British Columbia (BC) is no stranger to the silver screen. Its diverse landscapes have been used to depict everything from remote alien worlds to the heart of urban cities. With Vancouver often referred to as “Hollywood North,” it’s no wonder many popular movies and TV shows have chosen BC as their filming location. Join us as we journey through the most iconic BC film locations and relive your favorite scenes.
Stanley Park: ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’
One of Vancouver’s most beloved landmarks, Stanley Park, with its lush forests and scenic views, was used extensively in the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ trilogy. Fans will recognize the park from several scenes, including Christian Grey’s morning jog and the couple’s romantic sailboat ride.
Riverview Hospital: ‘Deadpool’
This abandoned mental health facility in Coquitlam has served as a backdrop for numerous films and television series, but one of its most notable appearances is in the blockbuster ‘Deadpool.’ It’s in this building where Wade Wilson (played by Ryan Reynolds) undergoes his transformation into Deadpool.
Hatley Castle: ‘X-Men’ series
Hatley Castle, located in Colwood, was used to portray Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters in the ‘X-Men’ film series. Its stately exterior and grand interiors provided the perfect setting for the extraordinary school. The castle, now home to Royal Roads University, is open for public tours.
Brittania Mine Museum: ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’
The exterior of the Brittania Mine Museum in Squamish was used to represent the Green Hills Sheriff’s Department in the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ movie. The museum, once a working mine, is now a popular tourist destination.
Fort Langley: ‘Riverdale’
This charming historic village has become synonymous with the town of Riverdale, from the hit Netflix series of the same name. Fort Langley’s community hall has been transformed into the exterior of Riverdale High School, while its streets and buildings often appear in town scenes.
Cleveland Dam: ‘The Man in the High Castle‘
Located in North Vancouver, the Cleveland Dam doubles as the Nazi-controlled Canon City in the Amazon series ‘The Man in the High Castle.’ The dam’s striking mid-century architecture and mountain backdrop made it an ideal choice for the dystopian series.
Stawamus Chief: ‘Star Trek: Beyond’
One of the largest granite monoliths in the world, the Stawamus Chief in Squamish, was digitally transformed into the planet Altamid for ‘Star Trek: Beyond.’ While the Chief’s alien inhabitants were added in post-production, the site’s stunning natural beauty is real and open for public hikes.
Whytecliff Park: ‘Twilight’
Whytecliff Park, located in West Vancouver, is known among ‘Twilight’ fans as the location where Bella discovers that Edward is a vampire. The park offers breathtaking views of Howe Sound and is a popular spot for scuba diving and wildlife viewing.
These are just a few of the countless film locations scattered throughout BC, with many others awaiting your discovery. Whether you’re a film buff or simply looking to explore BC from a unique perspective, touring these film locations offers a fun and memorable way to relive your favorite scenes while experiencing the stunning natural beauty of British Columbia.
