Where ‘Wayward’ came to life: The Ontario filming locations for the new series by a Toronto actor
A new limited series recently dropped on Netflix and it comes from Toronto-born actor and screenwriter, Mae Martin.
The mystery thriller, “Wayward,” was released on Netflix on Sept. 25 and features an impressive lineup of Canadian talent including Sarah Gadon, Sydney Topliffe, Alyvia Alyn Lind and Brandon Jay McLaren.
Aside from starring in the show, Martin serves as the co-showrunner and executive producer. And the series also stars Academy Award nominee Toni Collette.
“Filmed in Ontario, ‘Wayward,’ the new limited series from Netflix, invites viewers into the picture-perfect town of Tall Pines, where everything is not what it seems,” according to Netflix.
“The series explores the insidious underbelly of the ‘troubled teen industry’ and the eternal struggle between one generation and the next.”
The show brought together more than 2,400 Canadian crew and 650 Canadian vendors. And with more than 80 days of production, “Wayward” shot around Ontario and right here in Toronto.
The show brought together more than 2,400 Canadian crew and 650 Canadian vendors.
Here’s a look at where production took place. But be warned, there are spoilers ahead.
Alexandra Park Outdoor Pool, Toronto
Inside of this 2.7-hectare park at Bathurst Street and Dundas Street West, sits a 50-metre outdoor pool. And if you’ve already finished “Wayward,” you’ll know what pool I’m talking about.
This location was used for the exterior poolside scene in a flashback with Leila and her sister.
Ted’s Restaurant, Toronto
Located on Old Kingston Road in Toronto, Ted’s Restaurant was also used as a set. You’ll notice the interior of the diner when Alex and Maurice meet.
Aristotle’s Greek Restaurant, Mississauga
Just outside of Toronto at Aristotle’s Greek Restaurant, you’ll notice the parking lot of this Mississauga establishment shown in flashback scenes of Leila and her sister.
Millbrook, Ontario
You may notice some of the exteriors in small town Millbrook as you watch “Wayward.”
Sitting about one hour east of Toronto, you’ll also see the Millbrook restaurant, Pastry Peddlar, as the interior of the Tall Pines Diner, also shown in exterior shot of a street in Tall Pines.
Millbrook’s Allen Lane and Needlers Lane can also be seen in exterior shots of the Tall Pines farmers market and police station.
Hy-Hope Farm
In Ashburn, Ontario, the Hy-Hope Farm was also used as the interior of the Tall Pines general store.
Kelso Conservation Area, Ontario
Set along the rocky Niagara Escarpment near Milton, Ont., this three-square kilometre outdoor recreation park typically packs a lot of outdoor fun but also serves as the backdrop for part of the series.
Rockwood Conservation Area, Ontario
Nestled near Guelph, Ont., lies towering limestone cliffs, caves and glacial potholes, including one of the world’s largest, are just some of the natural wonders at Rockwood Conservation Area, also a filming location for the series.
You can catch the conservation area when the Tall Pines students are in the forest during group competition.
Greenwood Conservation Area, Ontario
As you can tell, the scenic and stunning nature at Ontario’s conservation areas were popular destinations for “Wayward.”
And the banks of the Duffins Creek in Ajax, Greenwood Conservation Area is no exception.
Christie Lake Conservation Area, Ontario
And finally, “one of the most beautiful lake settings on the Niagara Escarpment, Christie Lake Conservation Area, also set the scene in the series.
You’ll notice this spot as Alex runs on with Toast, the search through the forest with Riley and as Alex finds Laura in the pond.
So, whether you’ve binged the series or have it added to your watch list, maybe you’ll decide to take a trip to some of these film sets to feel the presence of Tall Pines right here in Ontario.
