Where was Hemlock Grove filmed?
2013
City Locations
Toronto, Hamilton, Port Perry (Canada), Pittsburgh (USA)
Location Types
Storefront, Riverside, School
Location Styles
Modern Building, Greek/Neoclassical, Building Dated/Retro
About Hemlock Grove
Unveiling its horrific mysteries in 2013, Hemlock Grove is an American horror series that found its home on the most popular streaming platform, Netflix. Renowned director Eli Roth joined forces with the ingenious Brian McGreevy and Lee Shipman to adapt McGreevy's spine-chilling 2012 novel into a television series that sends shivers. The show features a cast of gifted performers, including Bill Skarsgård who portrays Roman Godfrey; Famke Janssen as Olivia Godfrey; Landon Liboiron in the role of Peter Rumancek; and Penelope Mitchell, embodying the character of Letha Godfrey. The fictional town of Hemlock Grove, Pennsylvania, becomes the backdrop for a series of brutal murders investigated by unlikely allies Roman and Peter. As they dig deeper, they not only draw closer to the truth but come face to face with their supernatural destinies. Hemlock Grove made a smashing debut with its first season, releasing all 13 episodes at once in April 2013. The series sparked divergent opinions among critics, with some commending its unique blend of horror and mystery while others were unimpressed by its delivery. Nevertheless, Hemlock Grove found a loyal fan following and was renewed for a second and third season. The prestigious Primetime Emmy Awards have acknowledged the series with nominations for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music and Outstanding Special Visual Effects. Though it did not clinch these awards, Hemlock Grove's influence on the streaming television industry remains significant. Hemlock Grove intertwines supernatural elements with a gripping murder mystery plot that hooks viewers until the end. With a gifted cast and compelling storyline, it has attracted a legion of fans. While not universally acclaimed, the show is a notable contender in streaming television.
Hemlock Grove Locations
The chilling series Hemlock Grove utilized a diverse range of locations across Ontario, Canada, and Pittsburgh, USA, for its production. Filming commenced on July 13, 2012, in the picturesque town of Port Perry, Ontario, roughly 40 miles northeast of Toronto. This charming locale was artfully transformed into the fictional town of Hemlock Grove, set in Western Pennsylvania, providing the backdrop for most of the series' scenes. Additional filming locations spanned from the Deer Park United Church at St Clair and Yonge in Toronto to the historic Hamilton Cemetery in Hamilton, Ontario. The iconic Hemlock Grove High School scenes were captured at Ursula Franklin Academy in Toronto. The series also featured scenes shot in Oshawa at the stately Parkwood Estate. Notably, the opening sequence of Season 1, Episode 1, showcases Queen Street in Port Perry, Ontario. Moreover, the Godfrey Steel Mill scene, a significant setting in the storyline, was shot at the industrial landmark of Carrie Furnaces in Pittsburgh, USA. These filming locations offer a rich blend of urban and rural landscapes, historical landmarks, and architectural interest, painting a vivid backdrop for the series' thrilling narrative. For fans of Hemlock Grove, a visit to these locations would certainly be worthwhile, providing a tangible connection to the series, an insight into its production, and a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of its setting.
Peter and his mom move to Hemlock Grove scene in Hemlock Grove
217 Queen St, Port Perry, ON, Canada
Set in the fictional town of Hemlock Grove, Pennsylvania, opens with a riveting scene in the episode "Jellyfish in the Sky". The newcomer to town, Peter Rumancek (Landon Liboiron), and his mother arrive amidst a wave of tension following the discovery of a young girl's corpse. The strange rumors surrounding Peter's nature stir suspicion among the townsfolk, setting the stage for the eerie narrative that is to unfold. This pivotal scene was filmed on Main Street in Port Perry, a small town near Toronto in Ontario, Canada. The establishing shot provides a west/southwest view down the 200 block of Queen Street from the Queen & Perry Streets intersection. The quaint Piano Cafe, located at 217 Queen Street, is noticeably featured in this shot, adding to the small-town charm and authenticity of the scene. Port Perry, situated on the southern tip of Lake Scugog, is known for its vibrant and historic downtown area and scenic countryside. It offers easy access to various water activities like swimming and boating, making it a destination for Hemlock Grove fans and those seeking a serene getaway. To reach this destination from Toronto, head northeast on ON-407 E. The journey will take just an hour by car. Alternatively, visitors can opt for public transportation and take a bus with a transfer to Oshawa.
