Giggster logo
Chesapeake Shores movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Chesapeake Shores filmed?

2016

City Locations

British Columbia (Canada)

Location Types

House, Mansion, Hotel, Riverside, Storefront

Location Styles

Colonial, Cape Cod, Hotel/Motel Style, Beachfront, Rustic

About Chesapeake Shores

With a touch of whimsy and a sprinkle of enchantment, fans of Sherryl Woods will delight in witnessing this flawlessly idyllic world come alive on the screen. Chesapeake Shores is an American-Canadian television series based on the novels by Sherryl Woods that premiered in August 2016. The series features Diane Ladd, Treat Williams, Jesse Metcalfe, Meghan Ory, Barbara Niven, Emilie Ullerup, Laci J Mailey, and Andrew Francis in starring roles.

The main plot of the series follows Abby O'Brien, a successful career woman who has left her hometown of Chesapeake Shores to move to New York City. On a visit home, she is confronted with people from her past, including her high school sweetheart Trace, and her uncompromising father Mick. Realizing how her career is limiting her ability to be a hands-on mother to her twin daughters, Abby decides to move back to Chesapeake Shores.

Chesapeake Shores has seen varied success, securing two Leo Awards, namely for Best Make-Up in a Dramatic Series, won by Charles Porlier, and for Best Musical Score in a Dramatic Series, clinched by Hamish Thomson and Matthew Rogers. Neil Genzlinger from The New York Times provided an assessment of the show, stating that Chesapeake Shores is "exceptionally clean-cut and predictable—a perfect match for Hallmark's target viewership."

Chesapeake Shores Locations

Chesapeake Shores was primarily filmed on the picturesque Vancouver Island in Canada. Many of the scenes were filmed in the towns of Qualicum Beach and Parksville, as well as Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. The region's backdrop is breathtaking, with lush forests, vibrant ocean views, and inviting sand beaches. It is the perfect setting for a story about family and the importance of community.

Visitors to the locations of Chesapeake Shores will be treated to various sights and activities. In Qualicum Beach, there is Bailey’s In The Village Cafe, which doubles as the show’s Town Square Cafe. Fairwinds Marina at Schooner Cove in Nanoose Bay makes for a great sailing spot for those who want to get out on the water. The expansive Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, with its old-growth trees and tidal pools, is the perfect place to explore and connect with nature. The Vault Cafe in Nanaimo is also a must-see for Chesapeake Shores fans, as it was a filming location for the show.

With its stunning backdrop, a plethora of filming locations, and ample activities to enjoy, a trip to the locations for Chesapeake Shores is worthwhile. Whether you’re a show fan or not, you will indeed find something to love about the stunning Vancouver Island.

Abby attends the Baltimore office scene in Chesapeake Shores

Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel, 292 Crescent Rd E, Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada

As the show unfolds, we are transported into the bustling world of the Baltimore law office. Abby (Meghan Ory) accepts a job offer at the Baltimore office and stays in Chesapeake Shores to raise her daughters (season 1, episode 3).

This scene was filmed in the Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel, a restored 19th-century mansion converted into a hotel in the early 2000s. Over the years, it has hosted several big names, including John Wayne. Visitors can reserve their spot at this extraordinary venue, which guarantees an immersive experience that will elegantly conclude your visit.

The Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel is renowned for its exquisite features, including abundant wood paneling, historic fireplaces, dazzling crystal chandeliers, and luxurious leather chairs. These elements combine to create an enchanting ambiance that perfectly embodies the elegant charm portrayed on the show. Despite these grand details, the show avoids a stuffy atmosphere, highlighting the hotel's refined allure.

To reach the destination, you can take BC-19 N, starting from the center of Nanaimo. The journey on this road typically takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, there is a public bus option available from Nanaimo. You can board the #40 bus and transfer to Woodgrove Exchange to catch the #91.

The reunion of the O’Brien family scene in Chesapeake Shores

574 Stewart Road, Nanoose Bay, BC, Canada

The second episode of season one starts at the O'Brien family home. The O'Brien family gather around a fire at home, toasting marshmallows and sharing laughter. It's a special occasion as it's been some time since all five O'Brien siblings were together, and they have much catching up to do.

This heartwarming scene takes place at the renowned O'Brien family home, a charming private residence nestled at 1574 Stewart Road in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island. Nestled in woodlands and surrounded by water, the house exudes a serene charm that perfectly complements the familial warmth of the O'Brien gatherings. Although the house is not open to the public, it is available for private rental, offering show fans a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Chesapeake Shores.

If you're coming from mainland British Columbia, you could take a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. From Nanaimo, a short drive will take you to Nanoose Bay and the iconic O’Brien family home.

Kevin fell out of the tree house scene in Chesapeake Shores

Milner Gardens & Woodland, 2179 W Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1G1, Canada

In the seventh episode (season 1), there's a memorable scene where Kevin (Brendan Penny) and Connor (Andrew Francis) venture into the woods, stopping at their childhood treehouse. Kevin ascends the treehouse despite his injury, triggering a nostalgic conversation about their shared past. When Connor inquires about Kevin's experiences in Afghanistan, Kevin chooses to keep them to himself. They slip and tumble to the ground as they descend from the treehouse. Connor hastens home to inform Georgia (Ali Liebert), Mick (Treat Williams), and Megan (Barbara Niven) about Kevin's fall, leading to a rush to get back to him.

