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Riverdale movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Riverdale filmed?

2017

City Locations

Vancouver, Canada

Location Types

House, Mansions, Schools/Colleges, Hospitals/Medical, Diners/Coffee, Gyms/Sports

Location Styles

Americana/Anywhere, Craftsman, Retro, Georgian/Southern, Building Dated/Retro

About Riverdale

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's Riverdale is an enthralling, supernatural horror crime drama series that has captivated audiences since its 2017 debut. Produced by Warner Bros., CBS Studios, and Berlanti Productions in collaboration with Archie Comics, the show brings the beloved characters from your favorite comic books to life. The Riverdale series features accomplished stars KJ Apa, Camila Mendes, Lili Reinhart, Cole Sprouse, and Ashleigh Murray in the role of Josie McCoy. Every episode is filled with an array of musical pieces—both original tunes and famous covers—that leave viewers wanting more!

After a shocking murder shakes Riverdale, this group of teens discovers the sinister mysteries lurking beneath its pristine facade. Traversing their teenage years alongside Archie Comics’ characters, they realize that even those closest to them hold secrets beyond what can be imagined. As each episode unravels the surrealism of small-town life, viewers will discover how deep into darkness and weirdness Riverdale goes.

Riverdale has been well received by critics and audiences alike, earning multiple award nominations, including two Critics' Choice Television Awards for Most Exciting New Series in 2017 and 2018, and two People's Choice Awards for Favorite Drama TV Show in 2018 and 2019. Riverdale won Favorite Drama Show and Favorite Male TV Star (Cole Sprouse) at the People's Choice Awards in 2020.

Riverdale Locations

The hit television series Riverdale brings a classic small-town feel to the big screen with its stunning British Columbia, Canada, backdrop. With most scenes shot in and around Vancouver and Maple Ridge, viewers taste rural life filled with rolling hills, mountain peaks, and beautiful lakes. Vancouver's Alouette Lake was used as Sweetwater River in the series, while other filming locations include Rocko's Diner, Bear Creek Park, Twilight Drive-In Theatre, and more. The natural beauty of these areas is well represented in Riverdale, especially with its rich greenery and vibrant sunsets against the mountain backdrop.

Bear Creek Park in Surrey was chosen as a shooting location to capture the essence of outdoor scenes. Point Grey Secondary School in Kerrisdale was the venue for several shots, while Minnekhada Lodge, located at Coquitlam, provided perfect settings to shoot some house party and pool scenes.

A trip to these locations would be worth it for anyone looking to get the Riverdale experience. There are numerous spots that fans can visit for nostalgia or photo ops, including Rocko's Diner, which serves up classic American-style diner food, and Twilight Drive-In Theatre, where scenes from the show were filmed. Not only will visitors experience iconic spots from their favorite show, but they can also take advantage of nearby outdoor activities such as fishing at Alouette Lake or hiking through Bear Creek Park, taking in beautiful landscape views. A trip to these locations would be an unforgettable experience for any fan of Riverdale.

Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe scenes in Riverdale

20233 100a Ave, Langley Twp, BC V1M 3X6, Canada

The iconic Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe is one of the most enduring and beloved images of the hit show Riverdale. It's a place where the teens come to talk, share milkshakes, and ponder their mysterious surroundings. The diner has become an integral part of life in Riverdale and serves as a home away from home for Archie (KJ Apa) and his friends.

The set of Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe was built in the parking lot of the Langley studio lot where many iconic scenes have been filmed. It is a great spot to visit if you want to glimpse what life in Riverdale looks like and relive some of your favorite moments from the show. The real-life inspiration for Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe is Rocko’s Family Diner, located in Mission, BC. This diner has become almost as iconic as Pop's, with many fans visiting to experience the atmosphere that inspired so much from Riverdale.

Exploring where these scenes were filmed, and the inspiration for Pop’s shop, is easy! The studio is located at 20233 100a Ave in Langley, while the diner sits at 32786 Lougheed Hwy in Mission, BC. Make sure to swing by and check out what all the buzz is about!

Veronica and Cheryl battle scene in Riverdale

530 E 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5W 1P3, Canada

As the Vixens take center stage in John Oliver Secondary School's gymnasium, tension builds and anticipation soars. Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) and Veronica (Camila Mendes) stand opposite each other ready to compete for higher status with their iconic white-and-yellow uniforms magnified by glittery accessories that sparkle under the spotlights. Their moves are rehearsed yet full of power as they practice perfecting their routines, and excitement radiates around them while they prepare to battle it out on the dance floor.