Roman Godfrey eats an ice cream cone scene in Hemlock Grove
The Nutty Chocolatier, 182 Queen St, Port Perry, ON, Canada
In the opening episode of Hemlock Grove, audiences are introduced to the intriguing character of Roman Godfrey (Bill Skarsgård) in a compelling scene. Roman is first depicted inside a candy store, savoring an ice cream cone. An alluring girl catches his attention from outside the store, leading him on a chase around the corner to a parked sports car. Here, they surrender to their passions in a heated moment. This notable scene was shot inside an actual confectionery, The Nutty Chocolatier, at 182 Queen Street, in Port Perry, Ontario, Canada. The shop is well-known for its premium Belgian chocolate, truffles, and bespoke chocolate creations. As Roman and the girl exit from the store, the camera provides a view towards the east along the southern side of Queen Street, nestled between Water Street and Perry Street, while they amble westwards. Subsequently, they navigate the corner and proceed south, meandering between the easternmost end of the shop row and a post office. The site remains accessible, allowing fans to behold the iconic location. Visitors from Toronto have two transportation options: by car or bus. Moreover, the shop is conveniently situated near Main Street, enabling fans to explore multiple locations in one visit.
Shelley buys earrings scene in Hemlock Grove
Luke's For Home, 207 Queen St, Port Perry, ON, Canada
In the episode "Measure of Disorder," a poignant scene takes place featuring Shelley (Madeleine Martin), who boards a bus to town to meet her friend Jenny (Holly Deveaux) at work. Jenny reveals a pair of earrings she had kept aside for Shelley, knowing her fondness for them. Shelley purchases these earrings and then heads back home. This scene unfolds in an authentic store called Luke's Country Store. This location is situated at 207 Queen Street, Port Perry, on the same side of the street as the candy store (The Nutty Chocolatier), but it is positioned east of Perry Street. The store sells a variety of home decor and furniture items. For fans wishing to visit, the store remains unchanged from its appearance during the series’ filming. It allows one to immerse oneself in the Hemlock Grove universe while browsing for unique home decor items. Contrary to The Nutty Chocolatier, the site is located nearby. However, opting for a private car ride from Toronto is advisable to explore all the locations conveniently.
The school scenes in Hemlock Grove
Ursula Franklin Academy, 146 Glendonwynne Rd, Toronto, ON, Canada
Some first-season scenes unfold at Hemlock Grove High School, where all eyes turn to Peter Rumancek (Landon Liboiron), a new senior student rumored to be a werewolf. This scene sets a tone of intrigue and mystery throughout the series. The school featured in the series is not fictional but a real institution named Ursula Franklin Academy. Located at 146 Glendonwynne Road, just northwest of High Park in Toronto, this school serves as the backdrop for Hemlock Grove High School. The building was originally constructed and named Brockton High School in 1966. The Toronto Board of Education owned it until it merged with the Toronto District School Board. Ursula Franklin Academy opened its doors in this building in the fall of 1995. The series' fans can experience the location's exterior views just as they appeared in the show. Contacting the school's administration for permission is recommended for more extensive exploration or interior viewing. You have a couple of options to reach Ursula Franklin Academy from downtown Toronto. One option is to take a taxi, providing a convenient and direct ride to your destination. Another option is to take a bus, which offers a more affordable choice. The bus route includes a 40-minute journey with a transfer at the St George stop. This allows you to enjoy the city's scenic views while heading to the academy.
