Gilmore Girls Self-Guided Tour in Markham

August 3, 2021 Arts & Culture, Itineraries

Calling all Gilmore Girls fans! Experience Stars Hollow vibes right here in Markham!

Did you know they filmed the Pilot episode on Main St Unionville? Visit, grab a coffee in true Gilmore Girls style, and stop at these iconic spots.

Stop #1: Stars Hollow Sign

Photo: Sherman-Palladino, Amy. Gilmore Girls: Pilot Episode. 2000.

This is what the Stars Hollow sign looks like now! If you look closely in the image above you can see the original “Unionville Planning Mill” sign covered by leaves.

Stop #2: Luke’s Diner

Photo: Sherman-Palladino, Amy. Gilmore Girls: Pilot Episode. 2000.

Luke’s Diner is the most iconic spot in the Gilmore Girls series. The original location is 156 Main St Unionville. It doesn’t quite look the same as in the show, but nonetheless here it is!

Stop #3: Town Gazebo

Our gazebo on Main Street Unionville never made an appearance on the show but was the inspiration for the well-known town centre gazebo where there were many town events and where many life lessons were learned on the show. Unionville’s gazebo can be found at 139 Main Street Unionville and is always decorated for the season. Visit the gazebo and have a revelation of your own.

Photo: Sherman-Palladino, Amy. Gilmore Girls: Kiss and Tell Episode. 2000.

Stop #4: Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe

The pilot episode was filmed in Main St Unionville, and the rest of the series was designed with inspiration from the quaint little town! Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe was influenced by the look and feel of the Old Firehall Confectionery (170 Main Street Unionville) where you can purchase sweet treats, local goodies, and pick up a fresh cup of coffee.

Photo: Sherman-Palladino, Amy. Gilmore Girls: Ballrooms & Biscotti Episode. 2003.

Old Firehall Confectionary on Main St Unionville

Scenery from the Pilot Episode

The producers loved the scenery and coziness of Main Street, that they used arial and street footage of Main Street Unionville throughout the entire series. In the opening shot of the very first episode there is a view of a red brick church. The church is located at 150 Main Street in Unionville. A few moments later in the pilot, you see Lorelai Gilmore crossing the street to go to Luke’s diner, and you can see her walking in front of 154 Main Street Unionville, Tucci Armadio, a women’s clothing store. Keep an eye out and see if you can find any more scenery shots of Unionville as you watch the Gilmore Girls!