If you've chosen Vancouver, British Columbia, as your filming location, you're in for a treat! Here, you'll see the sites where famous TV series were filmed like The Green Arrow, Locke and Key, Supernatural, Smallville, and more. You can get inspiration and discover hidden gems, as well as plenty of sandy beaches, outdoor parks, mountains, and urban settings for your shoot.
Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or making your first feature film, Giggster can help you find unique filming locations in Vancouver. Capture the dreamy vibes of the downtown area, highlight the relaxed atmosphere of North Vancouver, or give your viewers a glimpse of the artistic side of the city's Arts District. No matter what you want to feature in your project, Giggster's creative venues will appeal to your audience and help you turn your vision into a cinematic masterpiece.
Do you have a small production project, there's no need to worry or compromise the quality because the film locations featured on Giggster are suitable for all budgets and easily accessible. This way, your cast and crew can get to the location in no time and avoid delays.
Browse thousands of film shoot locations in Vancouver on the Giggster app today and find the perfect backdrop that will breathe life into your story.
Giggster has hundreds of filming locations in Vancouver listed on our platform. With so many options to choose from, you will find a venue worthy of your production.
Transform a gym or fitness studio into a film set in Vancouver, British Columbia. Make the most of the wide, open space for the video shoot or just do a minimal design for your exercise and workout scenes.
Many of our video studios have cyclorama walls and access to outdoor areas and office spaces. They are conveniently located near shops and are within walking distance of public transport options.
Discover lofts and heritage buildings with exposed brick walls, old-style architecture, and modern skylights for natural light. While the building and construction are old, the amenities and services are modern and updated.
Do you want soundproof venues? Giggster has many flexible soundproof locations suitable for long shoots. These are also located within city limits, so your crew can walk or ride to the venue.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Giggster has 580 verified selections for your filming requirements. These venues are varied from studios to mansion venues and yachts. You can easily film multiple genres and TV series at these locations in the city.
Hassle-Free Booking: Start your search for venues on the Giggster website and find budget-friendly options for as low as $20/hour. They're easy to book, and you filter the locations based on rental price, venue type, and more.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Film shoots can be unpredictable, and even if the date is set, you may have to cancel at the last minute due to circumstances outside of your control. Rest assured that you can cancel your booking at no cost, as long as you do so within 24 hours of confirmation and 48 hours before the start of the shoot.
Platform Protections: Giggster adds an extra layer of protection for renters and hosts with our optional protection packages. Book incredible film shoot locations like 2-Story NYC Style Gastown Loft with comprehensive damage protection, cancellation protection, and event liability insurance.
Organizing a film shoot in Vancouver City is a fabulous idea. However, before you finalize your decision and book a location, consider the pros and cons to help you prepare and not deal with unpleasant surprises once the shoot starts.
Advantages
Many TV series, movies, music videos, documentaries, and other types of content have been made in numerous parts of Vancouver, so no matter where you plan to shoot, you'll find a suitable location, be it a serene forest, a modern studio, a bustling street, or a snow-capped mountain.
This city has an excellent infrastructure for filming, with many experienced professionals who provide film production support, equipment rentals, and local talent and crew.
Whether you want to feature the waterfront, mountain, or forest as a backdrop for TV series and films, Vancouver doesn't disappoint.
Disadvantages
Since Vancouver is a popular filming destination, many studios and venues are booked very quickly. You may not always get your first preference if you do not reserve the space early.
Filming in Vancouver requires permits, licenses, and adherence to noise levels. Getting everything in order may be time-consuming.
Although winters in Vancouver are relatively mild, some days can be freezing and you might have to reschedule the shoot or relocate to an indoor location during these days.
You're spoiled for choice with Giggster's 580 conventional studios and intriguing filming sites in Vancouver. If you're scouting a location but don't know where to start, allow us to help you with these ideas that might inspire you.
Modern Film Studios – Adaptable Backdrops. From bright mezzanine spaces to spacious photography and video studios, we offer a range of unique studios with plenty of natural light, cyclorama walls, sound systems, and an area to conduct meetings. Pick a style and look you want; it could be Mediterranean, vintage, artistic, or simple and minimalist.
Creative Spaces and Sets – Ready For You. Filming becomes easy with Giggster's creative sets and spaces. They're ready for filming, so there's no need to spend much on set design. All you have to do is show up with your cameras and start rolling.