The Godfrey Institute scene in Hemlock Grove
Liuna Station, 360 James St N, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Norman (Dougray Scott), following the death of his daughter Letha (Penelope Mitchell), decides to sell his share of the Godfrey Institute to Olivia (Famke Janssen). However, when Roman (Bill Skarsgård ) kills Olivia, he inherits the institute. The Godfrey Institute, portrayed as a tower, is the site of numerous experiments, including attempts to reanimate people and the mysterious Project Ouroboros. While the tower might seem imposing and grand on screen, the reality is somewhat different. Only the lower section of the tower, distinguished by its Greek columns, truly exists. The upper floors, glass, and signs are all CGI additions, enhancing the building's appearance for the series. This tower is Liuna Station, a former train station from 1930, now serving as a banquet hall for special events. Located at 360 James Street N in Hamilton, Ontario, this location is approximately 43 miles northeast of the shops in Port Perry. To reach Liuna Station from Toronto, you can drive along ON-403 W, which typically takes approximately 50 minutes depending on traffic, or opt for public transportation. If you choose the latter, you can take a bus to Hamilton and walk or catch another bus to your final destination.
The Godfrey Steel Mill scene in Hemlock Grove
Rivers of Steel, 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
In the "Crucible" episode, a significant scene unfolds at Godfrey's old steel mill. Peter's (Landon Liboiron) and Roman's (Bill Skarsgård) investigation leads them to this location, where they discover a missing piece of their puzzle. In reality, the scenes featuring the Godfrey Steel Mill were shot at the Rivers of Steel: Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Pittsburgh. This site is a testament to the region's once-thriving steel industry, which collapsed in the 1970s and 1980s. These furnaces are the only non-operative ones remaining in the area. This historic landmark offers a range of exploration options, including various tours, workshops, exhibitions, and events. The Industrial Tour, in particular, provides insight into the site's iron-making technology, labor force, and way of life. Rivers of Steel also hosts workshops encouraging creativity and curiosity, offering a fresh outlook and skill development while linking participants to this distinct part of Pittsburgh's heritage. They offer diverse activities, including metal casting workshops, graffiti art, photo safaris, and blacksmithing programs, inviting everyone to participate and expand their knowledge. Visitors have two transportation options to reach Rivers of Steel from downtown Pittsburgh: car/taxi or bus. By car, the journey takes just 15 minutes via I-376 E. Alternatively, fans can take a bus to the Swissvale Station Stop A in Rankin and enjoy a pleasant 20-minute walk to the site.
Conclusion
Hemlock Grove may not have had a long run, but it left a lasting impression. This underrated horror series, set in a fictional town in Western Pennsylvania, was avant-garde for its time. It showcased commendable performances from a talented cast, notably Famke Janssen, Bill Skarsgård, and Landon Liboiron. The series' production spanned across diverse Ontario, Canada, and Pittsburgh, USA locations. The filming commenced in Port Perry, Ontario's scenic town, skillfully transformed into the eerie Hemlock Grove, providing an atmospheric backdrop for the series. The captivating series Hemlock Grove brought its eerie and mysterious world to life through a meticulously chosen array of filming locations. With its urban landscape, Toronto provided a versatile backdrop for the show's diverse settings, seamlessly transitioning from city streets to haunting forests. Hamilton's atmospheric locales lent an air of authenticity to the supernatural tale, offering a blend of historic charm and industrial landscapes that added depth to the storyline. Port Perry's picturesque scenery, particularly its serene lakeside vistas, brought a sense of tranquility juxtaposed against the show's darker themes. Moreover, Pittsburgh's unique architecture and urban ambiance contributed significantly to the series, showcasing a distinct character integral to the plot's evolution. The convergence of these diverse locations, spanning Canada and the United States, played a pivotal role in crafting the hauntingly immersive world of Hemlock Grove. Each setting, meticulously chosen and expertly utilized, added depth and realism to the series, cementing its status as a visual and narrative masterpiece.