In the summer of 2013, the Hallmark Channel aired its very first original scripted series. The show was called Cedar Cove and it was based on the book series by beloved author Debbie Macomber. Set in the Pacific Northwest, the show centered around judge Oliva Lockhart, played by the uber talented Andie MacDowell, and the storyline followed life in a small town and the people who lived there. Personally, I LOVED the show and as a fan of the books, I was thrilled to be able to visually visit Cedar Cove on my screen. And although the books were different than the TV show, for me, it brought the book series to life. The scenery alone was worth a watch and it showed the world that there really is more to PNW life than just rain. From Hallmark:
“In “Cedar Cove,” Judge Olivia Lockhart (Andie MacDowell) is considered the community’s guiding light in the picturesque, coastal town of Cedar Cove, Washington. But like everyone else, Olivia fights the uphill battle of balancing career with family and finding love, all the while doing her best to care for the township she calls home. Based on best-selling author Debbie Macomber’s beloved book series.”
The pilot episode was filmed on Vancouver Island, in and around the city of Victoria. But for season one, production was moved over to the mainland and Cedar Cove was actually played by two equally picturesque areas; Fort Langley and Deep Cove. This is why the locations in the pilot episode are different than the rest of the series. What is interesting to me is that some of the houses and businesses we saw in season one changed in seasons two and three. I wrote here about Moon’s Place from season two and speculated why the change from season one.
As I have mentioned before, I have a lifelong passion for film locations and when Cedar Cove hit the air, I felt like I had hit the jackpot. The locations were all so lovely and welcoming, inspiring many viewers to plan a visit to British Columbia, myself included. I recognized Fort Langley from the start as I have enjoyed spending time there for many years. And for the purpose of this three part “Look Back At Cedar Cove” series, I loved being able to go back again and re-visit some of these places like the Art Gallery and Moon’s Place from season one. And it was challenging to search for others, such as Seth & Justine’s restaurant and Grace’s house. But you know me, I do love a challenge! 😉
My series will be broken down into three parts. The first will feature the houses of Cedar Cove, the second will look at the businesses of Cedar Cove, and in the third, we will focus on the town of Cedar Cove. There will be lots of photos and screen shots! As I have said already, Deep Cove and Fort Langley shared duties of playing Cedar Cove on screen. In this introduction, I will feature Deep Cove to kick things off. The truth is, after compiling all three parts of the series, along with the MANY photographs, it was clear to me that Deep Cove needed to take the lead on this one and have a moment to shine on its own.
Although I grew up in Los Angeles, I spent a couple weeks every other summer visiting Vancouver. My mom was from Vancouver, born and raised, and moved to Los Angeles but her family was all still in Canada. Prior to watching Cedar Cove, I had never heard of Deep Cove and after seeing its beauty light up my TV screen, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to visit. Deep Cove is an area of North Vancouver, located about 8 miles from downtown. It is rather hidden, which is why I had never heard of it before. It is not somewhere you are just passing by and happen to notice. I am surprised I haven’t scene it pop up on my screen more often because it really is spectacular, especially on a sunny day.
After years of waiting to see the cove, I was finally able to pay a visit recently and I must tell you, I literally felt like I was IN Cedar Cove. Not kidding. I was blown away, and I think it really says a lot about the show that this location made that much of an impact on me.
I could almost feel myself looking for Olivia and Grace as I was strolling along the waterfront, hoping to catch them having lunch together on the sea wall.
Deep Cove is like a large waterfront park, complete with beach access, picnic area, walking paths, and marina.
Although much of the Cedar Cove town scenes were shot in Fort Langley, as the series went on, we saw more and more of the cove. Gallant Avenue, which was often used in the show, runs through Deep Cove and boasts many shops and restaurants, offering a wide variety of choices. While doing research for this story, I learned that Siren filmed a Mermaid festival on Gallant.
For recreational fun, try Deep Cove Kayak’s, located in the center of the cove, right on the water.
