10 More Movies You Didn’t Know Were Filmed in Canada
Updated: Oct. 04, 2018
It’s time for your screen test! See how many movie locations in the Great White North that you can guess in this cinematic sequel to 10 Famous Movies You Didn’t Know Were Filmed in Canada!
1. Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)
Who says that a dip in the hot tub only gets you relaxed muscles and prune fingers? Tell that to John Cusack and friends! Unexpectedly whisked back in time to 1986 during a hot tub plunge, Cusack and his crew land in the middle of this Canadian winter wonderland…
Fernie, B.C.
Nestled in the Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia, the quaint town of Fernie took center stage during filming of the comedy, Hot Tub Time Machine. Standing in as the fictional resort of Kodiak Valley, the tourist spot is actually the real-life home of the Fernie Alpine Resort. Film fans may be disappointed to discover that the flick’s Silver Peak Lodge doesn’t exist (it was just a façade built for the production), and that the hot tub scenes were shot on a soundstage, but all is not lost. The charming ski resort plaza from the movie is the real deal, and the party HQ was filmed at the town’s Brickhouse bar.
2. Superman (1978)
The late Christopher Reeve donned the blue tights and the red cape to portray Superman in one of the most famous movies filmed in Canada. Much of the trilogy was filmed at the famous Pinewood Studios in London, England, but several key scenes were captured in this region of the Great White North…
Rural Alberta
When Superman’s production team turned attentions to creating an idyllic setting for Smallville, Clark Kent’s childhood home, they discovered their on-screen heartland in Alberta. The village of Barons (2011 population: 315 residents) hosted the high school football scenes, while the Kent family’s homestead was rooted in another small hamlet, Blackie, Alberta.
3. The Grey (2012)
Exposed to extreme winter weather, and the ever-present threat of prowling grey wolves, survivors of an Alaskan plane crash must find the will to outlast the dangerous elements that threaten their existence. Star Liam Neeson spent 40 days filming in this location that was masquerading as America’s 49th state…
Smithers, B.C.
Canada’s cinematic flexibility strikes again! Posing as Alaska, Smithers, B.C. was the real setting for this $25-million dollar flick. Over 80 extras from the town were featured in the movie, along with Smithers Region.
4. Take This Waltz (2011)
Written and directed by Sarah Polley, Take This Waltz stars Michelle Williams,and Seth Rogen as a 20-something married couple dealing with restlessness, desire, and infidelity. Director Polley’s Canadian roots are on full display as this film reacquaints us with…
Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, and Toronto, Ontario
The beautiful, historic features of Nova Scotia’s Fortress Louisbourg light the charge for the emotional sparks that will unravel Williams and Rogen’s on-screen relationship. When the film shifts to Toronto, movie goers become immersed in a big city travelogue – Toronto’s Little Portugal, Pearson Airport, Kew Beach, Trinity Bellwoods Park, College Street, Queen Street West, and Centerville’s amusement park – that provides the colourful backdrop for the story’s simmering infidelity.
5. The Neverending Story (1984)
Reeling from his mother’s death, a bullied little boy named Bastian seeks refuge in a used bookstore. Tempted by a leather-bound novel deemed unsafe by the shop’s owner, the boy dives into its pages, only to be lost in the fantasy world of Fantasia where princesses, warriors and a flying dog rule the day. Despite its European pedigree, this charming children’s movie features some obvious landmarks from one particular Canadian city…
Vancouver, B.C.
While most of this cinematic adventure was shot in Germany, the scenes featuring Bastian (actor Barret Oliver) were completed in Vancouver. B.C. Place Stadium, Woodward’s department store, the Gastown clock, and the Vancouver Lookout are easily spotted.
6. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Hidden behind elaborate costumes, makeup and prosthetics, the star-studded cast of Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen made the third installment of the X-Men film series a worldwide smash. Like the actors, the movie’s striking Canadian locations were also camouflaging their true identities…
Victoria and Vancouver, B.C.
Eagle-eyed west coast film buffs may have spotted Victoria, B.C.’s Hatley Castle in its role as Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Royal Roads University in the province’s capital also got its share of the spotlight as the setting of the X-Men mansion. Look carefully and you’ll also see the University of British Columbia, and the Vancouver Art Gallery.
7. Meatballs (1979)
Before Ghostbusters, Lost in Translation, Hyde Park on the Hudson, and Rushmore, SNL alum Bill Murray starred in this Ivan Reitman directed comedy about out of control counselors-in- training at a bargain-basement summer camp. As Camp North Star’s lead counselor, Murray frolicked on screen at a summer getaway based in…
Haliburton, Ont.
The real life Camp White Pine has been entertaining summer campers at its Hurricane Lake property since 1956. With 1600 acres of rambling forest, exposed rock and shoreline, the camp is quite different from its cut-rate movie incarnation. Fully equipped with all the latest activities and comfortable accommodation, Camp White Pine continues to be a popular destination for Canadian and American kids aged 7 through to 16. Need more proof of its Canadian roots? Best-selling Canadian author, Margaret Atwood, and iconic artist Charles Pachter are past alumni.
8. Total Recall (2012)
A remake of the 1990 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Total Recall (2012) boasted an all-star cast of Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, and Jessica Biel. Don’t be fooled by the big bad international city depicted on screen. This futuristic destination is actually…
Toronto, Ont.
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the University of Toronto (the Scarborough campus, and downtown’s Knox College), lower Bay TTC station, Commerce Court, Melinda Street, and Roy Thompson Hall all made cameos in this action flick. Guelph, and Borden (specifically CFB Borden) also sneaked in some valuable screen time.
9. The Shipping News (2001)
Kevin Spacey, Dame Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, and Julianne Moore starred in this film adaption of Annie Proulx’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. If you know this story, you’ll have a good idea where this movie was filmed!
Newfoundland and Nova Scotia
The dramatic heart and soul of The Shipping News was defined by its rugged location. Without the windswept coastlines, hearty inhabitants, and imposing geography of the Maritime setting, the story would’ve lacked impact, substance, and authenticity. Newfoundland made its cinematic mark with Corner Brook, New Bonaventure, and Trinity appearing on screen while Nova Scotia slipped into view with scenes shot in Halifax, and Fox Point.
10. One Magic Christmas (1985)
Mary Steenburgen, and Harry Dean Stanton starred in this Disney holiday fantasy about love, loss and the true spirit of the Christmas season. Santa, angels and a very young Sarah Polley feature in this heartwarming story filmed in…
Georgian Bay, Ont.
Take your bow, Meaford, Collingwood, and Owen Sound, Ontario! Disney may be all-American, but this movie is as Canadian as hockey and maple syrup. From the Toronto Blue Jay shirt (yes, we spotted you!), to the iconic Canuck bucks, this charming film couldn’t have been created anywhere else.
