Hollywood North Haunts the West Island: GhostsReturns to Film at Morgan Arboretum

If you were anywhere near the Morgan Arboretum or the Eco Museum in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue this week, you might have noticed some unusual activity: trailers, cameras, crew members bustling around — the unmistakable signs of a TV production. That’s because the hit CBS sitcom Ghosts is back in town, and once again, the West Island is playing host to Hollywood North.

The production trucks may have just rolled out tonight, but the buzz is already rolling in. Fans of the series will recognize the arboretum’s lush woodlands and open landscapes, which have doubled for the sprawling grounds of the fictional Woodstone Mansion since the show’s first season. The Arboretum served as the backdrop for the mansion’s exterior, its grand stone facade, and key outdoor features such as the boathouse, gazebo, and the now-iconic giant tree.

From Montreal Summers to Soundstage Winters

While Ghosts initially filmed extensively outdoors at the arboretum, production eventually recreated the mansion’s facade on a soundstage to handle Montreal’s harsh winters. Still, the Arboretum remains a key filming spot, and tonight’s wrap at both the Eco Museum and the Arboretum is proof the crew continues to draw on the area’s natural charm.

A Sitcom with Staying Power

Based on the original British series, the American Ghosts stars Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar as a young couple who inherit a crumbling estate, only to discover it’s teeming with quirky spirits from across the centuries. McIver’s character, Samantha, discovers after a near-death experience that she can see — and talk to — the ghosts, leading to the show’s mix of heartfelt moments and laugh-out-loud comedy.

The show has become a breakout hit since its 2021 premiere, with CBS confirming renewals through Season 6. Season 4 wrapped in late 2024, and the much-anticipated Season 5 is set to premiere October 16, 2025, with episodes streaming on Paramount Plus.

Star Power in the West Island

This isn’t the first time Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue and surrounding areas have attracted major productions. Alfred Molina’s Three Pines, Seth Rogen’s Future Man, and even Kevin Hart’s Fatherhood have all filmed here. Montreal’s mix of historic architecture, natural scenery, and film-friendly infrastructure has earned it a place alongside Toronto and Vancouver in claiming the “Hollywood North” nickname.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

With Ghosts continuing its run into 2027, West Islanders may want to keep an eye out for more sightings of cast and crew over the next couple of years. Rose McIver herself has shared snaps from Mont-Tremblant and the Arboretum in past seasons, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see more behind-the-scenes peeks popping up on social media.

For now, though, it’s safe to say that the Arboretum’s trails and the Eco Museum’s quiet corners have once again played their part in bringing one of television’s most charming haunted houses to life.