Explore Ontario’s Filming Locations

Ontario, Canada’s largest province, is a captivating blend of diverse cultures, extraordinary landscapes, and vibrant cityscapes. Known for its rich cinematic history, Ontario has been the backdrop for countless famous films, TV series, and the setting of renowned books. This guide offers an engaging exploration of Ontario through a cinematic lens, taking you on a journey through the locations that have given life to captivating stories on screen and in print. Films shot in Ontario have ranged from iconic classics to contemporary masterpieces, making this province a veritable playground for film and literature enthusiasts.

Famous Films Shot in Ontario

Ontario’s stunning vistas and unique architecture have caught the eye of numerous filmmakers over the years. The province’s diverse landscapes have played host to a variety of genres, from thrilling action flicks to heart-wrenching dramas.

Top 10 Films Shot in Ontario:

1. “Good Will Hunting” (1997)  – Directed by Gus Van Sant. This critically acclaimed drama featuring Matt Damon and Robin Williams was partially shot in Toronto, with the University of Toronto standing in for MIT.
2. “Chicago” (2002)  – Directed by Rob Marshall. This award-winning musical filmed several scenes in Toronto, with the Elgin Theatre serving as a stand-in for Chicago’s famed vaudeville venues.
3. “The Shape of Water” (2017)  – Directed by Guillermo del Toro. This Oscar-winning fantasy film was shot extensively in Toronto and Hamilton, utilizing their historic buildings and streets to create the film’s 1960s setting.
4. “Room” (2015)  – Directed by Lenny Abrahamson. This heart-tugging drama starring Brie Larson was filmed entirely in Toronto, with the city’s residential areas providing the backdrop for the film’s suburban setting.
5. “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” (2010)  – Directed by Edgar Wright. This cult favorite used Toronto as its setting, with famous landmarks like Casa Loma and Lee’s Palace making appearances.
6. “The Incredible Hulk” (2008)  – Directed by Louis Leterrier. Parts of this superhero film were shot in Toronto, including a memorable action sequence at Yonge Street.
7. “Spotlight” (2015)  – Directed by Tom McCarthy. This Oscar-winning drama used Toronto to double for Boston, with the Toronto Star building standing in for The Boston Globe office.
8. “American Psycho” (2000)  – Directed by Mary Harron. This cult classic starring Christian Bale was filmed largely in Toronto, with the city’s sleek skyscrapers and upscale restaurants providing the backdrop for the film’s 1980s Manhattan setting.
9. “Crimson Peak” (2015)  – Directed by Guillermo del Toro. This gothic horror film used both Kingston and Hamilton in Ontario to bring its eerie setting to life.
10. “Total Recall” (1990)  – Directed by Paul Verhoeven. This sci-fi classic starring Arnold Schwarzenegger shot several scenes in the Toronto subway.

TV Shows Set in Ontario

Ontario isn’t only a hotspot for filmmakers; it’s also the setting for many popular TV shows, from gritty dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies. Here are some notable TV series set in Ontario:

1. “Orphan Black” (2013-2017)  – Created by Graeme Manson and John Fawcett. This sci-fi thriller is set in Toronto, with the city’s diverse locales providing the backdrop for the series’ complex narrative.
2. “The Handmaid’s Tale” (2017-present)  – Created by Bruce Miller. Though set in a dystopian version of the United States, this Emmy-winning drama series is filmed throughout Ontario, with locations like Hamilton and Cambridge standing in for the oppressive regime of Gilead.
3. “Kim’s Convenience” (2016-2021)  – Created by Ins Choi and Kevin White. This sitcom is set in Toronto and revolves around the Korean-Canadian Kim family who run a convenience store in the Moss Park neighbourhood.
4. “Flashpoint” (2008-2012)  – Created by Mark Ellis and Stephanie Morgenstern. This police drama is not only set in Toronto but also filmed extensively in the city, with the Toronto Police Service and landmarks like the CN Tower featuring prominently in the series.
5. “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-2020)  – Created by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy. This Emmy-sweeping sitcom was filmed in Goodwood, Ontario, which served as the fictional town of Schitt’s Creek.

