Riverview Lands (səmiq̓ʷəʔelə)
Explore a vast historical site with rare architecture, once a sprawling hospital, now a unique filming location.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Atmospheric and historical feel
Riverview Lands (səmiq̓ʷəʔelə)
Best Time
Atmospheric and historical feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast historical site with rare architecture, once a sprawling hospital, now a unique filming location.
"A spectacular and beautiful piece of history with phenomenal architecture, a must-visit for its unique atmosphere."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
The site is much larger than expected; plan for several hours to explore fully. :clock1:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 655 reviews
Type
Hospital
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Architecture
Throughout the grounds
Marvel at the rare, grand architecture of the many preserved buildings, a testament to a bygone era.
Expansive Grounds & Gazebo
Central park areas
Wander through the large, scenic grounds and find a moment of peace in the still-intact, picturesque gazebo.
Filming Location Vibes
Various sets
Stumble upon movie and TV sets, experiencing the unique atmosphere of a working film location.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Exploration Time
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
The site is much larger than expected; plan for several hours to explore fully. :clock1:
Watch for Security
Security patrols are frequent; be mindful of traffic laws and designated areas. 🚓
Imagination is Key
Let your mind wander to grasp the history and past atmosphere of the grounds. 🧠
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
The site is much larger than expected; plan for several hours to explore fully. :clock1:
Watch for Security
Security patrols are frequent; be mindful of traffic laws and designated areas. 🚓
Imagination is Key
Let your mind wander to grasp the history and past atmosphere of the grounds. 🧠
Check for Filming
Main buildings might be inaccessible due to filming; check schedules if possible. 🎥
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Riverview Lands for its spectacular, beautiful, and historically significant grounds, noting the rare and phenomenal architecture. Many enjoy the expansive space for walking and photography, finding the atmosphere uniquely 'creepily beautiful.' However, some express disappointment over the lack of tours and the inaccessibility of main buildings due to filming.
"We spent a couple of hours walking around and took a lot of pictures and videos. Considering the history of the place and the state of mind that you're in when you're there visiting the grounds, you can get a sense of what it may have been like to visit the place when it was in full operation. If you're there at dusk and you let your imagination wander, it could be a different experience."
Tim E
"What a spectacular and beautiful piece of history, I so wish they still did tours.. for sentimental purposes.
Absolutely gorgeous property to walk around, come prepared with a lot of time on your hands because there's a lot distance to cover and everywhere you look there's something that catches your eye.
Couldn't go in the main building as they were filming so will have to go back, so worth the trip."
Marina B (Meenamarinara)
"This site was a whole lot bigger than I was expecting before I went. I mean, I was expecting one building and there were many more buildings than that! It was just amazing seeing all the old buildings, and imagining the history that took place in each one of them. The architecture is phenomenal; buildings this old are rare in British Columbia. Security patrols the whole area; it's rare to be somewhere on the lot and not have a security car within view. Go here and take a walk around, taking in the views and maybe relaxing for a bit in the large, still-intact gazebo. Riverview Hospital is just an incredible historical site overall, I highly recommend checking it out!"
Jared Bayley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverview Lands is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options exist, but may require transfers and longer travel times. Planning your route is recommended due to the site's size and potential for getting lost. 🚌 🚗
Yes, parking is available on the grounds. However, be aware that residents may monitor for traffic violations, so adhere to posted signs and speed limits. 🅿️
The site is quite large and can be disorienting. Many visitors report going in circles. Pay close attention to road signs and consider using a map or GPS if available. :round_pushpin:
Driving requires careful planning. Be wary of numerous strange stop signs and be mindful of residents who may record license plates for violations. ⚠️
While public transport can reach the vicinity, it often involves multiple bus routes and transfers. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. 🚌
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no tickets are required to walk around the grounds of Riverview Lands. It's an open historical site for public exploration. 🎟️
The grounds are typically accessible during daylight hours. However, specific building access may vary, especially if filming is in progress. :clock10: 🎥
Access to the main buildings can be restricted, particularly when filming is taking place. It's best to check for any notices or be prepared for potential closures. :closedlockwith_key:
Unfortunately, dedicated tours are not regularly offered, which some visitors lament for sentimental reasons. Exploring independently is the primary way to experience the site. 🚶
There is no admission fee to explore the public areas of Riverview Lands. It's a free historical site to visit and wander. :moneywithwings:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore numerous historic buildings, walk the expansive grounds, enjoy the views, and relax in the gazebo. It's a great spot for photography and imagining the past. :camerawithflash: :park_park:
Absolutely! The rare architecture and atmospheric grounds make it a fantastic location for photographers. Dusk can offer particularly dramatic lighting. :camerawithflash:
The atmosphere is often described as 'creepily beautiful' and unique, with a strong sense of history. It's a place that sparks the imagination. 👻 :thought_balloon:
Yes, the site has a surprisingly large number of buildings, far more than many visitors expect. Each offers a glimpse into its past. :building_construction:
Riverview Lands is an incredible historical site, especially for those interested in British Columbia's past. The architecture alone is a significant draw. 📜
📸 📸 Photography
The grand historic buildings, the gazebo, and the expansive grounds offer numerous picturesque opportunities. Look for unique architectural details and atmospheric corners. :camerawithflash:
Yes, you might encounter active movie sets. Be respectful of filming operations and crew, but capturing the unique environment is part of the experience. :film_projector:
Late afternoon and dusk are highly recommended for their atmospheric lighting, creating a dramatic and historical feel. :city_sunset:
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be mindful of private property, active filming, and security personnel. :noentrysign:
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the grounds and details of the architecture. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions at dusk. 📷
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit