If you watched We Were Liars on Prime Video and kept thinking about those gorgeous coastal scenes, you are not alone.
Many fans want to know where was We Were Liars filmed and whether they can actually visit those places.
This article breaks down every filming location, from the main spots to the lesser-known ones, and tells you exactly how to plan a visit.
You will find scene-by-scene details, travel tips, and facts about the production that most people overlook.
The show was filmed almost entirely in Nova Scotia, Canada, and the locations are more accessible than you might expect.
Having researched the filming sites in depth, this guide gives you everything you need to plan your trip or simply satisfy your curiosity about the show.
Where Was We Were Liars Filmed?
We Were Liars is based on E. Lockhart's novel and is set on a private island off Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, but the actual filming took place in Nova Scotia, Canada.
The production team chose Nova Scotia for several reasons, including generous Canadian film tax credits and a coastline that closely mirrors New England's look.
The rocky shores, cedar-shingled homes, and Atlantic Ocean views along Nova Scotia's South Shore gave the crew exactly what they needed to recreate the Sinclair family's world.
Location scouts selected large waterfront estates with lush greenery, while set designers adjusted architectural details to match the show's visual tone.
Sailing sequences, beach scenes, and harbor shots were chosen carefully to avoid anything that looked distinctly Canadian, making the fictional Beechwood Island feel completely convincing on screen.
Main We Were Liars Filming Locations
The show was filmed across several towns in Nova Scotia, each bringing something different to the look and feel of Beechwood Island.
Lunenburg
Lunenburg is one of the most recognizable locations used in the series. This UNESCO World Heritage town sits on Nova Scotia's South Shore and has a well-preserved historic waterfront.
Its colorful buildings and harbor made it ideal for scenes that needed a charming, old-fashioned coastal backdrop.
The town's narrow streets and 18th-century architecture gave the production a ready-made setting that required very little modification.
Several exterior scenes featuring the harbor and dockside areas were shot here, with familiar angles visible along Pelham Street and the waterfront wharves.
If you plan a visit, check ahead for Bluenose II port days to see the historic schooner in person.
Chester
Chester is a small sailing village that played a significant role in the production. It sits on Mahone Bay and has a strong nautical culture, which made it perfect for the sailing and marina sequences in the show.
The town has a quiet, affluent feel that matched the Sinclair family's lifestyle. Several key scenes were filmed around Chester's waterfront and the surrounding bay area.
East Chezzetcook
East Chezzetcook is a rural community east of Halifax that provided more secluded, natural settings.
Its wetlands, inlets, and wooded areas gave the production access to landscapes that felt isolated and private, much like the fictional Beechwood Island.
This location was used for scenes that required a sense of being away from everything, surrounded by nature.
Dartmouth
Dartmouth, located directly across the harbor from Halifax, served as a practical filming base.
Some urban and transitional scenes were shot here, including marina and yacht club footage along the Dartmouth waterfront.
Its proximity to Halifax made logistics easier for the crew when moving between locations.
Halifax
Halifax, the provincial capital, served as the main production hub.
While not as visually prominent in the finished series as the smaller coastal towns, it provided studio space, crew resources, and logistical support for the entire production.
Some scenes requiring city infrastructure or interior shooting were also handled in and around Halifax.
Additional Filming Locations Featured in the Series
Beyond the main towns, the production used several other Nova Scotia spots to fill out the world of the show.
Peggy's Cove
Peggy's Cove is one of Nova Scotia's most recognizable landmarks, known for its lighthouse perched on smooth white granite rocks above the Atlantic.
The production used its dramatic coastal scenery for certain atmospheric shots.
The location brings a raw, windswept quality that added visual tension to specific scenes in the series.
The Ovens Natural Park
The Ovens Natural Park in Riverport, with its dramatic cliffside setting above the ocean, was also used for coastal scenery.
It is open to the public and makes an easy addition to a South Shore road trip.
Grand Lake
Grand Lake, located east of Dartmouth, offered calm freshwater scenery that contrasted with the ocean-facing shots elsewhere.
Its wooded shoreline and quiet surface were used for scenes requiring a more reflective, still setting.
You can reach it easily via Oakfield or Laurie Provincial Parks, which are also good spots for a summer paddle or picnic.
Meisners Island
Meisners Island provided another secluded, natural setting that helped sell the idea of a private island lifestyle.
Its forested shores and access to open water made it a good match for exterior scenes on or near the fictional Beechwood Island.
Filming Locations by Episode and Scene
Here is a closer look at which locations were used for the key scenes and settings throughout the series.
Beechwood Island and Sinclair Family Estate
The Sinclair family estate scenes were filmed at private properties along Nova Scotia's South Shore.
The production selected large historic homes with waterfront access to stand in for the Sinclair compound.
Set dressers added New England-style details to make the locations feel consistent with the book's descriptions.
Waterfront and Harbor Scenes
Lunenburg and Chester provided most of the waterfront footage. The docks, boardwalks, and harbor views in these towns gave the show its coastal small-town atmosphere.
Scenes showing characters arriving or departing by water were largely shot in these areas.
Sailing and Marina Sequences
Chester's sailing culture made it the natural choice for marina and on-water sequences.
The Mahone Bay area has a long history with competitive sailing, and the production took advantage of local boats, docks, and the open water to film these scenes authentically.
