Vancouver, often referred to as “Hollywood North,” is a bustling metropolis renowned for its impressive skyline, multicultural ambience, and breathtaking natural beauty. This Canadian city has served as the backdrop to countless films, TV shows, and books, earning a reputation in the global entertainment industry. This comprehensive guide will take you on a cinematic journey through Vancouver, exploring famous filming locations, uncovering hidden gems, and unveiling fascinating trivia. Whether you’re an avid movie enthusiast or a curious traveler, get ready to see Vancouver like never before.
10 Famous Films Shot in Vancouver
Vancouver’s diverse landscapes and distinct architecture have made it a favorite among filmmakers. From action-packed blockbusters to heartwarming romances, the city’s cinematic portfolio is as diverse as its culture. Here are ten renowned films shot in Vancouver:
- “X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006) – The third installment in the X-Men series, this film utilized Vancouver’s urban and natural settings to depict various locations in the X-Men universe.
- “Fifty Shades of Grey” (2015) – This provocative romance drama, based on the best-selling novel, features several recognizable Vancouver locations.
- “Deadpool” (2016) – This action-packed superhero film, starring Vancouver-born Ryan Reynolds, was primarily filmed throughout the city.
- “Twilight” (2008) – The film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s popular vampire romance novel used various Vancouver locations to depict the moody Pacific Northwest.
- “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (2008) – This science-fiction thriller remake featured several scenes shot in Vancouver, including at the University of British Columbia.
- “Juno” (2007) – The city’s suburban areas were used to depict a small-town Minnesota setting in this critically acclaimed comedy-drama.
- “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011) – Vancouver’s streets and forests were transformed into San Francisco for this popular science fiction film.
- “Watchmen” (2009) – Various locations around Vancouver were used to create the film’s gritty alternate universe.
- “I, Robot” (2004) – This sci-fi action film starring Will Smith was filmed primarily in Vancouver, standing in for a futuristic Chicago.
- “Final Destination” (2000) – This horror franchise kickoff used various Vancouver locations, including the Vancouver International Airport.
5 TV Shows Set in Vancouver
Vancouver’s unique charm isn’t just limited to the big screen. The city has also been the setting for several popular TV shows. Here are five worth mentioning:
- “Supernatural” (2005-2020) – This long-running fantasy-horror series was filmed in and around Vancouver, with the city’s diverse landscapes standing in for various American locales.
- “The X-Files” (1993-2018) – This iconic sci-fi series filmed its first five seasons in Vancouver, using the city’s moody atmosphere to enhance the show’s eerie tone.
- “Arrow” (2012-2020) – This superhero series, part of the DC Comics universe, was filmed in Vancouver, with the city doubling as the fictional Star City.
- “The Flash” (2014-present) – Another DC Comics series, this superhero show uses Vancouver as the setting for the fictional Central City.
- “Once Upon a Time” (2011-2018) – This fantasy series, which blends various fairy tales into a modern narrative, was filmed in Vancouver and its surrounding areas.
5 Animated Films Set in Vancouver
Vancouver’s vibrant animation industry has contributed to the creation of numerous animated films. Here are five notable ones:
- “The Nut Job” (2014) – This 3D computer-animated comedy was produced by Vancouver-based animation studio Bardel Entertainment.
- “Escape from Planet Earth” (2013) – This animated sci-fi comedy was produced by Rainmaker Entertainment, a Vancouver-based visual effects and animation studio.
- “Ratchet & Clank” (2016) – Another Rainmaker Entertainment production, this animated sci-fi film is based on the popular video game series of the same name.
- “Barbie: Princess Charm School” (2011) – This direct-to-DVD computer-animated film was produced by Vancouver-based Mainframe Studios.
- “Beat Bugs” (2016-present) – This animated children’s series, produced by Vancouver’s Thunderbird Entertainment, features music by The Beatles.
Famous Books Set in Vancouver
Several famous books have been set in Vancouver, encapsulating the city’s unique aura in their narrative. Here are three classic and three contemporary ones that you might find interesting:
Classic:
- “The Jade Peony” by Wayson Choy – A poignant tale of a Chinese-Canadian family living in Vancouver’s Chinatown during the 1930s and 1940s.
- “Obasan” by Joy Kogawa – This novel explores the experiences of Japanese Canadians during World War II, with parts of the story set in Vancouver.
- “Stanley Park” by Timothy Taylor – This book delves into Vancouver’s culinary scene and the city’s complex relationship with nature.
Contemporary:
- “JPod” by Douglas Coupland – A satirical novel set in Vancouver’s tech industry.
- “The Better Mother” by Jen Sookfong Lee – A novel set in Vancouver’s Chinatown in the 1950s and 1980s.
- “Indian Horse” by Richard Wagamese – This novel chronicles the life of an Indigenous Canadian man, with parts of the story set in Vancouver.
Exploring Vancouver’s Filming Locations – Where to Go
Vancouver’s cinematic charm extends beyond the confines of a screen. Embark on an exciting exploration of the city’s famous filming locations:
- Gastown – This historic district, with its cobblestone streets and vintage lampposts, has served as a backdrop for various films and TV shows.
- Stanley Park – This 400-hectare natural oasis in downtown Vancouver has been used in numerous films and TV shows, including “Supernatural” and “The Flash.”
- Vancouver Art Gallery – This neoclassical building, featured in “Fifty Shades of Grey,” is a must-visit.
- Rogers Arena – Home to the Vancouver Canucks hockey team, this sports arena has appeared in films like “Miracle” and “Battle in Seattle.”
- University of British Columbia – This university campus has served as a filming location for various productions, including “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
Where to Sleep in Vancouver
Vancouver offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Here are three budget-friendly options and three luxury accommodations to consider:
Budget:
- The Buchan Hotel – This budget-friendly hotel, located near Stanley Park, offers basic amenities and a convenient location.