As fans of the series know, Cedar Cove was unexpectedly cancelled after season three. Viewers were never given the chance to say goodbye and actors were never given the opportunity to end this popular series respectfully. Although it is highly unlikely, I think it would be a brilliant move if Hallmark made a Cedar Cove movie, tying up loose ends and giving everyone, viewers as well as actors, the closure they deserve. That’s just my two cents on the subject. Please feel free to offer yours in the comment section below. Cedar Cove is available on Netflix. I highly recommend a re-watch! I will be back next week with Part One of “A Look Back at Cedar Cove”.
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This Weekend on Hallmark:
In case you missed last weeks movie, The Beach House, it will be on again over the weekend. It was just wonderful, Andie MacDowell was fantastic as always, and it is worth a watch. The new Darrow & Darrow movie, In the Key of Murder, will air Sunday on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel. Check your local listing for times.
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What an amazing location, and you captured its beauty perfectly. I, too, miss this series! Thank you for bringing it back to us through your journey!
Thanks Susan! I knew you would love this one! It is just SO pretty!!! 🙂
Kerry what a lovely series you’re publishing here! I am not surprised that some of these locations may be used in Siren as the scenery has blown me away in that series. I was a true fan of the show & have many friends in the industry as a result. I doubt a movie will ever be made to wrap things up unless some roles were recast. But at least we can relive the series. I do remember regardless of an issues associated with the series, the beauty of the scenery united the cast & crew.
Thanks Ruth. I’ve been wanting to re-visit CC for some time now. The show may have ended but its popularity is still very much alive! 🙂
I am writing my comments this morning not from my home in Texas, but from none other than Deep Cove!!!! My husband and I started watching Cedar Cove on Netflix about a year ago and fell in love with the scenery. We enjoyed season one, slowly lost interest in the story lines in 2&3 but kept watching because of the scenery! I had to find out where it was! My husband found out it was shot in Deep Cove and later realized that our favorite series, When Calls the Heart, was filmed nearby and you could visit the set. At this point, we were in! Finding this website has been a fun part of the journey to so many other scenes from other beloved Hallmark Movies. We are headed to Ft. Langley tomorrow! Thanks so much Kerry for you perseverance and passion, it is inspiring. Also appreciate Hallmark in given viewers a safe place to land.
Cheryl!!! I am SO excited that you made it to Deep Cove. I know the next few days are going to be very special. You have some great things planned and I cannot wait to hear all about it. Thanks for reaching out and helping you plan out your location stops. 🙂
Great post, Kerry! I really like the creativity involved in this blog series and I’m looking forward to the rest of the posts! Since you’ve talked about When Calls the Heart on your blog before, have you considered making a blog post series like this for When Calls the Heart? Are you planning on talking about locations from other Hallmark series as well, such as Chesapeake Shores?
Thanks Sally! I will be doing a post on WCTH Hamilton locations in the future but thats about it with that show. As far as Chesapeake Shores, I am hopeful that I will get over to the island this summer. I’d love to do something with CS like I am doing with CC. 🙂
What a lovely location, Kerry! Filming there must have been so wonderful, like a day at the beach! I always loved the background setting for this show… it was always absolutely stunning on screen.
I, too, have said they should re-unite the “Cedar Cove” cast one day for a reunion movie to finish up the series! Most everyone from the main cast is still involved with Hallmark movie projects, so I don’t think it would be too hard to pull off!
Anyway, thank you for all of these wonderful pictures! When I watch these TV shows & movies now – that you feature here, I feel like I see them all in a whole new way!
Thank you for sharing your trip with us… I’ll look forward to Part 2!
Blessings, Net
Net, would be hard to concentrate on lines with that kind of scenery, huh? The show seems to have a huge fan base, even though it ended quickly and unexpectedly. I believe a 2 hours movie would be brilliant, as I stated. Perhaps you and I should be running Hallmark…..LOL! Stay tuned for parts 1,2 and 3. 🙂
Terrific post. I fell in love with the books. I was so excited when Hallmark started the series. When they just dropped it without any explanation I was really upset with Hallmark. In fact I didn’t watch any of the Hallmark channels after that for a couple of years. I want to see the rest of what happened either in a couple of movies or finish the series. Why start such a great series if you are not going to finish it?!? Thank you and I can’t wait to see your future post.