Beach and Coastal Moments
Various beach scenes were filmed along the South Shore between Lunenburg and Chester.
Nova Scotia's beaches have a cooler, more dramatic quality than typical summer vacation beaches, which fit the show's tone well.
Some additional coastal moments were captured near Peggy's Cove and along St. Margaret's Bay.
Episode 3 Church Scene
One specific scene stands out for fans who want to pinpoint exact locations. Luke's Anglican Church in Hubbards appears in an emotional scene in episode 3.
Hubbards is a short drive from Chester and easy to combine into a South Shore visit.
Mansion Interior and Estate Scenes
Interior scenes for the Sinclair estate were filmed at private properties and, in some cases, dressed sets.
The production team worked to maintain visual consistency between exterior locations and interior scenes so that the estate felt like a single cohesive space on screen.
The Scoop Shoppe
In Lunenburg, the South Shore Fish Shack doubled as the fictional Scoop Shoppe, where characters stop for a sweet treat.
Visitors can actually dine there and enjoy fresh seafood during their trip.
Can You Visit the We Were Liars Filming Locations?
Most filming locations are open to visitors, though a few private estate properties are not accessible to the public.
Best Places to Start Your Self-Guided Tour
Lunenburg is the best starting point for most visitors. It is easy to reach from Halifax by car and has plenty of accommodation, restaurants, and walking routes.
From there, Chester is a short drive along the South Shore, and you can continue toward Peggy's Cove on the return trip.
A self-guided tour that covers Lunenburg, Chester, and Peggy's Cove in two to three days gives you enough time to visit each location without feeling rushed.
Best Time to Visit Nova Scotia Filming Sites
Summer, from late June through August, is the most popular time to visit. The weather is mild, the days are long, and most attractions and restaurants are fully open.
This is also when the landscape looks most similar to what you see in the show.
Late May and early September are also good options if you want fewer crowds. The weather is still reasonable, and accommodations are easier to book at lower prices.
Avoid winter visits if you want to access outdoor coastal areas comfortably.
Travel Tips for Visiting Multiple Locations
Renting a car is the most practical way to cover multiple filming locations. Public transportation between the smaller South Shore towns is limited.
A car gives you the flexibility to stop at viewpoints, visit side roads, and adjust your schedule as needed.
Book accommodations in Lunenburg or Chester in advance during summer, as both towns fill up quickly.
Pack layers regardless of the season, since coastal weather in Nova Scotia can shift quickly. Download offline maps before you go, as cell coverage can be patchy in rural areas.
We Were Liars Filming Facts You May Not Know
Here are some behind-the-scenes details about the production that did not make it into the press releases.
When and Where the Series Was Filmed
Principal photography for We Were Liars took place in Nova Scotia in 2023.
The production was based primarily out of Halifax but spread across multiple South Shore communities during the shoot. Filming wrapped ahead of the series' release on Prime Video.
How Nova Scotia Doubled for Massachusetts
The key to making Nova Scotia work as Martha's Vineyard was careful location selection combined with production design.
The team avoided any shots that would reveal distinctly Canadian signage, license plates, or architecture.
They also leaned into the shared Atlantic coastal character that both regions have in common, using that visual overlap to create a seamless setting.
Season 2 Filming Update
Good news for fans: the series is confirmed to return to Nova Scotia for season two, with filming planned in 2026.
The infrastructure and relationships already established during the first season make the province a natural fit for future production as well.
Tips for Planning a We Were Liars Filming Locations Trip
Planning ahead makes a big difference when visiting multiple filming locations spread across Nova Scotia's coastline.
- Fly into Halifax and rent a car, as public transport between South Shore towns is very limited.
- Start in Lunenburg, drive to Chester the next day, then stop at Peggy's Cove on the way back to Halifax.
- Add The Ovens Natural Park in Riverport or Luke's Anglican Church in Hubbards if you want to hit even more exact spots.
- Shoot at golden hour for the best coastal light, and bring a lens cloth to protect gear from sea spray.
- Pack a waterproof jacket and grippy walking shoes, as coastal weather shifts fast and rocky paths can be slippery.
- Book accommodations in Lunenburg or Chester well in advance during summer, since both towns fill up quickly.
Conclusion
Now you know where We Were Liars was filmed and how Nova Scotia brought the fictional Beechwood Island to life.
From Lunenburg's harbor and Pelham Street to Chester's sailing culture, Peggy's Cove's dramatic rocks, and the South Shore Fish Shack doubling as the Scoop Shoppe, each location adds something real to the show's world.
If you are planning a visit, start in Lunenburg and work your way along the South Shore. It is a region worth exploring even beyond the filming angle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is We Were Liars actually set in Nova Scotia?
No, the story is set on a fictional island near Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, but Nova Scotia was used as the filming stand-in.
Did any filming take place in the United States for the series?
No confirmed US filming locations have been reported. The production appears to have been based entirely in Nova Scotia, Canada.
How long did filming for We Were Liars take in Nova Scotia?
The exact duration has not been publicly confirmed, but principal photography is reported to have taken place throughout 2023.
Are the Sinclair estate properties open to tours or public access?
The private properties used for estate scenes are not open to the public. Only the public-access towns like Lunenburg and Chester are visitable.
Is the show available to stream outside the country where it premiered?
We Were Liars premiered on Prime Video, which operates in most countries, though availability may vary depending on regional licensing agreements.