This pivotal scene was filmed at Milner Gardens & Woodland on Vancouver Island University's campus. The treehouse was a temporary structure built specifically for the series and was dismantled after filming. However, fans of the show can still immerse themselves in the setting where this iconic scene took place. Milner Gardens & Woodland is an enchanting location that spans 70 acres, showcasing diverse flowers and trees. It's situated on a coastal bluff, offering breathtaking views of the Strait of Georgia.

To reach this location, one can take a ferry from mainland British Columbia to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, then drive approximately 30 miles northwest to reach the university and its gardens.

Sally's cafe scene in Chesapeake Shores

124 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2R8, Canada

Sally's cafe, a central location in the show, is a hub of activity where family conflicts, challenging discussions, significant choices, and romantic gestures unfold. The second episode of season 2 is no exception to the drama and intrigue surrounding it. Trace (Jesse Metcalfe) and Abby enjoy a morning together, conversing over cups of coffee at Sally's. As the topic shifts to Trace's plans of recording with Leigh (Brittany Willacy) in the evening, Abby's unease becomes apparent. In response, Trace draws her into a comforting kiss to alleviate her concerns.

This scene was filmed at the iconic 124 W 2nd Ave location in Qualicum Beach. Known to locals as Leigh House and also referred to as The Thrall Residence, this location is one of the most recognized filming spots in the series due to the amount of action that takes place there. However, it's worth noting that despite its portrayal in the show, this location is not an actual cafe and can only be viewed from the outside.

From Nanaimo, it takes about 40 minutes to drive to Qualicum Beach and the famous Leigh House using BC-19 N. You can also take a public bus, either the 40 or the 91, from Nanaimo to reach your destination conveniently.

Mick informs Trace that he will sell the music club scene in Chesapeake Shores

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, 1240 Rath Rd, Parksville, BC V9P 2E2, Canada

As Mick embarks on his ambitious plan to develop the land owned by the O'Brien Trust, he informs Trace that he will have to sell off the space housing the music club. This decision dramatically turns the storyline, highlighting the tension between Mick, the family's patriarch and developer, and his brother Thomas (Gregory Harrison), a conservationist (season 2, episode 2).

The place is set against the backdrop of the O'Brien Family Trust land—a sprawling 100 acres of untouched, picturesque terrain. This land forms a significant part of the narrative conflict in the series. However, viewers can breathe easily knowing this beautiful area's real-life counterpart remains unspoiled.

The captivating scene was brought to life at the renowned Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, nestled in the picturesque town of Parksville. This park boasts old-growth trees that fringe two kilometers of sandy shoreline. When the tide recedes almost a kilometer during low tide, it reveals a fascinating world of tidal pools, sand dollars, seaweed, and more, offering an immersive experience for visitors.

To visit this iconic filming location, one would need to travel to Vancouver Island. If you're coming from mainland British Columbia, you can take a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. From Nanaimo, it's approximately a 30-minute drive northwest to reach Parksville and the stunning Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.

Austin & Nashville scenes in Chesapeake Shores

Commercial St, Nanaimo, BC, Canada

In season 3 (episode 5), Abby decides to join Trace on his tour but soon realizes that her family's privacy might be at risk due to the relentless attention of the paparazzi, fueled by Trace's escalating fame. As Trace grapples with his loneliness on tour away from Abby, he pens a song for her, which triggers an unexpected reaction from Leigh.

This compelling scene is set in the heart of Nanaimo’s downtown Commercial Street, which stands in for the bustling cities of Austin and Nashville. This iconic southern setting serves as a pivotal point of tension between Trace and Abbey during seasons 2 and 3.

Commercial Street is a vibrant six-block stretch in Nanaimo, home to many shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Notably, it houses the Vault Cafe and Queen’s Hotel—two locations fans of Chesapeake Shores will recognize. The street is perfect for a stroll, a morning coffee break, or a visit to the Humanity in Art Urban Art Gallery, where local artists have transformed the exteriors of older buildings into large, captivating murals.

You would need to travel to Vancouver Island to reach this iconic filming location. Once in Nanaimo, Commercial Street is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of culture and history.

Conclusion

Chesapeake Shores seems to be a poignant and heartfelt multigenerational drama series. The show has been praised for its beautiful portrayal of life's highs and lows, with strong themes of reconciliation and forgiveness.

The performance of the actors, particularly Meghan Ory, Treat Williams, and Diane Ladd, has been seen as a standout aspect of the series. Gwen Ihnat from The A.V. Club praised the "ethereally gorgeous" Ory, alongside the impressive acting talents of Williams and Ladd. According to Ihnat, their performances elevate the show and make it worth watching. Additionally, the chemistry between the romantic leads contributes to the overall appeal of the series.

Regarding script and storyline, some viewers have described it as 'schmaltzy' and low-stress, making it a good option for those who prefer less tension in their shows. The plots may not deeply invest you, but they provide a sweet and pretty viewing experience akin to savoring bonbons.

Overall, Chesapeake Shores seems to have contributed a unique family drama to the television industry, presenting a visually appealing and emotionally engaging series. However, it seems best suited for those who enjoy a more relaxed narrative pace and a focus on character development and relationships. In conclusion, if you're a fan of family dramas with a touch of romance and enjoy strong performances from the cast, Chesapeake Shores might be worth your time.