Famous Filming Locations in Canada

Canada has many prime locations – modern Toronto and Vancouver, national parks, and appealing small towns. 

The snow-capped Banff Mountains and the breathtaking Niagara Falls are the most famous filming spots in Hollywood North.

Canada’s TV and film industry is thriving thanks to these exciting filming locations. 

Tax incentives offered to entertainment professionals also explain the many productions by American companies filmed at the northern border.

Toronto

• Often standing in for New York and Detroit, the city is featured in many famous movies, such as Lost Girl;
• Its modern skylines and historical districts provide a more effortless shot experience than the ever-busy New York, Detroit, and Chicago; 
• The University of Toronto is among the favorite locations for film production teams: Good Will Hunting, Incredible Hulk, and Mean Girls were all shot at this University.

Toronto’s gem 

The Distillery District is a Toronto historic site loved by movie producers due to its ancient charm and Victorian Architecture. 

Popular movies shot at these old Gooderham, and Worts Distillery heritage buildings include X – Men, Cinderella Man, Chicago, and Three Men and a Baby.

Niagara Falls

• Popular movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, Blues Brothers 2000, and At World’s End were shot at these iconic falls;
• The place has over 100 movie credits to its name, making it the most filmed location in Canada.

Where it all started

Niagara Falls became increasingly popular as a filming location due to the movie Superman II, where:

• Most scenes were filmed at Table Rock;
• Christopher Reeve, the actor playing Superman, was highly impressed with the view;
• Some locals even got the chance to play as extras.

Vancouver

• Significant productions have been set in this city, including The Cabin in the Woods, Fifty Shades of Grey, and Twilight movies;
• Its proximity to exciting rural places compliments the numerous city filming locations;
• Vancouver’s Coal harbor has a long list of movie credits and television shows, including the legendary ones: its moody atmosphere made a perfect scene for the X – Files’ first six seasons.

What’s attractive about Vancouver?

• The cosmopolitan lifestyle of this British Columbian city gives it a Los Angeles atmosphere;
• Filming the beautiful scenery full of many wildlife offers a wonderful experience.
• It has diverse hangout places, such as 12 land-based casinos and more than 400 casino sites, almost 70 cinemas, and 80 shopping malls.

The Canadian Rockies

There is no better spot for shooting documentaries than in these breathtaking Canadian Rockies: 

• The area features protected mountains and lakes covering over 4,000 square feet, and is a top tourist destination worldwide;
• The famous Brokeback Mountain scenes were filmed here.

What to see and when?

• A wonder of nature within the Canadian Rockies is the Kootenay National Park, where cactus plants and glaciers coexist;
• The most beautiful views can be filmed between April and May each year;
• Numerous caverns and hot springs are present here as well.

Manitoba Legislative Building

• Located in central Winnipeg, the Assembly of Manitoba meeting place was built in 1920;
• Capote, the Oscar-winning 2005 movie, has many scenes filmed at this building.

The most impressive facts

• It is a neoclassical building, widely recognized as an architectural work of art;
• The building is known for its “Golden Boy”, which is a golden statue depicting the Greek god Hermes;
• The statue is known to weigh over one ton despite being hollow.

Titanic Grave Site

• The real-life Titanic tragedy went down near the Halifax seaport, and three Halifax cemeteries were burial sites for over 100 people;
• A third of the Titanic film scenes were shot at these grave sites.

Olympic Stadium, Montreal

This iconic stadium illustrates the architectural excellence of the Canadian people. 

The stadium is a frequent host of significant events 40 years after its construction. 

Blades of Glory skating comedy by Will Ferrell has its exterior shots filmed here.

Rocko’s Family Diner

The 24-hour restaurant in Mission, British Columbia, features in most of the Riverdale show. 

It ranks among Canada’s top filming locations.

Fun facts

• The diner is renowned for the 40+ milkshake options it provides; 
• USA Today called ranked the diner among 2017’s top 10 filming locations in Canada;
• It’s the first drive-in restaurant in Mission, British Columbia.

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

Located in British Columbia, this provincial park offers scenic views and numerous hiking spots, such as the lofty granite cliffs. 

• Part 2 of the Twilight: Breaking Dawn movie showcases these granite cliffs;
• Part 1 of the same movie also features this location for the wedding and reception ceremony scenes.

Conclusion

Canada is a top destination for film producers due to its numerous ancient and modern breathtaking views. 

Authorities are keen to welcome TV crews and film producers to market the country as a top filming destination worldwide.

Popular filming spots include modern skylines in Toronto and Vancouver, the scenic Niagara Falls, and the distinctive Olympic Stadium in Montreal. Regardless of the spot, though, it’s clear that Canada has extraordinary things to offer when it comes to aesthetics!