Ever wanted to step into the world of Riverdale, visit Jack’s Bar from Virgin River, or explore the supernatural settings of Twilight? Now, thanks to Cineventure, you can!
This new digital platform, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between BC’s film and tourism industries, is turning the province’s most famous filming locations into immersive travel experiences. By blending interactive Routes, augmented reality, and detailed itineraries, Cineventure is inviting fans to explore the magic of the big screen—right where it was made.
We caught up with Marnie Gee, BC Film Commissioner, to chat about how this innovative project came to life, what it means for both film and tourism in BC, and why fans won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience. —Noa Nichol
Q: Cineventure is an exciting new initiative! Can you share the inspiration behind this platform and how it came to life?
Marnie Gee: The inspiration for Cineventure emerged from recognizing an extraordinary opportunity to connect two of British Columbia’s iconic sectors.
What began as conversations between Screen BC and six local Destination Marketing Organizations quickly evolved into a true collaborative vision and we now have more stakeholders from both industries wanting to get involved and the BC Film Commission at Creative BC is proud to support this collaborative platform.
For decades, B.C.’s motion picture industry has been crafting compelling narratives and world-class productions across the province, while the tourism sector has showcased B.C.’s remarkable natural beauty and vibrant communities. Together, these sectors saw the potential to build a meaningful bridge, creating new value from B.C.’s historical film legacy.
Q: British Columbia has long been a major hub for film and television productions. How does Cineventure help showcase the province’s role in global entertainment?
Marnie Gee: B.C. has earned its place as Canada’s largest foreign service production hub through decades of excellence in film and television production. What makes B.C. truly special in the global entertainment landscape is our remarkable versatility – our province can transform into virtually any setting imaginable, from small-towns to futuristic cityscapes.
B.C.’s Destination Marketing Organizations created Cineventure to allow visitors to experience this versatility firsthand by revealing the movie magic behind familiar scenes. When visitors explore these locations, they’re not just walking in the footsteps of beloved characters – they’re gaining insight into why filmmakers consistently choose B.C.. The platform showcases how our diverse landscapes, talented crews, and world-class infrastructure come together to create productions that captivate global audiences.
Q: With over 25 interactive routes already available, what are some of the most popular filming locations featured on Cineventure?
Marnie Gee: Cineventure may be in its early days, but the Virgin River experience is already turning heads. Fans are eager to visit iconic spots like the Watershed Grill—better known as Jack’s Bar—and stroll through the charming streets of Fort Langley, which bring the show’s small-town vibe to life.
We’re also seeing a ton of buzz in online communities about filming locations for Riverdale, the cult-favorite Happy Gilmore, and, of course, the supernatural phenomenon Twilight. Clearly, these on-screen worlds are just as exciting to explore in real life!
Q: The platform includes ReelView, an augmented reality feature that allows fans to see scenes from their favorite productions in real-time. How does this technology enhance the tourism experience?
Marnie Gee: The ReelView feature bridges fiction and reality, letting visitors see film stills overlaid on real locations through their phones. This technology deepens emotional connections, making it magical to stand where favorite scenes were filmed and see how filmmakers transformed real-world spaces. It adds layers of meaning that traditional tourism can’t match.
Q: How do you see Cineventure evolving in the future? Can you share any upcoming features or expansions that visitors can look forward to?
Marnie Gee: Like any good series, you never want to give away too much in season one! Through deeper collaboration, our sectors are working with additional municipalities committed to joining throughout 2025, which will expand the reach across more of B.C.’s diverse regions.
Q: Cineventure not only connects film lovers to BC’s iconic locations but also supports local tourism. What impact do you anticipate this having on regional economies?
Marnie Gee: Film tourism creates unique opportunities for communities that typically don’t see significant visitor traffic. A charming small-town café or an ordinary streetscape can become a must-visit destination simply because a beloved scene was filmed there.
What makes film tourism particularly valuable is its ability to drive visitation during shoulder seasons and to communities outside traditional tourism corridors. Film enthusiasts often visit during off-peak times when filming actually occurred, helping balance tourism throughout the year. This seasonal and regional dispersion supports small business viability year-round while preventing overtourism in any single location.
Q: Collaboration with municipalities and DMOs was key in developing Cineventure. What was the process like working with different regions to bring this vision to life?
Marnie Gee: The collaborative spirit behind Cineventure has been nothing short of extraordinary. The platform began with six founding municipal Destination Marketing Organizations – Tourism Richmond, Tourism Langley, Tourism Burnaby, Discover Surrey, Tourism Squamish, and Tourism New Westminster – alongside Screen BC and the BC Film Commission. Each brought unique perspectives and deep knowledge of their communities to the table.
What made this process so remarkable was the genuine enthusiasm across all partners. These weren’t just stakeholder conversations – they were creative collaborations where everyone contributed meaningful ideas and resources. Each municipality helped identify key filming locations in their region, shared local stories and context, and ensured we were respecting community needs while creating compelling experiences.
This unprecedented partnership between tourism and motion pictures demonstrates what’s possible when creative industries work together toward a shared vision.
Q: From Twilight to Riverdale and Happy Gilmore, Cineventure includes a diverse mix of productions. What were some of the most surprising or fun locations you’ve rediscovered through this project?
Marnie Gee: One of the joys of developing Cineventure has been rediscovering locations through the lens of the productions filmed there. What’s particularly fascinating is seeing how certain locations have been transformed for multiple productions over the years – places that have starred in completely different stories, often playing entirely different settings.
I’ve been especially delighted by some of the unexpected locations that hold significant meaning for fans. There’s a particular bend in the road near Squamish that Twilight enthusiasts immediately recognize from a pivotal moment in the film, yet most people would drive right past without a second glance.
Q: As BC Film Commissioner, you’ve seen firsthand how the province has grown as a major production destination. How does Cineventure reinforce BC’s reputation as Hollywood North?
Marnie Gee: I’ve witnessed our province’s evolution into a complete film ecosystem that offers everything productions need to bring their visions to life. Cineventure highlights the incredible versatility that makes B.C. a filmmaker’s dream. When visitors explore these locations, they gain insight into why productions consistently choose B.C.Q: For fans and travelers eager to explore BC’s film locations, what’s the best way to experience Cineventure and make the most of their journey?
Marnie Gee: Start your journey at cineventure.ca, where you can explore quick, self-guided routes or dive into multi-day itineraries connected to your favorite productions. For the most immersive experience, try the ReelView augmented reality feature. Holding up your phone and seeing a real location transform into a scene from the screen is pretty magical, these routes take you to communities you might not have discovered otherwise, each with its own charm. Take time to visit local shops, enjoy the scenery, and soak in the history that makes British Columbia special.
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