How I Accidentally Stepped Into Schitt’s Creek in Goodwood

Discovering Goodwood: The Charming Little Hamlet with a Big TV Secret

I headed out to Goodwood recently for a listing appointment, and like I always do when I’m working in a community, I decided to take a little extra time to explore the area. Goodwood is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem — a quaint hamlet tucked inside Durham Region that many people drive through without realizing how special it really is. I’ve always known Goodwood as peaceful, pretty, and full of small-town charm. But this time, I discovered something I had no idea about… and honestly, I’m still laughing at myself for somehow missing it all these years.

Goodwood is the real-life filming location of Schitt’s Creek.

Yes — that Schitt’s Creek. The award-winning, globally loved, endlessly meme-able show that people around the world still watch on repeat. Somehow, even as someone who works all over Durham and considers herself pretty plugged in, I had totally missed that Goodwood was basically the heartbeat of the entire series. So after finishing my appointment, I took a little tour around the area and captured everything for a reel on @LocallyDurham. If you’ve watched it, you already know I had the biggest “how did I not know this?!” moment.

Walking around Goodwood with this new context was such a surreal experience. Suddenly, the buildings looked familiar — even to someone who hasn’t fully watched the show. You can stand right where Café Tropical is filmed (the real-life Goodwood Hall), look across to the charming Goodwood Baptist Church, and stroll the same main stretch of road that appears in scene after scene. Then, of course, there’s Bob’s Garage.

The real-life version still has a sign that reads, “Bob’s Garage Is Now Closed,” which feels perfectly on-brand in the best way. And next to it? A framed New York Times article explaining how fans from around the world travel to this tiny hamlet just to see that building. Standing there reading it, I felt this mix of pride, surprise, and total amusement that Goodwood — quiet, cozy Goodwood — is an international tourist destination without even trying.

But here’s the part that made the whole experience even better: the property I visited for my listing appointment has actually appeared in many scenes from the show. I had no idea when I booked the appointment. Imagine walking around discovering filming locations… and then realizing the home you’re preparing to list has been part of TV history too! That was the cherry on top of an already fun day. This listing will likely hit the market toward the end of January, and now I can proudly say it comes with a little pop-culture magic.

Exploring Goodwood really showed me why Schitt’s Creek fans feel such a connection to the show’s world. The charm you see on screen isn’t staged — it’s genuinely how Goodwood feels. The quiet streets, friendly neighbours, the old-fashioned small-town atmosphere… it’s all real. And as someone who works across Durham Region, I’m always reminded that every community has its own personality, its own stories, and sometimes its own surprises — even the ones you think you already know.

If you haven’t watched my reel yet, it’s live on @LocallyDurham, showing all the filming spots I found, plus my very honest reaction to learning that I’ve been oblivious to this for years. It was one of the most unexpectedly fun little detours I’ve taken while working, and it made me appreciate Goodwood even more.

Goodwood may be small, but it’s full of charm, history, character… and apparently, celebrity status. Whether you’re a Schitt’s Creek fan, a local explorer, or someone who just loves discovering cool places close to home, this little hamlet is absolutely worth the visit. And now that I know just how special it is, I’m excited that one of its well-known filming properties will soon be part of my real estate journey too.