This iconic dance-off scene from Riverdale has become a celebrated custom within popular culture, spawning numerous memes, videos, and fan art. The show's symbolic moment symbolizes the rivalry between its two leading female characters—a prime example of female empowerment! A reminder of this great showdown can be found at 530 E 41st Avenue in Vancouver, BC. Established in 1912, John Oliver Secondary School has served the community for many years. It's situated near Commercial Street and 22nd Avenue, making it a breeze to locate either by car or public transport in Vancouver.

Visitors can get to this location by car or public transit. If taking a bus from downtown Vancouver, one will find it on WB W Hastings St and can disembark at Fraser St & E 41 Ave., then walk for approximately three minutes before arriving at the entrance located on the left side. Alternatively, if you drive from downtown Vancouver, you'll reach your destination in around 15 minutes!

Archie brings Fred home scene in Riverdale

2037 E 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5N 1H6, Canada

The scene at the Andrews house in Riverdale is a poignant reminder of the warmth and safety of home. As Archie returns to Riverdale with Fred's (Luke Perry) body, he is met with a crowd of people who have come to pay their respects—an iconic moment from the show demonstrating the tight-knit community in small towns. It's a moment that has become synonymous with Riverdale and its commitment to family values.

The exterior shots for this scene were filmed at 2037 East 3rd Avenue in Vancouver. The street features a beautiful row of single-family homes, each one different from the next, making it an ideal place to capture the unique vibe of Riverdale. Please be mindful that this house is privately owned.

From downtown Vancouver, you can reach the Andrews house in less than half an hour by car or public transport.

Confirmation ceremony scene in Riverdale

2025 Napier St, Vancouver, BC V5L 2N8, Canada

The confirmation scene in Riverdale is decisive and emotionally charged, with Veronica standing at the altar of the magnificent St. Francis of Assisi Parish, her parents behind her, and Archie watching from the sidelines with a reassuring smile. The vibrant stained glass windows that adorn the church's walls and ornate Gothic pews give an air of grandeur to the ceremony. This iconic scene has been referenced throughout the show, often symbolizing Veronica's growth and transformation into adulthood.

The St. Francis of Assisi Parish used for filming this scene is located on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver, Canada. It is a beautiful historic building that dates back to 1939 when it was moved from its original location at Broadway and Victoria to its current spot. Visitors can also explore nearby Kitsilano Beach or Granville Island Public Market, just minutes away from the church, making it a great place to visit during your travels!

To get to this location, you can take public transit from downtown Vancouver, such as a bus or Skytrain. Alternatively, you can quickly drive there about 15 minutes from downtown. If you are traveling by car, you will be able to find plenty of parking around the area.

Cheryl burns down Thornhill scene in Riverdale

21122 12 Ave, Langley Twp, BC V2Z 1T2, Canada

The scene of Cheryl burning down Thornhill is an iconic moment in Riverdale. It is a powerful statement of Cheryl’s strength and resilience as she uses her courage to take control of her life and reject her mother’s cruelty. The fire is so intense that it engulfs the entire mansion in flames. The citizens of Riverdale are seen looking on in awe and admiration.

This pivotal scene was filmed at Copper Stone Mansion, a historical landmark in South Langley, Canada. This grand residence was constructed in 1902 and served as the Blossom family home until the end of season one. The mansion has since been closed to the public but remains an iconic part of Riverdale's history.

To visit the majestic Copper Stone Mansion, you have a few options. You can take one of Surrey's public transit lines to South Langley or drive there via Fraser Highway and 176 St.

Conclusion

With its mesmerizing visuals, captivating performances, and witty script creating a surreal atmosphere that fuses all the latest trends together, it's no wonder fans adore Riverdale. Each episode brings to life an enchanting story of vivid color through exemplary performance and art direction. Not only does this adaptation capture our imaginations, but it keeps fans thoroughly enthralled as we watch with bated breath for new twists and turns.

The idea behind Riverdale was incredibly innovative and daring, taking beloved source material and turning it into something entirely new. It creates an alternative universe where familiar faces exist in a world filled with secrets, lies, and tension. This dramatic reimagining has undoubtedly made a lasting impression on viewers everywhere. Despite some disagreements, Riverdale is aware of its references and characters who talk about one another as if they are experiencing the story. This can sometimes seem overwhelming; however, it only speaks to the depth and layers of culture within the show's narrative.

Riverdale's tremendous success has reignited the world’s passion for comic book adaptations and spawned a new wave of creative shows featuring popular characters. It has also opened up possibilities for more YA-focused television productions, showcasing inspiring narratives that captivate younger viewers all over the globe.

Riverdale is an absolute must-watch, boasting an exhilarating story arc, captivating characters, and spellbinding visuals. Its unique style will immediately seize your attention from the first episode until its thrilling conclusion.