The TV show Murder in a Small Town is starting to film for Season 3—so it’s time to get familiar with some of the Sunshine Coast settings you might recognize from the hit series.
Murder in a Small Town Explained
Murder in a Small Town is a TV show based on a crime novel series by Canadian author L. R. Wright. The books were set in Sechelt, on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast—featuring RCMP Staff Sergeant Karl Alberg. As for the TV series, much of the filming takes place in Gibsons, along with other communities on BC’s Sunshine Coast.
The show is a bit unique in that it’s set on the Sunshine Coast, but it’s not exactly the Sunshine Coast you might be familiar with. This fictional Sunshine Coast is located in the town of Gibsons in the state of Washington, USA. The show includes many references to communities in Washington and BC, and especially the Sunshine Coast (everywhere from Seattle to Egmont and Powell River).
The TV series centres around Police Chief Karl Alberg (played by Rossif Sutherland), his love interest, a librarian named Cassandra Lee (played by Kristin Kreuk), and the people in their lives and community. You can learn more about the show and cast on IMDB.
Sunshine Coast Film Locations
Murder in a Small Town features some amazing footage of the Sunshine Coast’s landscapes, which might just have you yearning for your own coastal getaway. Fans of the show can come and experience those amazing landscapes for themselves, and even visit some of the more specific spots featured in various episodes.
Keep in mind that there’s always a chance you could come across active filming, whether it’s for Murder in a Small Town or another production. Please remember to be respectful, courteous, and quiet at all times to ensure that film crews can do their jobs and continue to create the shows and films we all love to watch.
Molly’s Reach by Black Bean, Gibsons
The scene(s): Starting from season 1, episode 1, where Karl and Cassandra have their first date, Molly’s Reach is featured in many episodes. It’s owned by Cassandra’s friend Phyllis and plays a prominent role in the show.
Why you should visit: Molly’s Reach became an icon after being prominently featured in the long-running CBC TV series, The Beachcombers. The spotlight is once again on this Gibsons landmark thanks to Murder in a Small Town, and along with snapping a photo in front of the famous “Welcome back!” sign, you’ll want to head inside for some delicious treats. Molly’s Reach by Black Bean is open for breakfast and lunch and serves up some seriously good breakfast sandwiches, paninis, burgers, fish & chips, and baked goods. The drink menu includes coffee and tea drinks, as well as local beer and cider.
High Beam Dreams, Gibsons
The scene(s): Local event space High Beam Dreams is all dressed up to host Cassandra’s high school reunion in season 1, episode 2.
Why you should visit: High Beam Dreams hosts all kinds of private and public events, ranging from weddings and live concerts to wellness retreats and dances. The best way to experience this venue is to keep an eye out for tickets to one of their upcoming events. There’s also a year-round herb and fragrance garden to visit on the grounds, and a food truck on site that will be re-opening for the season in just a few weeks. The Brass Spoon Cafe serves up dishes like rice bowls, wraps, samosas, and mango lassis—keep an eye on their social media channels for updates on hours and menu items.
Gibsons Public Market
The scene(s): The Gibsons Public Market makes appearances in multiple episodes. From the scene where Karl and Cassandra spot a familiar painting for sale in season 1 to the public and closed-door council meetings in season 2, this location is a popular spot.
Why you should visit: Stopping by the Gibsons Public Market is a must during your visit. Explore the merchant floor, where you’ll find Crazy Red’s Breads, purveyors of fresh loaves of bread and an enticing array of savoury and sweet baked treats; The Bay To-Go, where you can pick up pizza by the slice and fresh donuts; Shaggy Jack’s Market, which carries wild mushroom products, grocery staples, deli items, and more; and Fisherman’s Market, which specializes in all things seafood. Upstairs, you’ll find Emelle’s Market Bistro, where you can sit down for a hearty meal. There's also a unique collect-and-release aquarium to visit. Purchase a ticket for TidePools Aquarium and check out some of the creatures that call Howe Sound home.
The Gibsons Public Market also hosts events throughout the year, ranging from a Beer Festival to Summer Night Markets.
Sunday Cider, Gibsons
The scene(s): A meeting takes place at Sunday Cider, and investigators stop by to ask questions after Cassandra gets placed in a life-threatening situation in season 1, episode 5.
Why you should visit: Sunday Cider serves up craft cider and sodas that you can enjoy in their picnic area or take home with you (the perfect way to experience a taste of the Sunshine Coast after your visit comes to an end). This popular cidery also hosts events like live music, craft markets, and movie screenings, and there is a food vendor on-site—Sea Monkey Coffee Co. will be re-opening in March, after a winter break.
