British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, is a place of stunning natural beauty, dynamic urban landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. It’s no wonder that countless filmmakers, authors, and showrunners have chosen British Columbia as the backdrop for their creative works. This guide explores the famous films shot in British Columbia, the TV shows set in this scenic province, and the notable books that bring its unique locales to life.
Famous Films Shot in British Columbia
British Columbia, with its diverse landscapes ranging from lush forests to bustling cityscapes, has served as the perfect filming location for a myriad of blockbusters.
Classic Films
- “First Blood” (1982) – Directed by Ted Kotcheff, this action film introducing the character John Rambo was filmed in the town of Hope, transforming it into the fictional “Hope, Washington”. The film’s thrilling scenes utilized the town’s dense forests and rugged terrain.
- “Legends of the Fall” (1994) – Directed by Edward Zwick, this epic drama, starring Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins, was filmed in various locations in British Columbia, including Calgary and Vancouver Island. The rolling plains and mountainous landscapes added to the film’s epic scope.
- “My American Cousin” (1985) – This coming-of-age drama directed by Sandy Wilson was filmed in the director’s hometown of Penticton. The film beautifully captures the serene landscapes of the Okanagan Valley.
Contemporary Films
- “Twilight” series (2008-2012) – The famous vampire saga directed by Catherine Hardwicke and others was primarily filmed in British Columbia. The misty forests and quaint towns perfectly encapsulated the mysterious and romantic atmosphere of the series.
- “Deadpool” (2016) – This blockbuster superhero film starring Ryan Reynolds was shot in Vancouver. The city’s modern skyline and diverse neighborhoods served as the backdrop for the film’s high-energy action scenes.
- “Star Trek Beyond” (2016) – Directed by Justin Lin, this science fiction adventure film used the Squamish Boulders and Stawamus Chief Mountain in Squamish as the setting for the alien planet “Altamid”.
TV Shows Set in British Columbia
Next up, let’s beam into the universe of television series. British Columbia’s picturesque settings have been showcased in numerous TV shows spanning various genres.
- “The X-Files” (1993-2018) – Created by Chris Carter, this iconic sci-fi series was primarily filmed in Vancouver. The city’s gloomy, rain-soaked forests provided an eerie setting for the show’s paranormal investigations.
- “Supernatural” (2005-2020) – This long-running fantasy-horror series created by Eric Kripke was filmed in various locations across British Columbia, including Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster. The province’s natural landscapes were used to depict the many supernatural hotspots visited by the Winchester brothers.
- “Riverdale” (2017–present) – Developed by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, this teen drama series is filmed in the Greater Vancouver area, with the city’s vintage diners and charming neighborhoods standing in for the show’s titular town.
Animated Films Set in British Columbia
British Columbia’s enchanting landscapes have also inspired numerous animated films. While these films may not be physically shot in the province, their art and design often draw heavily from the region’s natural beauty.
- “Brother Bear” (2003) – This Disney animated film, directed by Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker, is set in a post-ice age North America. The film’s lush forests, towering mountains, and crystal-clear rivers are reminiscent of British Columbia’s pristine wilderness.
- “Open Season” (2006) – Directed by Roger Allers and Jill Culton, this computer-animated comedy film features a wild forest setting that is strikingly similar to the forests found in British Columbia.
- “FernGully: The Last Rainforest” (1992) – Although technically set in Australia, the film’s depiction of a magical rainforest shares a strong resemblance with the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia.
Famous Books Set in British Columbia
British Columbia’s rich history and diverse landscapes have also served as the backdrop for numerous literary works. Here are three classic and three contemporary books set in this Canadian province.
Classic Books
- “The Jade Peony” by Wayson Choy – This novel is set in Vancouver’s Chinatown during the 1930s and 1940s and provides a historical insight into the city’s cultural fabric.
- “Obasan” by Joy Kogawa – This powerful novel, set in Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, tells the story of Japanese Canadians during World War II.
- “The Curve of Time” by M. Wylie Blanchet – This memoir recounts the author’s summer travels with her five children in the coastal waters of British Columbia in the 1920s and 1930s.
Contemporary Books
- “Indian Horse” by Richard Wagamese – This harrowing novel tells the story of a young Ojibwe boy’s life and the impact of the residential school system. The story is set in Northern British Columbia.
- “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel – Although this post-apocalyptic novel travels across time and space, a significant portion of the story takes place on Vancouver Island.
- “The Golden Spruce” by John Vaillant – This non-fiction book is set in Haida Gwaii and tells the true story of a sacred tree, a logger turned eco-warrior, and a shocking act of environmental protest.
Exploring British Columbia’s Filming Locations – Where To Go
To immerse yourself in British Columbia’s film history, several key locations are a must-visit. Start your journey by exploring the bustling cityscape of Vancouver, where you can admire the backdrop of numerous films and TV shows.
- Vancouver Art Gallery – Featured in “Fifty Shades of Grey” as the Grey Enterprise building.
- Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam – Used in numerous films and TV series, including “Supernatural” and “The X-Files”.
- The University of British Columbia – Its campus has been used in movies like “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and the TV show “Smallville”.
- The Marine Building – This iconic Art Deco building in downtown Vancouver has been featured in films like “Fantastic Four” and “Blade: Trinity”.
- Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver – This beautiful coastal park is featured in “Twilight” where Bella learns of Edward’s sparkling secret.
Where to Sleep in British Columbia
When it comes to accommodation, British Columbia offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference.
Budget Accommodations
- HI Vancouver Downtown – A budget-friendly option located in downtown Vancouver with easy access to many filming locations.
- St. Clair Hostel – Located in the heart of Vancouver, this hostel offers affordable dormitory-style accommodations.
- SameSun Backpacker Lodge – Situated in the vibrant city of Kelowna, this lodge offers affordable accommodations and is a great base for exploring the Okanagan Valley.
Luxury Accommodations
- The Fairmont Banff Springs – Featured in “The Shining” mini-series, this luxury hotel offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
- The Sutton Place Hotel – This luxury downtown Vancouver hotel has hosted countless celebrities during film shoots.
- The Empress – This iconic hotel in Victoria has been featured in several films and offers a luxurious stay with stunning harbor views.
Where to Eat in British Columbia
British Columbia’s culinary scene is as diverse as its filming locations. From local seafood to international cuisine, the province offers a plethora of dining options.
Budget Dining
- Go Fish – A popular seafood shack in Vancouver offering delicious fish and chips.
- The Noodle Box – With locations in Vancouver and Victoria, this eatery offers flavorful Southeast Asian food at a great price.
- Budgie’s Burritos – This budget-friendly spot in Vancouver offers delicious and hearty vegetarian burritos.
Luxury Dining
- Blue Water Cafe – Located in Vancouver’s Yaletown, this upscale restaurant is renowned for its seafood.
- The Butchart Gardens Dining Room – Dine in a beautiful garden setting in this elegant restaurant located in Brentwood Bay.
- CinCin Ristorante + Bar – This upscale Italian restaurant in Vancouver offers a sophisticated dining experience.
Detailed Itinerary for Exploring British Columbia’s Filming Locations
Day 1: Vancouver
Start your day at the Vancouver Art Gallery, which has been featured in films like “Fifty Shades of Grey”. Then, take a stroll through Stanley Park, a location featured in “Supernatural”. After lunch, head to the Marine Building, used in films like “Fantastic Four”. End your day with dinner at Blue Water Cafe.
Day 2: Greater Vancouver
Begin your day with a visit to the Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam, a popular filming location. After lunch, head to Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver, where scenes from “Twilight” were filmed. Finish your day with a visit to the University of British Columbia, which has been used in movies like “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”.
Day 3: Victoria
Take a ferry to Victoria and start your day with a visit to The Empress, an iconic hotel featured in several films. After lunch, head to The Butchart Gardens, which offer beautiful settings that can be seen in “X-Men: The Last Stand”. End your day with a stroll along the Inner Harbour, a backdrop for many films and TV shows.
Local Legends and Curiosities About British Columbia’s Film Industry
British Columbia’s film industry is rich in fascinating legends and curiosities. For instance, the province is often referred to as “Hollywood North” due to its popularity as a filming location. Vancouver’s Stanley Park is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman in period clothing, possibly an extra from a period drama shot there who loved the location so much she decided to stay!
Hidden Gems – Lesser-Known Filming Locations in British Columbia
While British Columbia’s famous locations often capture the spotlight, there are lesser-known filming locations that are equally fascinating:
- Britannia Mine Museum – Used in “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed”, this former mine is now a fascinating museum.
- Buntzen Lake – This tranquil lake in Anmore has been featured in TV shows like “Riverdale” and “The 100”.
- Nickel Plate Provincial Park – The breathtaking landscapes of this park served as the backdrop for the film “The Grey”.
What to Pack for a Trip to British Columbia
Depending on the time of your visit, pack suitable clothing for British Columbia’s varied climate. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for exploring, a camera for capturing memories, and relevant travel documents. A guidebook or map will also come in handy when navigating through different locations.
Transportation Tips for Getting Around British Columbia’s Filming Locations
You can get around British Columbia’s filming locations using various modes of transportation. The SkyTrain in Vancouver is efficient for city travel, while BC Ferries are ideal for reaching islands and coastal towns. Car rentals are a good option for exploring remote areas, and guided tours are available for those who prefer a structured itinerary.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a film buff, a TV series addict, a bookworm, or simply a traveler looking for a unique adventure, British Columbia beckons with its cinematic landscapes and rich storytelling heritage. By following this guide, you can embark on a captivating journey through the famous films shot in British Columbia, explore the real-life settings of your favorite TV shows, and walk in the footsteps of memorable characters from beloved books. So pack your bags and get ready for your starring role in the adventure of a lifetime in British Columbia!
