Canada’s vast and diverse landscapes have long captivated filmmakers seeking to bring their stories to life through stunning backdrops. Whether it’s the majesty of the Rockies, the thundering roar of Niagara Falls, or the old-world charm of University of Toronto’s campus, the Great White North offers no shortage of cinematic eye candy.
In this post, we’ll venture behind the scenes and discover some of the most memorable places in Canada that have graced the silver screen. From sweeping mountain vistas that transported audiences to the American Wild West to bustling city harbours that convincingly stood in for Seattle, we’ll explore how the country’s natural splendour and architectural marvels have been transformed on camera.
Jasper National Park
Nestled within 4,250 sprawling square miles of craggy peaks and primeval forests, Jasper National Park captivates visitors with its raw, untamed wilderness. Yet beyond providing an alpine playground for invigorating adventures and luxurious mountain lodges, this landscape has left an indelible imprint on cinematic history. In 1954, Marilyn Monroe came here with Robert Mitchum to film “River of No Return,” taking the time to mingle with starstruck locals.
Over 30 years later, Jasper staged another silver screen feat by flawlessly standing in for Pakistan’s formidable Nanga Parbat peak in “The Climb.” Chronicling mountaineer Hermann Buhl’s real-life 1953 summit success, the film paid tribute to the park’s adrenaline-pumping terrain.
From classic Hollywood glitz to nail-biting recreations, Jasper National Park has served as muse for daring directors seeking sublime, picturesque backdrops for their cinematic visions.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, a world-famous destination celebrated for both its breathtaking waterfalls and surrounding wineries and orchards, has also earned renown as a coveted filming location, boasting an impressive cinematic résumé. Its credits include the iconic Superman II (1980), featuring Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder against the Falls’ majestic backdrop, and the timeless 1953 classic Niagara, which starred Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotten.
Yet the cinematic history extends beyond the mighty cascades themselves. The Niagara region played a leading role in the 1983 Stephen King adaptation The Dead Zone, where the picturesque scenery became an integral element in the sci-fi thriller’s unfolding drama. In The Recruit (2003), Niagara-on-the-Lake underwent a transformative shift, portraying a Virginia town and serving as the stage for a compelling abduction story line. With their innate grandeur and beauty, the Falls continue to lend themselves flawlessly to cinematic storytelling.
The Canadian Rockies
The iconic campsite scenes from Brokeback Mountain were filmed in the majestic Canadian Rockies, seamlessly standing in for the rugged beauty of Wyoming. Nestled just 60 miles west of Calgary, this vast region of Alberta stretches over 4,000 square miles, providing a sanctuary of protected peaks and pristine lakes. For fans eager to step into the cinematic magic, a quick online search reveals the precise spots where Ennis and Jack, sporting their cowboy boots, shared quiet moments against the stunning alpine backdrop that so convincingly portrayed the American West.
University of Toronto
Originally founded in 1827 as King’s College, the University of Toronto now comprises three campuses. The oldest, St. George, sits nestled in downtown Toronto, enveloped by the picturesque grounds of Queen’s Park—an urban oasis dating back to 1860 that is home to the Ontario Legislative Building. This sprawling campus, with its iconic architecture, has left an indelible cinematic mark, serving as the backdrop for several films. Most notably, in Good Will Hunting (1997), buildings like Whitney Hall and McLennan Physical Laboratories effortlessly transformed into the hallowed halls of MIT and Harvard. Additionally, the campus played a pivotal role in Mean Girls (2004), with Convocation Hall hosting a crucial math competition and Etobicoke Collegiate Institute posing as a Chicago high school.
Guillermo del Toro chose the gothic architecture of U of T’s Victoria College to provide haunting atmosphere for his supernatural thriller Crimson Peak, evoking the film’s ominous tone within its historic walls. Beyond that, the university’s diverse and visually dynamic locales have enriched films like The Incredible Hulk (2008) and Robocop (2014), cementing its place in cinematic history.
Coal Harbour
Vancouver’s picturesque harbour has played a starring role in numerous iconic films and TV shows over the years. With its moody, evocative atmosphere, Vancouver seamlessly stood in for a variety of locations during the first six seasons of The X-Files.
Notably, the exterior of Dana Scully’s apartment building is actually situated in West Vancouver, lending authenticity and immersion to the series. Furthermore, the harbour takes center stage when Christian Grey goes for a jog in 50 Shades of Grey, convincingly posing as Seattle near the Westin Bayshore Hotel. Vancouver Harbour’s cinematic versatility and visual allure add to its reputation as a compelling backdrop for impactful storytelling.
Banff National Park
Nestled within the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is a paradise not only for adventure-seekers, but also a captivating backdrop for various cinematic productions over the years – some of which may surprise you. Take, for example, the timeless 1964 classic Dr. Strangelove, directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Peter Sellers, which framed its hilarious chaos against Banff’s breathtaking vistas. Another unexpected credit is the epic TV soap opera Another World (1964-1999), which also unfolded against the park’s picturesque landscapes.
Banff continued featuring prominently in pop culture as the backdrop for Due South (1994-1999), the comedy series chronicling a Canadian Mountie’s exploits in Chicago. And one of the grandest productions to utilize the park’s natural splendour was HBO’s hugely popular Game of Thrones, leaving an enduring imprint on the location and cementing Banff’s reputation as a versatile cinematic setting.
The University of British Columbia
Vancouver promises an exciting visit year-round with its wealth of attractions. Adding to the city’s allure is the University of British Columbia, whose breathtaking campus ranks among the country’s most beautiful. Within this academic sanctuary, highlights like the Museum of Anthropology, UBC Botanical Garden, Nitobe Memorial Garden, and Pacific Spirit Park stand out. Beyond its scholarly splendour, UBC has left a mark on cinema, serving as the backdrop for major films like Battlestar Galactica (2003), The Butterfly Effect (2004), and Fifty Shades of Grey (2015). Additionally, three X-Men franchises—X2: X-Men United (2003), X-Men 3: The Last Stand (2006), and X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)—chose UBC’s photogenic grounds as their cinematic canvas.
An intriguing fact for Smallville fans: Central A&M Kansas University was actually UBC’s Walter C. Koerner Library. Furthermore, Vancouver makes for a popular starting or ending point for many Canadian train vacations, with travelers reveling in the city’s vibrant, cinematic surrounds.
Halifax
Halifax, the largest city in Canada’s Maritime Provinces and a thriving cultural hub, stands as a hugely popular destination for visitors. Offering a rich blend of history, art, quirky shops, fine dining, diverse activities, and scenic waterfront trails, Halifax caters to a wide range of interests. Notably, the city holds special cinematic significance as the embarkation point for James Cameron’s epic film Titanic (1997), with its gripping ocean scenes captured aboard the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, Canada’s largest icebreaker.
The choice of Halifax for Titanic’s production carries added poignancy, as it was the nearest major port to the real-life Titanic disaster in 1912. The city’s Fairview Lawn Cemetery serves as the final resting place for 121 victims, creating a solemn tie to that fateful event.
Beyond Titanic, Halifax has played a role in other major films like the psychological thriller Dolores Claiborne (1995), starring Kathy Bates and adapted from Stephen King’s novel, as well as the comedy crime caper The Trailer Park Boys: The Movie (2006).
Final Words
Canada’s forests, mountains, cities and peoples have collaborated to create an unparalleled filming destination. The nation’s landscapes, echoing with legacies of First Nations, French and British settlement, lend themselves flawlessly to period dramas and contemporary blockbusters alike. Whether gracing Hollywood classics, haunting thrillers or portraying itself, Canada provides inspiration, emotion and escape through its starring cinematic roles.