10 Ultimate IT Filming Locations in Ontario You Can Visit
I’m a huge horror movie buff who grew up devouring Stephen King’s spine-tingling novels and their on-screen adaptations. When IT Chapter One, the new IT movie came out in 2017 and I learned that much of it was filmed in my own home province of Ontario, I was beyond excited! So, I set off to explore all of the IT filming locations in Ontario.
The new IT movie (Chapter One) and IT Chapter Two were mostly filmed in various locations across southern Ontario. Most of the filming for the new IT movie was in Port Hope, both Chapter One and Chapter Two. Other places in Ontario that were used for the new IT movie filming locations include Toronto, Hamilton and Elora.
So, if you’re a Stephen King fan like myself this guide to the top IT movie locations in Ontario that you can visit is for you! Along with sharing locations where the movie was film, I’ve put together a fun IT movie locations in Ontario map for a chilling horror movie inspired road trip!
Grab some popcorn, try not to let Pennywise into your dreams, and let’s explore some creepy locations where IT was filmed in Ontario.
Where Was IT Filmed in Ontario?
The new IT movie, also known as IT Chapter One, as well as IT Chapter Two saw most of the filming take place in Port Hope. The small town was transformed into Derry.
Other filming locations for the movie IT were in Toronto, Pickering, and Hamilton. A couple of popular spots include the Elora Quarry and the West Montrose Covered Bridge.
IT Filming Locations in Port Hope
The whole town of Port Hope was transformed into Derry. Across downtown signs were changed and things were added to showcase Port Hope as this creepy little small town in America from the Stephen King novel IT. Below are my top picks for the best places in Port Hope to visit that will let you step into the movie.
Memorial Park
In the heart of downtown Port Hope is Memorial Park. The park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. And it’s home to one of my favourite things to do to in Port Hope, the outdoor Makers’ Market that has everything from tasty treats to locally handmade goods.
Memorial Park is also one of the many IT filming locations in Port Hope for both Chapter 1 and 2! It was here that the iconic scene of the 20-foot statue of Paul Bunyan stood. The scene features the Losers Club chilling at a picnic table near the statue. I always remember the scene when they show Pennywise sitting atop the statue!
Another highlight in the park, the bandshell is also in IT. Built in 1946, the bandshell has a classic look and was a backdrop for Derry’s Canal Days Festival scenes.
Laneway off Walton Street
One of the top IT filming locations in Port Hope that gave me creepy vibes was the laneway off Walton Street. The laneway is between Walton Street and Brogdens Lane, beside the shoe store Schuuz.
The laneway was in the film as it stood beside the Quality Meats store (which is actually Schuuz). It’s home to the Quality Meats laneway door and a mural that represents the history of Derry. Both pieces were added designs to the town during filming and still remain.
The doorway and laneway make for a fun photo-op!
Port Hope Town Hall
One of the most striking buildings in town is he Town Hall in Port Hope. Standing two stories tall and covered in red brick, it was built in 1853. However, after a fire only its walls remained and was rebuilt in 1893. The building is topped with an octagonal cupola that has a clock and bell.
The town hall exterior was used in IT as the Derry Public Library. However, the interior shots of the library were filmed at various locations in Toronto. These include the University of Toronto and the West Toronto Masonic Temple. The latter is where the scene when Pennywise chases Ben through the archives was shot.
Ganaraska River
Many of the river shots in the film were shot along the Ganaraska River in Port Hope. This beautiful river runs right through downtown and into Lake Ontario. It’s also one of the best places to see the salmon migration in Ontario.
The river in the film, which is featured in many of Stephen King’s books, is supposed to be the Kenduskeag Stream in Maine. However, instead the IT movies use the Ganaraska River.
Capital Theatre
Another stand out attraction in Port Hope used as an IT movie filming location is the Capital Theatre. Built in 1930, this classic Art Deco building was originally a movie theatre. In the 1990s it was renovated and is now a movie theatre and performing arts centre.
The Capitol Theatre was features in both IT Chapter 1 and 2. The exterior is used as the Derry movie theatre. A classic scene in IT Chapter 2, is when the grownup Loser Club see themselves as boys reflected in the window.
Even the interior of the theatre is featured as an arcade where the boys hang out. Strangely, part of theatre’s lobby is the Port Hope’s Visitors Centre and appeared as the Derry Chamber of Commerce.
Insider Tip: Head inside the theatre to visit the visitors centre to grab a copy of the IT Walking Tour pamphlet.
Hotel Carlyle
The Hotel Carlyle is an awesome place to visit and stay in Port Hope. This stunning boutique hotel was built in 1857 as a Bank of Upper Canada branch. I loved my stay there when I visited and enjoyed dining at their restaurant!
This historic building’s exterior was used as the Derry Town House in IT Chapter 2, where the Losers Club stayed. One scene in the film is when Richie, as an adult, flees a window of the building after a scare late at night. To see the window, take a peek on the west side of the hotel, it’s a top window.
More IT Filming Locations in Ontario
West Montrose Covered Bridge
One of the most historic and romantic IT filming locations in Ontario is the West Montrose Covered Bridge. Built in 1881, it’s also known as the Kissing Bridge and is the last covered bridge in the province. Located in the Waterloo region, it’s one of the many hidden gems in the area. Spanning 200 feet, the red bridge crossed the mighty Grand River.
The West Montrose Covered Bridge is featured in IT Chapter One when Henry Bowers and his gang is bullying Ben.
Fun Fact: The bridge is also in another horror film, In the Mouth of Madness, from the 1990s.
Rouge National Urban Park
Noted as being one of the top parks in Toronto, Rouge National Urban Park is also one of the largest urban parks in North America. Stretching from the shores of Lake Ontario up to Stouffville, it’s home to numerous hiking trails.
If you’re looking for places to visit near Toronto where IT was filmed, this is the perfect spot! The majority of the scenes where the kids were hanging out in the Barrens, a woody parkland, was filmed in Rouge National Urban Park.
Fun Fact: Rouge National Urban Park is over 20 times larger than New York City’s Central Park!
Elora Quarry
In addition to being one of the best places to visit in Elora, the Elora Quarry was one of the many IT movie locations in Ontario! This stunning old quarry is now a protected conservation area. The Elora Quarry is a popular spot in the summer thanks to its stunning 40-foot limestone cliffs and Caribbean blue swimming hole.
As mentioned above, many of the scenes in IT that took place in the Barrens were filmed in Rouge National Urban Park. But one extended scene is filmed at the Elora Quarry, where the group jumps off the cliff and into the water.
Whitevale Farmhouse
An obscure IT movie filming location in Ontario that will tempt diehard fans is the Whitevale Farmhouse. Located at 1690 Whitevale Road in Pickering, this unassuming old farmhouse was where a wicked scene in the IT Movie was filmed.
The Whitevale Farmhouse is where, after Pennywise tells him to, Henry slits his father’s throat. While a horrifying scene, the old farm is in a picturesque setting in the middle of nowhere. Plus, it’s not the first time it was featured. It was also in the show Hannibal, as Will Graham’s home.
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Wrapping up your journey through the eerie and iconic IT filming locations in Ontario, it’s clear that these spots are not just a must-visit for horror fans, but also for seeking a new perspective on familiar places. From the haunting vibes of the West Montrose Covered Bridge to the picturesque streets of Port Hope, you’ll find yourself immersed in the world of Stephen King’s imagination while enjoying the beauty of Ontario. So, pack your bags, brace yourself for a thrilling adventure, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for red balloons!
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