Industrial Venues – Captivating Look. If dramatic backdrops for different film scenes are what you seek, you should have industrial venues like factories, warehouses, garage spaces, and lofts on your list. If you need to change the look or backdrop, industrial venues are easy to style and decorate to help you achieve the aesthetic you want.
Mansions – Opulent and Historical Settings. You can't deny the sense of elegance, opulence, and grandeur that mansions provide. If it's the setting you want for your story, don't hesitate to book one of the city's mansions, Victorian-style houses, heritage homes, or villas.
Pools – Summer Vibes. When you require swimming pools and waterfront properties, we have poolside venues for you. If it's far from summer and the weather is too cold, how about a heated summer or an indoor pool in Vancouver?
Filming is a complex process, and unless you're an actor who just needs to show up and put on your make-up and costume, you have to prepare things behind the scenes. Some require months or even years of planning and preparation before the actual shoot. Allow us to walk you through some important steps for a smooth and stress-free film shoot.
Conduct Location Scouting – Since Vancouver is a popular film location, many sought-after places get booked quickly. To avoid disappointment and ensure you can film at a place that aligns with your story and vision, begin your search early and book the location in advance.
Define Your Requirements – Work with a clear vision of what you want to achieve and create a priority list so you do not get overwhelmed. List all the things you need, from the visual styles and aesthetics to crew members, equipment, and permits, so you remain organized and do not miss any important element for the shoot.
Visit The Locations – Before you book multiple locations for your film project, check all the details of the venue by visiting them. Contact the host or venue manager to schedule a tour of the location, and once there, imagine how the scenes will be shot in every area or room.
Plan The Logistics – Plan the logistics with your crew and the production team. What accommodations are needed, and how will the equipment be transported between locations? When filming outdoors, ensure waterproofing for important equipment like cameras, mics, and lighting.
Vancouver may not be as expensive as other cities like Toronto and New York, but it can still be relatively pricey for small productions. No matter your budget, it won't hurt to look for affordable options without compromising quality.
Can you consider off-peak times?
If you can keep your filming dates flexible, you can save costs by scheduling a shoot during off-peak times. Venues booked over the weekends and on public holidays tend to be cheaper, and you'll have a better chance to negotiate the price for the location and services.
Is it possible to limit the location changes?
When you film in multiple locations, you have to pay more venue rental fees. By limiting your locations to a few versatile places, you can save money and wrap up filming faster.
Rent instead of buying brand-new equipment.
It's good to invest in high-quality camera gear, lighting, and other items you need for filming. But if you're a new content creator or filmmaker, start small with handheld cameras. If you need access to high-end camera equipment on a tight budget, go to a rental store.
From charming lofts and modern film studios to outdoor spaces, mansions, and even yachts, Giggster features scenic locations that make fantastic backdrops for TV series and movies in Vancouver. Book your desired venues in minutes and put your production project on the map.
Vancouver, British Columbia, has the honor of being the third-largest production center for film and television in North America. As of 2020, the city has seen an annual budget of around $3.4 billion spent on media production, so it's no surprise that it produces more than 65 movies and 55 television series per year. Given these statistics, Vancouver has created content in just about every genre imaginable.
Action fans have "Hollywood North" to thank for "Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation," "Man of Steel," and "The A-Team." Horror fans can be suitably impressed with the city's output of "Final Destination," "The Predator," and—for horror-comedy buffs—the first four films of the "Scary Movie" franchise. That said, the seaport city's foray into pure comedy has given the world some of the funniest and most well-regarded movies of the last 25 years.
With a film history dating back to the early 1900s, it's no wonder Vancouver has a vast number of comedies to its credit. The comedic spectrum spans from a blockbuster hit like "Hot Tub Time Machine" to an indie darling like "Juno." Giggster looked at noteworthy shooting locations from the very best comedies shot in Vancouver that film fans can visit. To qualify as one of the best, the film had to have at least a 7.0 user rating on IMDb.
- Location: Pacific Coliseum, 100 N. Renfrew St.
"Best in Show" is a staple of the comedy mockumentary genre and the brainchild of Eugene Levy ("Schitt's Creek") and Christopher Guest ("This Is Spinal Tap"). The film centers around five kooky contestants who do whatever it takes to win at the esteemed Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. The high-stakes climax of the film occurs in the Mayflower's Competition Stadium, where Winky the Norwich terrier, played by Urchin's Bryllo—yes, the dog gets its own credit—takes first prize.
