stood in for Rose Apothecary. Although it was not open the day we visited (open Thursday through Sunday), we could see some merchandise inside referencing the show, including the iconic “fold in the cheese.”

There is a fun photo opportunity right outside from the opening of the show, but it features the town’s real name, Goodwood, instead of the show’s title.

Just a few minutes around the corner, Ted’s veterinarian clinic front still sports the red awning from scenes in the show and is a working clinic.

Stay tuned for part two, visiting the It and Welcome to Derry filming locations!

Additional info:

Casa Loma casaloma.ca

Goodwood Mercantile goodwoodmercantile.com

Capitol Theatre capitoltheatre.com

Second Helpings durhamnorthumberland.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Furby House Books furbyhousebooks.com