Discover 15 Iconic Films and Shows Filmed in Canada, Not the US

The film and television industries often use Canada as a backdrop for productions set in the United States, leading to a surprising number of iconic films and series being shot in locations across the country. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the stunning landscapes of British Columbia, many viewers may not realize that some of their favorite shows and movies were, in fact, filmed in Canada.

Notable Productions Filmed in Canada

Many popular series and films are set in American cities but were actually filmed in Canadian locales. For instance, despite being centered around a fictional town, the majority of Riverdale was filmed in Vancouver. The grand setting of Cheryl Blossom’s family home is actually the Cecil Green Park House in British Columbia.

Another notable example is the Oscar-winning musical Chicago, which was filmed almost entirely in Toronto. Key scenes were shot at iconic locations such as Casa Loma and the Distillery District. Viewers may enjoy spotting these familiar sights while watching the film.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, a fan-favorite among young audiences, was filmed in various locations around Vancouver, including David Thompson Secondary School and Belcarra Regional Park. This setting served as the backdrop for many key scenes in the film.

Another series, Adults, which has been described as the “Friends for Gen Z,” is set in New York but showcases the vibrant city life of Toronto. The Canadian star Jack Innanen, known for his pride in his roots, brings authenticity to the series, which was filmed throughout the city.

Classic Films with Canadian Roots

The critically acclaimed film The Shape of Water, directed by Guillermo del Toro, takes place in Cold War-era Baltimore, yet it utilized various Toronto and Hamilton locations such as the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus and Massey Hall.

Similarly, Mean Girls, although set in Illinois, was largely filmed in Ontario. Iconic scenes were shot at Sherway Gardens and Etobicoke Collegiate, making this classic comedy another example of a beloved film that showcases Canadian locations.

The retro musical Hairspray transformed Dundas West and Roncesvalles Avenue in Toronto into a 1960s Baltimore, highlighting the seamless ability of Canadian cities to stand in for American locales.

Despite the dystopian setting of The Handmaid’s Tale, which is based in Gilead, the majority of filming occurred in Toronto, with significant locations including City Hall and the Royal York Hotel.

In a similar vein, the quirky indie film Juno, which is set in Minnesota, was filmed in Vancouver. Directed by Jason Reitman, it featured a predominantly Canadian cast, including Elliot Page and Michael Cera, adding to its Canadian charm.

The hit series The Umbrella Academy, set in a fictional American city, actually filmed in Ontario. Watchers can spot locations like Victoria Hall and Queen Street East during their viewing.

The Marvel film The Incredible Hulk, featuring Edward Norton, showcases several Toronto landmarks, including King’s College and Cherry Street bridge, during its action-packed scenes.

Another film that surprised many with its Canadian filming locations is My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Although set in Chicago, it was filmed across various Toronto sites, from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Rogers Communication Centre to the vibrant Danforth neighborhood.

Finally, the post-apocalyptic series The Last of Us, which takes place in the United States, was filmed entirely in Alberta, particularly in Calgary and Edmonton. Notable locations include the Alberta Legislature Building.

The film Fifty Shades of Grey also showcases Vancouver, with scenes filmed at the historic Gastown and the dramatic helicopter pickup scene set at the Global BC studios helipad in Burnaby.

Canada’s diverse landscapes and urban scenery continue to attract filmmakers, making it a secret hotspot for productions set in the U.S. As viewers become more aware of these filming locations, it adds a layer of excitement to watching their favorite films and shows.