This stadium is actually Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum, a massive venue spanning 80,000 square feet and hosting everything from traditional sporting events, including skating competitions for the 2010 Olympics to circuses and trade shows. The Coliseum is located in Hastings Park, a massive urban park in the northeast portion of the city, which also features Vancouver's Playland amusement park and Hastings Racecourse for horse racing. Many other movies and shows have filmed at this particular location, including "Cats and Dogs," "Miracle," "Supergirl," and "Arrow."
- Location: 404 Ingleton Ave N
Cancer and comedy don't typically go hand in hand. That said, the 2011 film "50/50" is a notable exception. "50/50" is based on the real-life experiences of its screenwriter, Will Reiser, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 24. It was produced by Seth Rogen, who co-stars in the film as Kyle, a fictional version of himself, as he was friends with Reiser at the time of his diagnosis. The film follows Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he copes with a type of cancer that has a 50-50 survival rate, mainly focusing on his relationship with his mother (Anjelica Huston) and best friend Kyle.
Some of Adam's most emotional moments, including the downfall of his relationship with his ex-girlfriend, take place in his quaint red house, a home located in Burnaby, bordering North Vancouver. According to Zillow, this building dates back to 1931; its 2,238 square feet features four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Unfortunately, the house is neither for sale nor does it contain Gordon-Levitt, but if you ever find yourself in the neighborhood of Burnaby Heights, it's definitely worth stopping by.
- Location: 2601 Lougheed Highway
Riverview Hospital is known as one of Canada's most filmed locations and "the most-filmed location in the Pacific Northwest" for good reason. The now-defunct mental institution is well-worn, with faded red brick, ominous bars on its windows, and plenty of alleged ghost sightings that definitely lend the property to the horror genre. And plenty of horrors have been filmed there, including "Halloween: Resurrection," "Shutter Island," and "Jennifer's Body." Riverview cannot be defined, however, by one genre; it also served as a set for action films and several comedy standouts.
It functioned as a Hong Kong prison in the Jet Li action film "Romeo Must Die" and a military facility where Dr. Manhattan obtains his powers in Zack Snyder's "Watchmen." Two of its most famous uses can be attributed to the legendary action-comedy series "Deadpool," as both the first and second installments in the series used the location. "Deadpool" utilizes the hospital as the laboratory where Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is tortured into becoming the titular mutant; "Deadpool 2" features two different Riverview buildings as the Essex House for Mutant Rehabilitation, where young mutant Russell (Julian Dennison) lives.
- Location: Guildford Park Secondary School, 10707 146 St.
Director-writer Kelly Fremon Craig's "The Edge of Seventeen" is a coming-of-age film following Hailee Steinfeld as Nadine Franklin, a stubborn and awkward junior in high school. A vital aspect of the film is the relationship between Nadine and her teacher, Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson), who becomes the one person she feels she can vent to—therefore, much of the movie plays out at Nadine's school, Lakewood High.
Lakewood is actually Guildford Park Secondary School, located in North Surrey, a municipality of Vancouver. Classroom scenes were filmed on school grounds, and real Guildford students can be seen as extras in the background. The grade 8-12 school had approximately 1,300 students of diverse ethnic backgrounds at the time of filming, with over 51 languages spoken. The school was not the only Vancouver locale to appear in the film: Nadine's home and the theater from the film's finale were also shot in or around Vancouver as a stand-in for Portland, Oregon.
- Location: Georgia Viaduct
"Deadpool" is a major claim to fame for Vancouver as a top-tier filming location, which should be obvious as both it and its sequel have already been mentioned once on this list. In fact, the executive producer of the film, John Kelly, cited "budgetary reasons" and "the city's increasingly positive reputation regarding its support for filming" as the primary draw of Vancouver for the films' production.
One of the most used locations for the first film's action sequences is the Georgia Viaduct, a twin overpass with the Dunsmuir Viaduct that runs between Rogers Arena in downtown Vancouver and Strathcona. It's on this viaduct that the film opens with Deadpool attacking an enemy convoy, and this fight is cut back to several times with the film's hero being joined by X-Men's Colossus (Stefan Kapicic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand).
Ryan Reynolds, who, in addition to starring in the movie as Deadpool was also the film's producer, stated: "Boy, that Georgia Viaduct saved our lives. It really did. A lot of lessons were forged … as I sat on that Georgia Viaduct, trying to figure out how the hell I'm going to get through this movie on the paltry amount of money they've given us to shoot it." The viaduct has shown up in several action TV series as well, including "The Flash," "Supergirl," and "The X-Files."