35 Shows You Didn't Know Were Actually Shot In Canada

35 Shows You Didn't Know Were Actually Shot In Canada


July 17, 2025 | J. Clarke

35 Shows You Didn't Know Were Actually Shot In Canada


The Secret Hollywood Hotspot

Think Canada’s just maple syrup, Mounties, and moose? Think again. Turns out, the Great White North has been moonlighting as Hollywood’s favorite backlot. From gritty dramas to teen soaps, some of TV’s biggest hits were secretly filmed in Canada—disguised as everywhere from New York to outer space. Here are 35 shows you probably had no clue were shot north of the border. (Spoiler: You’ve definitely watched a few.)

Canadiantvmsn

Advertisement

The Handmaid’s Tale

While The Handmaid’s Tale’s Gilead is fictional, the eerie vibes are all too real—and very Canadian. Much of the series was shot in Toronto and Cambridge, Ontario, with some scenes filmed in Hamilton and Mississauga. Freedom never looked so snowy.

The Handmaid’s TaleThe Handmaid's Tale Series Trailer | Catch Up With | Rotten Tomatoes TV, Rotten Tomatoes TV

Advertisement

The Boys

Superheroes behaving badly? Yup, and they’re doing it all over Toronto. This darkly funny Amazon hit uses Canadian streets to pass for New York City, proving that Canada can handle both spandex and explosions.

The BoysThe Boys (Amazon) Trailer HD - Superhero series, TV Promos

Advertisement

Orphan Black

Clone club unite—north of the border. Tatiana Maslany’s Emmy-winning performance(s) were filmed throughout Toronto, making the city a stand-in for an unspecified urban setting full of shady science and secret labs.

Orphan BlackOrphan Black: Echoes | Official Trailer feat. Krysten Ritter | Premieres June 23 | AMC+, amc+

Advertisement

Schitt’s Creek

That quirky small-town charm? Totally Canadian. Shot in Ontario towns like Goodwood and Stouffville, this beloved comedy is as maple-flavored as it gets (and we wouldn’t have it any other way).

Schitt’s CreekSchitt's Creek Season 1 Trailer, Schitt's Creek

Advertisement

Star Trek: Discovery

To boldly go… to Toronto. Many of the show’s intergalactic scenes were filmed in the city’s Pinewood Studios, proving that even the final frontier could use a little Canadian hospitality.

Star Trek: DiscoveryStar Trek: Discovery | Season 4 Official Trailer | Paramount+, Paramount Plus

Advertisement

Virgin River

That scenic, small-town California vibe? That’s British Columbia, baby. The Netflix drama is filmed in and around Vancouver, with nature so stunning you’d think it was CGI (it’s not).

Virgin RiverVirgin River | Relive Every Moment from Seasons 1-5 | Netflix, Netflix

Advertisement

The Umbrella Academy

Superpowered siblings saving the world—between takes in Toronto. From gritty alleys to gorgeous old theaters, the city provides the perfect slightly-offbeat backdrop for this time-bending series.

The Umbrella AcademyThe Umbrella Academy | Official Trailer | Netflix, Netflix

Advertisement

The 100

Earth is uninhabitable, so naturally, they landed in…Vancouver. This sci-fi survival series shot most of its epic wilderness scenes in British Columbia, and yes, the forests are as lush in real life.

The 100The 100 Series Recap (HD), TV Promos

Advertisement

Once Upon A Time

Storybrooke, Maine? Try Steveston, British Columbia. This fairy-tale-fueled series waved its magic wand over the Vancouver area to create its enchanted setting.

Once Upon A TimeTop 10 Once Upon A Time Moments, MsMojo

Advertisement

Supernatural

Fifteen seasons of demons, ghosts, and angst—all courtesy of Canada. Jared and Jensen haunted Vancouver and its surrounding areas for years, turning it into America’s most cursed road trip route.

Supernatural MovieCollection: Dean’s Last Year, or Season 3 | Supernatural, Supernatural

Advertisement

Suits

You thought that slick law firm was in Manhattan? Surprise—it’s Toronto again. From courtroom drama to elevator stare-downs, Canada plays corporate cool convincingly well.

