Movies sets and masquerading as different cities are nothing new to Toronto. However, the GTA and Ontario also got their 15 minutes of fame after being chosen as the filming locations for It, Stephen King’s creepy clown flick, and “IT Chapter Two”, hitting theatres this weekend.
Port Hope was turned into the fictional Derry, Maine, while other locales served as sets in the movie. Here are a couple recognizable spots you can look out for in the film! If you’re not a scared weenie like us, that is!
CRANFIELD HOUSE
This Toronto mansion was constructed in 1902, and it’s got creepy vibes aplenty. Being so old does that to ya. The mansion at 450 Pape Ave in Riverdale served as the interior of Pennywise’s home, and an exterior set was built in Oshawa. The neighbours filed various noise complaints during filming, but the house’s interior still made it to stardom!
THE KISSING BRIDGE
What’s that back there? Why, it’s the West Montrose Covered Bridge, AKA the Kissing Bridge. The last wooden covered bridge in Ontario got some limelight in the film. It’s the location where Ben gets bullied and chased, as well as in the final scenes. In real life, it’s a popular tourist spot for a little smooch.
PORT HOPE TOWN HALL
Town hall got a makeover! It appeared in the movie as the Derry Public Library- that green sign usually indicates the administrative building location. While there were other library scenes shot elsewhere, the exterior was Port Hope’s town hall. Take a walk around Wycliffe College at U of T, and you might recognize some interior shooting spots!
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ELORA QUARRY
The Losers Club takes a plunge off the same cliffs you do, too. That is, if you’re bold enough to brave the 40-foot drops into Elora Quarry. This swimming hole favourite played host to cast and crew as the site of the kiddo’s swimming spot.
WESTON
The infamous paper boat scene where Georgie is killed by Pennywise was filmed right in Toronto itself. Well, close-ish to Toronto. Streets in Weston, right around 124 Queens Drive, were used for this particular moment of terror.
KNESSETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
This 116 year-old spot in the Junction was used as a key filming location for It. It was used as the synagogue where Stan Uris holds his bar mitzvah. It’s equal parts super recognizable and creepy to drive past now. We don’t like horror movie reminders in our daily-to-day.
Enjoyed creeping around the city finding these filming locations? Lucky for you, It is set for a sequel in the coming years. Yep, even more terrifying clown moments and possibly more Toronto features on the big screen!
