British Columbia’s film and tourism industries have joined forces to launch Cineventure, an innovative digital platform that transforms the province’s most iconic filming locations into immersive tourism experiences. Launching today at cineventure.ca, the platform offers both interactive Routes and detailed trip planning Itineraries that bring the magic of film and television to life across Metro Vancouver, from Emmy Award-winning Disney series Shogun to Netflix’s global phenomenon Virgin River.
This groundbreaking collaboration between the BC Film Commission, Screen BC, and six municipal Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) marks the first major partnership between two of BC’s most successful and iconic industries. The tourism sector generated $18.5 billion in revenue in 2022, while the film and television industry contributed $5.4 billion to the province’s GDP in 2021/22.
“British Columbia has earned its place as North America’s fourth-largest production hub through decades of excellence in film and television production,” says Marnie Gee, BC Film Commissioner. “Cineventure now allows us to showcase this legacy in an entirely new way, creating a bridge between our creative industry and tourism sector. When visitors explore these locations, they’re not just walking in the footsteps of beloved characters – they’re experiencing firsthand the stunning versatility of our province that has made it a favorite among filmmakers worldwide. This platform celebrates the incredible work of our film industry while creating sustainable tourism opportunities that will benefit communities across British Columbia.”
The platform launches with 25 free, self-guided interactive Routes across Greater Vancouver, featuring productions that showcase the region’s remarkable versatility as a filming location. Fans can explore locations from teen drama sensation Riverdale, romantic series When Calls the Heart, the iconic comedy Happy Gilmore, and the supernatural phenomenon Twilight, among many others. For Virgin River enthusiasts, a comprehensive Itinerary guides visitors through four days of exploration, from the charming streets of Fort Langley and the iconic Watershed Grill (known to fans as Jack’s Bar) to the breathtaking vistas of Bowen Island and the historic charm of New Westminster.
“This innovative platform represents an exciting new chapter for BC’s tourism industry,” says Chris Peters, Executive Director of Tourism Burnaby and Vice Chair of Cineventure. “By creating these immersive experiences, we’re not only offering visitors a unique way to explore our region, but also encouraging tourism dispersion across our communities and seasons. The diversity of locations featured on Cineventure will help showcase lesser-known destinations while creating sustainable, year-round tourism opportunities throughout British Columbia.”
The platform’s interactive Routes feature guides visitors through filming locations via an intuitive map interface, enhanced by ReelView – an innovative augmented reality feature that allows visitors to hold up their phones at key locations and see stills from scenes shot at those exact spots, creating a perfect alignment between fiction and reality. Complementing these Routes, detailed Itineraries offer comprehensive multi-day planning guides complete with suggested activities, landmarks, and restaurants that complement each production’s unique atmosphere.
Every Route and Itinerary goes beyond entertainment, incorporating educational elements about local culture, indigenous land acknowledgements, and environmental stewardship. This thoughtful approach ensures that visitors not only connect with their favorite productions but also develop a deeper appreciation for British Columbia’s natural and cultural heritage.
“The enthusiasm we’ve seen from both the film and tourism industries has been extraordinary,” says Leslie Wootton, Executive Director of Screen BC and Board Chair of Cineventure. “This launch is just the beginning. The collaborative spirit between our industries has opened up endless possibilities for creating unique experiences that celebrate BC’s role in global entertainment. As we continue to add more Routes and expand to new regions, we’re excited to showcase the full breadth of British Columbia’s film legacy.”
The initial launch includes partnerships with DMOs from Burnaby, Langley, New Westminster, Richmond, Squamish, and Surrey, with additional municipalities already committed to joining throughout 2025. The platform’s future development roadmap aims to include enhanced features such as:
- Discoverable “easter eggs” and exclusive content unlockable only at specific locations
- Digital collectibles and achievements through geocaching elements
- Gamification features that reward exploration and Route completion
- Deeper augmented reality experiences that bring favourite scenes to life
- Expansion to new regions across British Columbia
Cineventure will be featured at two upcoming industry events: the TIABC Conference in Vancouver (March 5-7) and Creative Industries Week in Victoria (April 2025).
For more information about Cineventure or to explore the available Routes and Itineraries, visit cineventure.ca.
Planning your own cinematic adventure in British Columbia? Whether you’re exploring the iconic filming locations featured on Cineventure or venturing into BC’s breathtaking landscapes, finding the perfect place to stay is essential. From luxurious resorts with ocean views to cozy mountain lodges nestled in nature, we’ve curated a list of top hotels and resorts across the province. Click here to discover the best accommodations for your next getaway!