Suits MovieFirst & Last Scene | Suits, Suits Official

Advertisement

A Series Of Unfortunate Events

This gloomy tale of orphaned children was brought to life on elaborate sets in Vancouver. Neil Patrick Harris and a parade of misfortunes all unfolded under Canada’s watchful (and probably polite) eye.

A Series Of Unfortunate EventsA Series of Unfortunate Events: Season 3 | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix, Netflix

Advertisement

Lost In Space

Danger, Will Robinson! Also: rain. Filmed largely in Vancouver and other parts of B.C., this spacey reboot uses Canadian wilderness and studios to create its interplanetary adventures.

Lost In SpaceLost in Space | Official Trailer | Netflix, Netflix

Advertisement

Prison Break

While the original prison was in Illinois, later seasons escaped to…Manitoba. Yes, Season 5 shot in Vancouver and parts of Winnipeg, showing Canada can double as gritty just as well as pretty.

Prison BreakTop 10 Best Prison Break Moments, WatchMojo.com

Advertisement

Riverdale

Welcome to the darkest version of high school since forever—filmed right in British Columbia. From the spooky forest to the retro Pop’s diner, Riverdale is peak moody Canadian vibes.

Riverdale MovieRiverdale 7x12 Promo After the Fall (HD) Season 7 Episode 12 Promo, TV Promos

Advertisement

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Greendale is creepy, cozy, and completely Canadian. This Netflix reboot was conjured in Vancouver and its eerie suburbs, proving that witches and West Coast weather are a perfect match.

Chilling Adventures of SabrinaChilling Adventures of Sabrina | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix, Still Watching Netflix

Advertisement

The Expanse

Deep space has never looked so local. Toronto was the base for this cult sci-fi series, proving that when it comes to interplanetary politics and space wars, Canada delivers.

The ExpanseThe Expanse Season 6 - Official Trailer | Prime Video, Prime Video

Advertisement

Black Mirror (Arkangel)

This unsettling episode about parental surveillance? Filmed in Toronto and Hamilton. The story may feel American, but that chilling suburban eeriness is proudly Canadian.

Black Mirror (Arkangel)Black Mirror - Arkangel | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix, Still Watching Netflix

Advertisement

Lucifer

Before Lucifer moved to LA (on-screen), the pilot was filmed in Vancouver. That means the Devil’s very first TV steps happened in Canada—because even Hell needs a trial run.

Lucifer MovieOfficial Trailer | Season 1 | LUCIFER, Lucifer

Advertisement

Blown Away

Hot glass meets cool Canada. This reality series on glassblowing takes place in Hamilton, Ontario, where artists sweat it out in front of flaming furnaces to make stunning glass art.

Blown AwayBlown Away: Season 4 | Official Trailer | Netflix, Netflix

Advertisement

Hannibal

Hannibal Lecter’s refined horrors were served up in Toronto. From gourmet gore to psychological mind games, the show’s polished brutality had a distinctly northern chill.

Hannibal MovieHannibal - Netflix Trailer, TVJunkie

Advertisement

The X-Files

The truth is out there—and also in Vancouver. The original seasons (and the revival!) were shot in British Columbia, lending the show its iconic misty, forest-heavy atmosphere.

The X-FilesThe X-Files Trailer (HD), TV Promos

Advertisement

ReGenesis

Before pandemic panic was mainstream, this Canadian biotech thriller tackled viruses and bioethics—all filmed in Toronto. It’s drama plus science with the slightest touch of Canadian flare. 

ReGenesis MovieReGenesis Trailer, Shaftesbury

Advertisement

Arrow

Starling City? More like Vancouver. This show kicked off the entire CW superhero universe, with moody streets, rooftop chases, and secret lairs scattered across B.C.

Arrow MovieArrow Season 1 (2012) - All Trailers and Promos, TV Promos

Advertisement

The Flash

Fastest man alive? He sprints through Vancouver. Like its sister show Arrow, The Flash calls British Columbia home for all those lightning-speed action scenes.

The Flash The Flash – Official Trailer, Warner Bros.

Advertisement

Shadowhunters

Demons, angels, and runes galore—all filmed in Toronto. This fantasy favorite turned the city into a gothic battleground of supernatural showdowns.