Thanks for your comment Vicki! I loved the books as well and was thinking this would be a very long-lived series, based on debbie’s Fame as well as the popularity of the books. I could not have been more shocked when this ended abruptly and without resolution. Same thing happened to me with Army Wives on the Lifetime Channel. I have been cautious not to get involved with a series again and didn’t start Chesapeake shores until season 2. I have since watched season 1. Same with WCTH. I would love to,see a 2 hour CC movie to give us some closure. 😀
Hi, I just discovered your blog & very excited. I just started watching Cedar Cove on Netflix…I’m at beginning of season two. It’s like I’m obsessed now! I wanted to live in “Cedar Cove”! Or someplace like it!!! So found Vancouver on the map & found it’s a 3 day drive from Baltimore, Md. I was curious. So when I watch anything I always research everything! Filming locations, the cast…all of it! I’ve always been a fan of Andie MacDowell & I reAlly like Teryl Rothery. She’s so cute. Found out too…seems most of the characters on the show are from Vancouver! And I would love to see it all tied it in a Hallmark movie. So I’m going to follow you on Twitter as well as will welcome any emails you send out.
Judy, I’m so glad you discovered Cedar Cove, as well as my blog! I loved this show and of course, all the locations it highlighted. Such beautiful scenery. I hope you can plan a visit to Vancouver. It’s a fun city to visit and there is much to see and do.
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Kerry,
I happened to stumble upon your blog today after finishing the three seasons of Cedar Cove on Netflix for the umpteenth time. Thank you so very much for keeping the feelings alive. I started reading the books sometime during the last season and will probably go back and read them again. I thought I was the only one who still thought about this series. LOL Still a bit heartbroken over the cancellation. A visit to Deep Cove is on my bucket list. I agree, a Hallmark movie to wrap it up (and even a reunion) is not impossible, even if one or two characters can’t make it. Sure would make for some very happy Hallmark fans. Can’t wait to read the rest of your series and can’t thank you enough for all of the photos.
Hi Diane! I am so happy you found me!!! And thank you for your kind words. I’m not sure where you live but I would def plan a trip to Vancouver. Another reader, Cheryl, did just this and recently returned from her trip. She saw many Cecar Cove and When Calls The Heart locations and actually stayed in Deep Cove!!! Vancouver is a lovely area and there is so much to see. Let me know if you make plans to visit!!! I think all of us Cedar Cove fans agree we would love a movie to tie up the storylines and I LOVE your idea of a reunion show. THAT would be cool! The could gather the cast in Deep Cove and maybe have fans on hand to listen or ask a question. I think you’re onto something here Diane!!!! I hope you’ll subscribe to my blog, which can be done easily by entering your email into the subscription box on the right side of the home page or at the bottom. You will only receive an email when I publish a new post. Thanks again for your comment! 🙂
Hi Kerry,
I have just finished reading the Cedar Cove books because I had watched the TV series (also recently) and hoped to find some closure from the books. Yes, the series did follow the books to some degree, but unfortunately I did not find the closure I was looking for. For example, what happened with Olivia and the DA? I know that was a Hallmark fabrication and it wasn’t part of Debbie Macomber’s books, but I would really like to know.
I also like the idea of a movie to give the fans some closure. I actually just sent Debbie Macomber an email with the same suggestion. If there is any way to contact Hallmark I hope you will do it. We fellow fans of Cedar Cove would be very appreciative!