Animated Films Set in Ontario

Ontario’s enchanting scenery has not only attracted filmmakers but also inspired animated features. Here are a few examples:

1. “The Nut Job” (2014)  – Directed by Peter Lepeniotis. This animated comedy’s fictional town of Oakton is inspired by the director’s hometown of Toronto.
2. “Rock & Rule” (1983)  – Directed by Clive A. Smith. This cult classic by Toronto-based Nelvana Animation uses the city’s punk rock scene as its backdrop.
3. “The Raccoons” (1985-1992)  – Created by Kevin Gillis. This beloved Canadian animated series is set in the Evergreen Forest, inspired by the forests of Ontario.

Famous Books Set in Ontario

Ontario’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes have also served as the backdrop for numerous literary works. Here are a few classics and contemporary novels that take readers on a journey through Ontario:

Classic Books:

1. “Fifth Business” by Robertson Davies  – This novel, part of the Deptford Trilogy, is set in the small fictional town of Deptford, Ontario, and explores themes of guilt, fate, and individuality.
2. “In the Skin of a Lion” by Michael Ondaatje  – Set in 1920s and 1930s Toronto, this novel paints a vivid picture of the city’s early immigrants and workers.
3. “The Stone Diaries” by Carol Shields  – This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, while spanning across North America, begins in the fictional town of Tyndall, Ontario.

Contemporary Books:

1. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel  – This post-apocalyptic novel set in Toronto and its surrounding areas explores the survival of art and humanity after a devastating flu pandemic.
2. “The Book of Negroes” by Lawrence Hill  – This historical novel traces the life of a girl from her capture in Africa, enslavement in the United States, refuge in Nova Scotia and finally her return to Africa, with a significant part of the story set in Ontario.
3. “Fifteen Dogs” by André Alexis  – This philosophical novel set in Toronto presents a thought-experiment: what would happen if dogs were given human intelligence?

Exploring Ontario’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

To get in touch with Ontario’s cinematic side, there are several iconic filming locations to visit:

1. Casa Loma, Toronto  – This Gothic Revival-style mansion and garden in midtown Toronto has been a popular filming location for movies like “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” and “X-Men”.
2. University of Toronto, Toronto  – The university’s historic buildings have been used to portray other institutions in films like “Good Will Hunting” and “The Incredible Hulk”.
3. Distillery District, Toronto  – This historic area with its preserved Victorian-era industrial architecture has been used in numerous films and TV series, including “Cinderella Man” and “Shadowhunters”.
4. Webster’s Falls, Hamilton  – This beautiful waterfall in Hamilton has been featured in TV shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale”.
5. Elgin Theatre, Toronto  – This historic theatre in Toronto has made appearances in films like “Chicago” and “The Shape of Water”.
6. Parkwood Estate, Oshawa  – This National Historic Site of Canada has served as a filming location for movies like “Billy Madison” and “X-Men”.
7. Yonge Street, Toronto  – As Toronto’s main artery, this street has been featured in countless films, including “The Incredible Hulk”.
8. The Silver Dollar Room, Toronto  – This iconic music venue appeared in “The Shape of Water” and “Cinderella Man”.
9. Goodwood, Ontario  – This small town served as the primary filming location for the TV series “Schitt’s Creek”.
10. Rockwood Conservation Area, Guelph/Eramosa  – This natural area has been used for several films, including “The Recruit” and “Crimson Peak”.

Where to Sleep in Ontario

Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, Ontario offers a wealth of choices:

Budget:

1. The Only Backpacker’s Inn, Toronto  – This budget-friendly hostel is located near the vibrant Danforth area and offers dormitory-style accommodations.
2. Hamilton Guesthouse, Hamilton  – This guesthouse in downtown Hamilton is a great option for travelers on a budget.
3. Canadiana Backpackers, Toronto  – Located in downtown Toronto, this hostel offers budget accommodations in the heart of the city.

Luxury:

1. The Omni King Edward Hotel, Toronto  – This historic luxury hotel in downtown Toronto offers elegant rooms and is close to many filming locations.
2. The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto  – This iconic hotel has been a filming location itself and offers high-end accommodations.
3. Langdon Hall, Cambridge  – This country house and estate offers luxury accommodations and has been used as a filming location for TV shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale”.

