Eerie Thriller 'Wayward' Filmed Across Ontario, Not Vermont

As of October 2, 2025, Netflix's eerie thriller Wayward has been captivating audiences since its release on September 25th. While the eight-episode miniseries is set in the fictional town of Tall Pines, Vermont, the production was actually brought to life across various locations in Ontario, Canada.

Directed and starring Canadian creator Mae Martin, Wayward follows police officer Alex Dempsey as he uncovers the dark secrets of Tall Pines Academy, a mysterious boarding school for troubled teens. The series also centers on two teenagers, Abbie and Leila, as they get drawn into the school's disturbing practices.

Despite the show's Vermont setting, the production team chose to film primarily in Ontario. The village of Millbrook served as one of the primary filming locations, with exterior shots of the Tall Pines farmers market and police station captured on Allen Lane and Needlers Lane. The 830-acre Christie Lake Conservation Area in Dundas also played a key role, doubling as the wooded trails where Alex jogs with his dog.

Other Ontario spots featured in Wayward include the country market at Hy-Hope Farm in Ashburn, which stood in for the Tall Pines general store, and Ted's Restaurant in Scarborough, where a pivotal scene between Alex and whistleblower Maurice takes place. A flashback sequence involving Leila's troubled past was also filmed at Aristotle's Steak & Seafood House in Mississauga and the outdoor pool in Toronto's Alexandra Park.

Despite being her first full project filmed in her home country, Mae Martin expressed great pride in working with the incredible Toronto-based crew to bring Wayward to life. With over 2,400 Canadian crew members and 650 Canadian vendors involved, the production has certainly left its mark on the Ontario landscape.