Hi Nancy, thanks for your comment! Cedar Cove was SUCH a great series!!! And I too, read the books. I didn’t care too much that the series differed from the books. I just remember how awesome it was to see this series come to life on my screen. I could not agree with you more……as I have said before, a two hour movie to tie up all story lines and say a proper goodbye would be ideal! The best way to relay your feelings is to reach out to Hallmark directly, via email. I would contact billabbott@crownmedia.com
I also am watching Cedar Cove for the second time and love it. The scenery is so beautiful and soothing to look at. Wish the show continued, but that’s the tv business, I guess. great pics of the locations!!!!!!!
Kathryn, that was such a wonderful series!!! Hope you are loving the re-watch. Thanks for checking out my “Look back”. 🙂
Hi Kerry,
I just finished watching Cedar Cove. It’s really my favorite series. I just love the lessons learned that were in the show. And of course Olivia and Jacks love story. I’d love to visit some of the locations as this was a dream town. I’m highly disappointed that the show was canceled with no closure. Thank you for all your writings.
Gina, thank you so much for your comment. I am so glad you enjoyed the posts I put together on this beloved show. Looks like there are many people who share our sentiment. #Bringbackcedarcove
Does anyone know if Paul and Olivia end up together in the books? or does she end up with Jack?
It has been YEARS since I read the books but I do not believe that Paul was in the book series. I think he was added to the TV series only. 🙂
I absolutely loved this show! It was my favorite while it was on. I don’t know why Hallmark cancelled it. I would love to see a movie at least to tie up all the loose ends of the show. I’m hoping they have a show similar to this that they may produce in the future. The scenery is beautiful and it makes you want to live in a place like this. I know it would be my dream!
Robin, thanks for your comment. This was such a fan fave, and during Covid, SO MANY people have been tuning in to reruns. How do I know? Because I have received many comments and emails about this series, in recent months. Really wish we could get that two hour movie that would tie up all those loose ends. 🙂
Cedar Cove has been on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. I have immensely enjoyed rewatching the series. It’s been such a nice escape from Covid. The scenery is breathtaking. I would love to visit Deep Cove. But, like the first time, I will be left hanging when the series ends. There were so many storylines left unfinished. It would be wonderful if Hallmark would ressurect the series somehow. Thanks for the beautiful pictures and the information that you provided.
Linda, thanks for your comment. I am so glad you enjoyed the posts and photos on Cedar Cove. Like you , I would LOVE to see Hallmark tie up the storylines with a 2 hour movie. Fans would be thrilled!!! Once you are able to, please consider planning a trip to Deep Cove. You would love it!! 🙂
I discovered Cedar Cove for the first time over the last few months. I absolutely love the show and I cannot believe the series ended the way it did. It is so refreshing to see a “decent” show, and yet it dealt with some very real issues. I too think that a movie to tie up loose ends would be fair not only to the actors, but also those who loved the show.
Lee, thanks for your comment. So many feel the same as you…….hated to see the show end without a proper finish! I totally agree that a movie would be the best way to give the actors and fans the ending they deserve. 🙂
I recently viewed the show Cedar Cove from season 1 through season 3 and I loved it. I love the fact that Canadian TV is good for families. They don’t show any risque scenes and they keep to the moral values that all Parents try to instill in their children. I would love for you to consider bringing Cedar Cove back for season 4 for all of us or tired of all the immoral shows that have taken over television in the US and let us enjoy the clean shows that Canadian TV has to offer.
Thank you
Hi Carmen! Thank you for your comment. The best thing to do would be to write the folks at Hallmark and let them know your feelings about Cedar Cove. 🙂
My husband and I just finished watching these episodes in reruns. We never saw the show when it originally aired. We watched all three seasons. It was a great show, but I kept looking for more on what I guess was the final episode where Paul asks Olivia if she felt the same way about him. I thought they were much better suited to each other than Olivia and Jack. Anyway, yes, I would love to see a reunion movie where they tie up all the loose ends. Can someone make that happen? 🙂
Thank you for your comment Kathy. Glad you and your guy enjoyed a re-watch of the series. It was SO great!!! The only thing I know to do is to write the folks at Hallmark and let them know your feelings. As we have seen in the year 2020, ANYTHING is possible, amiright?????? 🙂