- HI Vancouver Central – This hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and is located in the heart of the city.
- The Cambie Hostel Gastown – This historic hostel in the Gastown district offers affordable accommodations and a friendly atmosphere.
Luxury:
- Fairmont Pacific Rim – This five-star hotel offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop pool, and stunning views of the city and mountains.
- The Sutton Place Hotel – This elegant hotel, located in Vancouver’s city center, offers well-appointed rooms and a chic European vibe.
- The Rosewood Hotel Georgia – This historic luxury hotel offers high-end accommodations and is located near many of Vancouver’s top attractions.
Where to Eat in Vancouver
Vancouver’s culinary scene boasts a diverse range of cuisines. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, here are three budget-friendly eateries and three luxury dining options:
Budget:
- Japadog – This popular street food vendor offers Japanese-style hot dogs and is a must-try in Vancouver.
- Tacofino – This food truck serves up delicious and affordable Mexican food.
- Banh Mi Saigon – This family-run bakery and deli offers mouth-watering Vietnamese sandwiches at a reasonable price.
Luxury:
- Hawksworth Restaurant – This upscale restaurant, located in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, offers contemporary Canadian cuisine.
- Blue Water Cafe – Located in Yaletown, this upscale seafood restaurant is renowned for its fresh and sustainable dishes.
- Le Crocodile – This French restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a menu that blends traditional French cooking with innovative West Coast style.
Detailed Itinerary Day by Day
Embark on a cinematic journey through Vancouver with this three-day itinerary:
Day 1: Downtown Vancouver
- Begin your day at the Vancouver Art Gallery, featured in “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
- Visit the Vancouver Public Library, which has been used as a filming location for numerous productions, including “Battlestar Galactica.”
- In the afternoon, explore Gastown, a historic neighborhood that has appeared in various films and TV shows.
- Enjoy dinner at Le Crocodile, a French restaurant that offers a fine dining experience.
Day 2: Stanley Park and Surrounding Areas
- Start your day with a visit to Stanley Park, which has been featured in numerous films and TV shows.
- Visit the Brockton Point Lighthouse in Stanley Park, which appeared in “The 6th Day.”
- In the afternoon, explore the English Bay and False Creek areas, which have been used in various films, including “Tomorrowland.”
- For dinner, enjoy fresh seafood at the Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown.
Day 3: University of British Columbia and Kitsilano
- Begin your day at the University of British Columbia, which has been used as a filming location for various productions.
- Visit the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, which was featured in “The 6th Day.”
- In the afternoon, explore Kitsilano Beach, which has appeared in several TV shows, including “Psych.”
- End your day with dinner at Hawksworth Restaurant, located in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia.
Cryptid Legends and Curiosities
Vancouver’s film industry is not just about glamour and glitz; it’s also teeming with legends and curiosities. For instance, the city’s Stanley Park is reportedly home to various cryptids – creatures whose existence is disputed or unsubstantiated. These include the “Sewer Alligator,” a mythical creature thought to dwell in the park’s sewer system, and the “Cadborosaurus,” a sea serpent said to inhabit the waters off the park’s coast.
The city’s historic Gastown district is also the center of various urban legends. One of the most famous is the tale of Gassy Jack, the area’s namesake, whose spirit is said to haunt the streets of Gastown.
Hidden Gems in Vancouver
Venture off the beaten path and discover some of Vancouver’s lesser-known filming locations:
- Cleveland Dam – This dam, located in North Vancouver, was featured in “The X-Files” and offers stunning views of the Capilano Reservoir and the surrounding mountains.
- Riverview Hospital – This closed mental health facility in Coquitlam has been used in numerous films and TV shows, including “Supernatural.”
- Whytecliff Park – This park in West Vancouver offers beautiful waterfront views and has been used as a filming location for several productions, including “Arrow.”
- Murdo Frazer Park – This North Vancouver park, which houses a charming pitch-and-putt golf course, has appeared in several episodes of “The X-Files.”
- Boundary Bay Airport – This airport in Delta has been used as a filming location for various films and TV shows, including “Smallville.”
What to Pack for a Trip to Vancouver
When packing for your trip to Vancouver, keep in mind the city’s temperate oceanic climate, which entails warm summers and cool, wet winters. Here are some essentials you should pack:
- Clothing: Pack a mix of lightweight and warm clothing, as temperatures can fluctuate. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket, as rain is common throughout the year.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll be exploring various filming locations on foot.
- Accessories: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for summer travel. For winter trips, pack gloves and a warm hat.
- Miscellaneous: Don’t forget to pack a camera, portable charger, travel documents, and a map of Vancouver. If you’re a film buff, you might also want to pack a notebook to jot down your observations.
Transportation Tips
Vancouver boasts an efficient public transportation system, making it easy to explore the city’s filming locations:
- SkyTrain: Vancouver’s rapid transit system is a quick and convenient way to get around.
- Bus: The city’s extensive bus network can take you to areas the SkyTrain doesn’t cover.
- Bike: Consider renting a bike to explore Vancouver’s numerous bike-friendly paths.
- Car: If you plan to visit filming locations outside the city center, renting a car might be a good option.
- Walking: Many of Vancouver’s filming locations are within walking distance of each other, making walking a viable option.
Remember to plan your routes in advance, and consider peak traffic times to make your travels as smooth as possible.
Conclusion
From the iconic skyline to the charming neighborhoods, Vancouver’s cinematic charm is undeniable. Whether you’re exploring the city through the lens of your favorite film, walking through the pages of a beloved book, or tracing the footsteps of TV characters, Vancouver invites you on an unforgettable journey. So pack your bags, cue the action, and let Vancouver’s cinematic cityscape unravel its story for you.