Where to Eat in Ontario

Whether you want to dine like a movie star or are looking for budget-friendly options, Ontario’s culinary scene has got you covered.

Budget:

1. Banh Mi Boys, Toronto  – This casual eatery offers delicious and affordable Vietnamese sandwiches and tacos.
2. Fisherman’s Wharf, Hamilton  – For fresh and affordable seafood, this market in Hamilton is a great choice.
3. Burger’s Priest, Toronto  – This popular burger joint offers high-quality burgers at affordable prices.

Luxury:

1. Alo, Toronto  – This high-end restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu featuring global cuisine.
2. George Restaurant, Toronto  – This upscale restaurant offers a la carte and tasting menus with a focus on local ingredients.
3. Canoe, Toronto  – Located on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, Canoe offers stunning views of the city and high-quality Canadian cuisine.

Detailed Itinerary Day by Day

Here’s a suggested itinerary to explore Ontario’s filming locations:

Day 1: Toronto

• Start your day at the University of Toronto, a filming location for “Good Will Hunting”.
• Head to Casa Loma, which has been used in movies like “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World”.
• Have lunch at the affordable and delicious Banh Mi Boys.
• Visit the Distillery District, a filming location for “Cinderella Man”.
• End your day with dinner at Alo.

Day 2: Toronto

• Start your day at Yonge Street, a filming location for “The Incredible Hulk”.
• Visit the Elgin Theatre, which was used in “Chicago”.
• Have lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf for some fresh seafood.
• Visit the Toronto Star building, which was used in “Spotlight”.
• End your day with dinner at George Restaurant.

Day 3: Outside Toronto

• Start your day early and head to Webster’s Falls in Hamilton, a filming location for “The Handmaid’s Tale”.
• Visit the Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, a filming location for “Billy Madison”.
• Have lunch at a local eatery in Oshawa.
• Head to Goodwood, the filming location for “Schitt’s Creek”.
• End your day with dinner at Canoe in Toronto.

Cryptid Legends and Curiosities

Ontario is home to several cryptid legends and curiosities. The most famous one is probably the legend of the Lake Erie Monster, also known as “Bessie”, a serpent-like creature reportedly seen in Lake Erie. Another fascinating legend is that of the Wendigo, a mythical cannibalistic creature or evil spirit from Algonquin folklore. These tales add a layer of mystery and intrigue to Ontario’s cultural landscape.

Hidden Gems in Ontario

In addition to its famous filming locations, Ontario boasts several hidden gems:

1. Agawa Canyon  – This remote canyon is accessible only by train, offering a unique adventure for nature lovers.
2. Spadina Museum  – This historic mansion in Toronto offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
3. The Thousand Islands  – This archipelago in the Saint Lawrence River is a beautiful and lesser-known spot for boating and exploring.
4. Kensington Market, Toronto  – This vibrant and diverse neighborhood is a hidden gem in the heart of Toronto.
5. Elora Gorge  – This stunning natural area offers beautiful hiking trails, swimming, and tubing.

What to Pack for a Trip to Ontario

What to pack for your Ontario trip depends on the time of the year. Summers can be hot, while winters are cold and snowy. Here are some general suggestions:

• Comfortable walking shoes are a must as you’ll be exploring various filming locations.
• A light jacket for cooler evenings in the summer, a heavier coat for spring and fall, and a warm winter coat for winter visits.
• A reusable water bottle, as exploring can be thirsty work.
• A camera or smartphone for capturing your favorite filming locations.
• Travel documents like your passport, ID, driver’s license, and health insurance information.

Transportation Tips

Ontario’s public transportation system is extensive, especially in the larger cities like Toronto and Ottawa. Buses, trams, and trains are all options. Consider purchasing an Ontario Travel Information Centre (OTIC) card for unlimited travel. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available. For more remote locations, renting a car might be the best option. Always keep a map or navigation app handy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you’re a film buff, a bookworm, or a traveler looking for a unique way to explore Ontario, this guide offers a cinematic journey through the province’s rich history and culture. From iconic buildings that have starred in films and TV shows to the locations that have inspired authors, Ontario’s cinematic and literary landscape is as diverse and vibrant as the province itself. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to step into the stories you love.