Two romantic road trips to Schitt's Creek locations
Stouffville | Treetop Trekking Stouffville
Canada, along with the rest of the world, laughed, cried and loved actors and writers, Eugene and Dan Levy’s hit comedy series, Schitt’s Creek.
The show rapidly gained cult following and ultimately cleaned up at the Emmy Awards during its final season, taking home all seven top comedy awards.
Its riches-to-rags premise follows the ostentatiously wealthy Rose family, whose fortune is abruptly lost forcing them to move into their only remaining asset: a dusty roadside motel purchased in jest in the decidedly unglamorous town of Schitt’s Creek. Hilarity ensues.
From the inadvertently promiscuous welcome sign to the derelict Rosebud Motel, the town of Schitt’s Creek becomes as much a beloved character on the show as each of the quirky locals and the Rose family members.
Did you know that the fictional Schitt’s Creek is modelled after a real town? Moreover, many iconic Schitt’s Creek filming locations are dotted across southern Ontario.
So, for diehard Schitt’s Creek devotees who have been acting like disgruntled pelicans since the show ended, discover some of the quaint and eclectic places in Ontario that brought the show to life.
Take a page from David and Patrick’s endearing love story to infuse a little romance into your life on these two Schitt’s Creek pilgrimages.
North York to Durham Region
Elmbridge Manor, North York
One of the venues that David and Patrick visit for David’s lavish outdoor wedding vision is Elmbridge Manor, an elegant heritage Georgian mansion surrounded by gorgeous grounds and gardens.
The stunning, stone-fronted Graydon Hall Manor is located in the North York neighbourhood of Toronto and does open for private events, so you’ll also have to hold your own wedding here if you want to see this one up close. And don’t forget to book haikuist Fabian as your officiant.
The Blouse Barn, Unionville, Markham
On the show, the Blouse Barn was to the go-to for local ladies fashion in neighbouring town Elmdale. In his disastrous, short lived stint as brand manager, David transformed the inventory from “skanky” (ew, David!) to upscale. Although he was less competent in other aspects of business, the experience led him to success with Rose Apothecary.
The Blouse Barn is actually a small business in Unionville called Crock A Doodle, where guests can paint a piece of pottery. If you’re going to visit for a photo of the facade, do date night a little differently and design a mug, bowl or plate together.
Ted’s Veterinary Clinic and Treetop Trekking, Whitchurch-Stouffville
Sure, it might be weird to travel to a vet clinic just to take a photo, but Ted’s Veterinary Clinic from Schitt’s Creek is indeed a real clinic called Thicketwood Veterinary Hospital north of Markham in Whitchurch-Stouffville. And just like Ted, the team at Thicketwood Vet Hospital is known for giving the utmost care to each and every pet that comes through their doors. Next, recreate Patrick and David’s adventure date at Treetop Trekking Stouffville in Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park.
Schitt’s Creek, the Town Goodwood
Goodwood is a rural community about an hour’s drive east of Toronto, located halfway between Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe that served as the setting for Schitt’s Creek. You’ll be able to spot multiple Schitt’s Creek landmarks in town. Keep in mind to respect private property.
Perhaps the most famous and prolific locale in the show, besides the motel, is Cafe Tropical, where Twyla serves up her “moderately edible” menu including Surprise-Me-Smoothies and green-free salads. Snap a pic in front of the privately-owned building, located on the corner of Front Street and Highway 47.
Rose Apothecary is another iconic location where David Rose and partner Patrick build their boutique ‘general, but also very specific’ store. Pose in front of the large glass windows for another photo op. In reality, it’s a local knitting shop called Romni Goodwood where you can pick up all your knitting supplies.
Bob’s Garage, where Johnny Rose attempts to set up office, is an operating factory in Goodwood, but its facade still resembles Bob’s Garage, so snap up a selfie.
Next to the railway tracks, the old Town Hall was used to portray Schitt’s Creek’s Town Hall, where councellor meetings were held, the Jazzagals rehearsed, A Little Bit Alexis was unleashed, and David and Patrick’s wedding took place. In its real-life version, this building is home to Goodwood’s Lion’s Club.
Herb Ertlinger Winery, Seagrave
In one of the first season’s funniest moments, Moira Rose becomes slightly inebriated and has an absolute meltdown while filming a commercial for local Herb Ertlinger Winery, or Herb Erflingger. Burt Herngeif. Irv Herb-blinger. Bing Livehaanger. Liveling. Burt Herkurn …
The hilarious scene was shot at real-life, award-winning Applewood Farm and Winery just north of Port Perry, home to delicious fruit wines, cider and Meade, with gorgeous view of Lake Scugog. We're going to take a guess that Applewood Winery also ‘pampers its fruit like its own bebbies’.
Stay: Nestleton Waters Inn, Nestleton or The Piano Inn & Café, Port Perry
Do: Treetop Trekking Stouffville
Dine and drink: Applewood Farm and Winery, Seagrave and The Second Wedge Brewing Co., Uxbridge
Milton to Mono
David and Patrick’s engagement spot, Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, Milton
The hike that David and Patrick take to their swoon-worthy sunset engagement scene is none other than Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, a beautiful nature park with rolling hills, sheer cliffs, extensive walking trails and amazing viewpoints, especially in fall when the changing leaves illuminate the landscape. It’s certainly worthy of a proposal, real or fictional.
While not a location on the show, David would most definitely encourage you to visit the Alton Mills Arts Centre and would liberally remind you he was a wildly successful gallerist and curated unique performance art exhibits. His keen sense of fashion would also lead you to the Fashion History Museum in Cambridge.
The Rosebud Motel, Mono
The most frequently featured location in the show is the Rosebud Motel, home to the Rose family as well as Moira’s collection of individually named, statement wigs. The actual building is located in the community of Mono, just 15 minutes outside of the town of Orangeville, and also served as a motel, the Hockley Motel, until just recently when it was listed for sale. Only time will tell if life will imitate art in the Rosebud Motel.
Stay: Millcroft Inn and Spa, Alton or Hockley Valley Golf, Spa and Ski Resort, Mono
Do: Alton Mills Arts Centre, Alton and the Fashion History Museum, Cambridge
Dine and drink: Downey’s Farm & Market, Inglewood, Adamo Estate Winery, Orangeville, Spirit Tree Estate Cidery, Terra Cotta and GoodLot Farmstead Brewing Co., Caledon
Last updated: October 12, 2023