Shadowhunters Movie  Shadowhunters Official Trailer | Season 3B: The Final Episodes | Freeform, Freeform

Advertisement

Reign

What do you get when you mix French royalty with Canadian landscapes? This lush historical drama filmed in Toronto and surrounding areas, turning Ontario castles and estates into 16th-century Europe.

Reign MovieReign 4x12 Extended Promo The Shakedown (HD) Season 4 Episode 12 Extended Promo, TV Promos

Advertisement

Smallville

Before the cape, there was Clark Kent—and he was raised in Vancouver. The beloved Superman origin story filmed across BC, giving Kansas a distinctly coastal glow.

Smallville MovieClark Kent (S1) - All Powers from Smallville, All Powers Explained

Advertisement

Van Helsing

Apocalypse now, filmed in Vancouver. This post-vampire uprising series leans into the gritty, foggy vibes of BC to deliver undead mayhem with a northern twist.

Van HelsingVan Helsing (2004) | Official Trailer | Fear, Fear: The Home Of Horror

Advertisement

V-Wars

Vampires and viruses meet their match in Sudbury and Cambridge, Ontario. This short-lived series starring Ian Somerhalder brought horror to Canada’s quieter corners.

V-Wars MovieV Wars | Official Trailer | Netflix, Netflix

Advertisement

Titans

DC’s edgiest team gets gritty in Toronto. From brooding warehouses to neon cityscapes, Canada gives this superhero series its dark, urban edge.

Titans MovieTitans: The Final Episodes | Official Trailer | DC, DC

Advertisement

Murdoch Mysteries

Solving crimes in Victorian-era Toronto—in modern-day Toronto. This long-running Canadian series embraces its roots, giving fans a lovingly detailed look at the country’s past with a few steampunk twists.

Murdoch MysteriesMurdoch Mysteries: Season 18 | Trailer | CBC, CBC

Advertisement

Bates Motel

That creepy roadside motel? It’s actually in Aldergrove, British Columbia. This Psycho prequel reimagined Oregon but built its twisted world just outside Vancouver.

Bates MotelBates Motel | Full-Length Trailer | Starts 12th September 9pm, UniversalTV

Advertisement

Altered Carbon

Welcome to the future—filmed in Vancouver. High-tech cities and sleek dystopias were brought to life with impressive sets and even more impressive CGI, all made possible by Canada’s film crews.

Altered CarbonAltered Carbon | Season 1 Official Recap | Netflix, Netflix

Advertisement

You May Also Like:

The Biggest NCIS Guest Stars Most People Have Forgotten

Most Emmy Winning Shows In History

Forgotten Shows From The Golden Age Of Television

Sources:  123


READ MORE

Mel Brooks
January 7, 2025 Miles Brucker

Think You Remember 1974's Young Frankenstein? Try To Answer These Trivia Questions.

This movie has undoubtedly made its place as a timeless classic in American cinema. And, just like any other horror-comedy, this one has intriguing inside stories. Do you know what went into the making of this “monster-piece”?
January 28, 2025 Jillian Kent

The Weirdest Episodes Of Beloved TV Shows

Family Guy is no stranger to bizarre storylines—but there’s one weird episode that took things ways too far, leaving even die-hard fans feeling queasy.
January 28, 2025 Binet

Scenes That Made The Movie

The scene of a deranged Jack Nicholson yelling, “Here’s Johnny!” made The Shining into one of the most famous movies in history–but few know the bizarre origin of the iconic line.
January 27, 2025 Jack Hawkins

The Most Famous TV Shows Set In Each State

America produces some excellent television, from gripping dramas to sweet romances. The American television landscape has it all. While most American TV shows are filmed in large studios in states like California, sometimes they're set in the deserts of Arizona or the wilderness of Alaska. Let's explore the most famous TV shows from every state.
Screenshot from "The River Wild" (1994)
January 20, 2025 Sarah Ng

Movie Stunts Gone Wrong

Movie stunts can be one of the most impressive aspects of a production—but they've been known to go terribly wrong. Here are some of the stunts that did not go as planned.
January 23, 2025 Jane O'Shea

20 Brilliant Korean Films You Can Watch On Netflix

Can’t decide what to watch while you munch on your favorite snack? Korean cinema is here to help you out with its signature mix of suspense and heart. Here are 20 such recommendations.