Rockwater Secret Cove Resort, Halfmoon Bay
The scene(s): The wedding in season 2, episode 2 takes place at a fictionalized Rockwater Secret Cove Resort . While the storyline is fiction, the accommodation itself and the views are not!
Why you should visit: Located in Halfmoon Bay, Rockwater Secret Cove Resort features a variety of accommodation types: tenthouse suites, lodge rooms, cabins, and a 4-bedroom resort house. Pair a relaxing stay with a meal at TuBird restaurant, a spa treatment at the Rockwater Spa, and a kayak rental that will allow you to explore the beautiful coastline.
Twenty Two Taphouse, Sechelt
The scene(s): In season 2, episode 7 we see Sechelt’s Twenty Two Taphouse play the fictional Gibsons Club (the scene of a dramatic heist).
Why you should visit: Twenty Two Taphouse is split into two different areas. There’s a restaurant side that’s bright and airy, with TVs for watching the game, and a lineup of 22 beers and ciders on tap (including some Sunshine Coast favourites). And then there’s the inviting lounge space that plays home to the “Gibsons Club”. It features a well-stocked and beautiful bar, along with intimate booths and tables. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink from their extensive list of hand-crafted cocktails.
Andy’s Plaza (851 Gibsons Way), Gibsons
The scene(s): A kidnapping occurs outside a pizzeria in season 2, episode 7.
Why you should visit: This small plaza is home to some great local businesses, including Home on the Range Organics , where you can pick up ready-to-eat meals, grocery items, meats, and more; A-One Pizza, which serves up pizzas, pastas, and more; and Uptown Eatery which specializes in Chinese cuisine. There’s also more to explore nearby, with shops in the neighbouring plazas on the same side of the street, and Sunnycrest Mall located across the street.
Cowrie Street, Sechelt (between Inlet Ave and Trail Ave)
The scene(s): This one is for the eagle-eyed viewers out there—Karl and Cassandra walk down Cowrie Street in season 2, episode 7. You might recognize signage from businesses like the Sunshine Coast Healthcare Auxiliary Thrift Store or Basted Baker in the background.
Why you should visit: Downtown Sechelt is full of great shops and eateries. Swing by shops like Moorestock Outfitters and The Oracle at Sechelt to find clothing, decor, jewelry, and more before getting a bite to eat. The ocean is also just steps away, meaning you can pick up food to-go from spots like PKLS Burgers or Nourish Eatery and enjoy lunch with a view.
Gower Point Road, Gibsons (between School Road and Winn Road)
The scene(s): Numerous scenes take place along Gower Point Road. You might notice Cassandra and Phyllis walking down the street past businesses like Leo’s Tapas & Grill, or Cassandra and her friend’s mother sitting on the benches at Holland Park.
Why you should visit: There are plenty of great spots to eat and drink along this stretch of road. Grab a hot beverage from Beachcomber Coffee, gelato from Mike’s Place, breakfast from The Mad Hen, and dinner from The Pink House Bistro. There are also boutique shops to explore along this stretch of road like The Landing Clothing Co. and Peggy Sue’s Kids, and if you head up the staircase at Holland Park, you’ll find the Gibsons Visitor Centre at the top, where you can pick up souvenirs.
Marine Drive, Gibsons (between School Road and Jacks Lane)
The scene(s): We’re not into spoilers, but someone from Cassandra’s past shows up outside of the Ikhaya store on Marine Drive in season 2, episode 9.
Why you should visit: You can do some shopping at Ikhaya, Fong’s Market & Gifts Shop, and the One Flower One Leaf Gallery; get a tasty meal at Buono Osteria or the nearby Tapworks Brewing Company; and check out the latest exhibit at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery.
Gibsons Seawalk
The scene(s): Multiple scenes take place on the Gibsons Seawalk. You’ll see Karl and Cassandra strolling along it in season 2, while season 1 featured a body being found near the Smitty's Oyster House and Gibsons Marina.
Why you should visit: The Gibsons Seawalk consists of 1.2 kilometres of paved and compacted gravel walkway that follows along the waterfront. It’s the perfect way to enjoy some exercise while taking in the views of the marina and Salish Sea.
Plan Your Visit
The Sunshine Coast is located on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada (just northwest of Vancouver) and stretches 180 km (110 mi) along the Salish Sea, from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. Although it’s part of BC’s mainland, access to the region is by air or by water only—you can learn more about getting to the Sunshine Coast here.
Accommodations range from cozy hotel rooms and geodesic domes to cabins and suites. Find the perfect home base for your film location adventures on the Sunshine Coast here.
