Where Was Wayward Filmed? Exploring the Stunning Locations Behind Netflix’s Dark Thriller

Wayward has quickly become one of Netflix's most-talked-about releases thanks to its captivating plot and unsettling atmosphere, as well as its haunting setting. Viewers often ask where was Wayward shot; Canada provided many towns, parks, and hidden gems that helped shape Tall Pines into an eerie reality.

Where Was Wayward Filmed?

All filming for Wayward was done in Ontario, Canada from July to October 2024. Choosing Ontario for filming was strategic. Ontario's diverse landscapes, skilled talent, and tax incentives make the region a staple for international productions.  

Wayward was unlike most productions that globe-trot for their filming, as this show clustered all filming activities in Ontario. This afforded producers the opportunity to thoroughly ground their story in a uniform setting, integrating woodlands, quaint town roads, and cozy interiors without interruption.

Wayward Filming Locations Across Ontario

To bring the fictional community of Tall Pines to life, the creators of Wayward relied on a carefully chosen mix of real towns and natural areas. Each location adds its own flavor to the series’ eerie mood.

Millbrook: The Heart of Tall Pines

The small town of Millbrook, Ontario, served as the foundation for Tall Pines. Local storefronts along King Street East were transformed into early-2000s style shops, while parts of Needlers Lane were redressed to capture the look of a tight-knit community with secrets lurking beneath the surface.

Toronto and Its Surroundings

Toronto’s versatility made it a central hub for shooting. Several well-known sites across the city and nearby areas were used for key sequences:

• Ted’s Restaurant (Toronto): A retro-style diner where several investigative conversations unfold.

• Alexandra Park Pool (Toronto): Used in flashbacks that reveal important memories from the main characters.

• Aristotle’s Steak & Seafood House (Mississauga): A local eatery repurposed for character-driven interior scenes.

Conservation and Rural Settings

The darker, more atmospheric scenes of Wayward required natural backdrops, and Ontario delivered:

• Christie Lake Conservation Area (Dundas): Dense woods and lakeside trails provided the perfect eerie setting for outdoor sequences.

• Hy-Hope Farm (Ashburn): A working farm that was transformed into Tall Pines’ general store interior.

Key Filming Locations at a Glance

Why Ontario Was Chosen for Wayward

Ontario does not merely rely on economic drivers to have a successful filming industry. What really makes the area notable is how it can turn into small-town America, city centers, and different types of wilderness all in a matter of hours.

Cozy towns like Millbrook and the haunting yet beautiful the forests of Christie Lake made it possible to capture the unsettling duality of Wayward. Many of the eerie scenes shot Wayward were recorded just hours from Toronto which is a major city in Canada.

How the Locations Shape the Story

What gives the Wayward filming locations their unique quality is their contribution to the overall tone of the show. The rustic towns, foggy paths, and genuine Canadian diners amplify the narrative and create a mood that enhances the scene and builds tension.

Fans of the show revisiting it will have a better experience Zooming in on the details. The woods of Dundas are stunning, but the character’s metaphorically struggles to find the secrets the character desperately seeks, which are hidden in the woods.