Where was Backcountry filmed?
2014
City Locations
North Bay (Canada), Restoule (Canada), Squamish (Canada), Powassan (Canada), Toronto (Canada)
Location Types
Intimate, Unique, Beachfront, Riverside
Location Styles
Neglected, Camper, Helicopter
About Backcountry
"Backcountry," released in 2014, is a gripping survival thriller that takes viewers on a harrowing journey into the Canadian wilderness. The real-life experiences of Mark Jordan and Jacqueline Perry inspired the film. In 2005, during a camping trip at Missinaibi Lake Provincial Park, who tragically faced off with a black bear.
The movie follows Alex (Jeff Roop) and Jenn (Missy Peregrym), an urban couple who embark on a camping trip. Alex, a seasoned outdoorsman, is eager to share a trail he loved in his youth with his less experienced girlfriend. Their adventure starts as an idyllic escape, celebrating the beauty of nature untamed.
However, in a display of overconfidence, Alex refuses a map from a park ranger, convinced he knows the park like the back of his hand. The decision, seemingly innocuous at first, sets the stage for the couple's predicament when they venture off-trail and find themselves hopelessly lost.
As the tension escalates, they realize they're not alone. They've wandered into the territory of an aggressive black bear, leading to a fight for survival against one of nature's most formidable predators.
Review compilation website Rotten Tomatoes gives "Backcountry" a high approval score of 92%, derived from 50 reviews, with an average rating of 7 out of 10. The consensus highlights the movie's tension, commendable performances, atmospheric mood, and brutal impact, lauding it as a notably confident debut from writer-director Adam MacDonald. Meanwhile, on Metacritic, "Backcountry" earns a respectable weighted average score of 62 out of 100, based on the evaluations of 5 critics, suggesting that the film generally received positive reviews.
"Backcountry" skillfully blends beautiful cinematography with a primal survival story, making it a memorable entry in the survival horror genre. A unique fact about this movie is that it was shot in the actual wilderness instead of a set, which adds a layer of authenticity and intensifies the suspense, making the characters' fear palpable.
Backcountry Locations
"Backcountry," a gripping survival thriller, used the vast and diverse Canadian landscape as its backdrop. The film's production spanned multiple regions, providing an authentic and immersive setting that played a pivotal role in enhancing the narrative's intensity.
North Bay, Ontario, a charming city known for its breathtaking views of Lake Nipissing, provided the backdrop for most scenes. Its lush forests and serene water bodies are a perfect locale for the film's wilderness setting. Additional filming happened in Restoule Provincial Park, Ontario, another picturesque location brimming with natural beauty, and Squamish, British Columbia, renowned for its majestic mountains and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The film was also shot in Toronto and Vancouver, contrasting the wilderness with their urban landscapes. Interestingly, parts of the movie were filmed in Caddy Lake, Manitoba, adding diversity to the locations used in the film.
Visiting these filming locations could be an exciting experience, especially for fans. From exploring the pristine wilderness of North Bay and Restoule Provincial Park to experiencing the vibrant city life in Toronto and Vancouver, a trip encompassing these locations would be worthwhile.
Alex and Jenny go to the park scene in Backcountry
Restoule Provincial Park, 8818 ON-534, Restoule, ON P0H 2R0, Canada
Alex (Jeff Roop) and his girlfriend Jenny (Missy Peregrym) reach a provincial park for a weekend camping trip, aiming to traverse a trail he used to adore during his youth. Ignoring the park ranger's offer of a map, Alex asserts his familiarity with the park, confident in his knowledge of the terrain.
Restoule Provincial Park, situated in Ontario, is a hidden treasure that offers the perfect blend of backcountry camping and breathtaking fall foliage. The park boasts three enchanting hiking trails and diverse wildlife, including coyotes, bears, wolves, otters, moose, pine martens, and one of Ontario's most remarkable white-tailed deer herds. From the mesmerizing views atop a 100m bluff to the serene sandy beaches, visitors can indulge in nature's beauty. Renowned for its picturesque and secluded ambiance, Restoule ensures an ideal family-friendly getaway with spacious sites that guarantee utmost privacy.
Travel along Ontario's Highway 11 to exit at North Bay. Continue on Highway 534, and you'll arrive at the park's entrance in approximately an hour. Follow the signs to reach the park's idyllic backcountry and campgrounds, steeped in natural wilderness and beauty.
Conclusion
"Backcountry," a chilling survival thriller, masterfully used diverse and expansive Canadian landscapes to ground its intense narrative. Predominantly filmed in North Bay, Ontario, the film captures the city's captivating views of Lake Nipissing and its surrounding dense forests. Restoule Provincial Park, another stunning location with natural beauty, provided the backdrop for other scenes. The film also touched urban landscapes, with parts of it shot in Toronto and Vancouver. Furthermore, Caddy Lake, Manitoba, added a unique touch to the film's locations.
The authenticity of these locations significantly contributed to the film's atmospheric tension and brutal impact. Visiting these filming locales would offer fans an exciting experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness and vibrant city life showcased in the film. The varied filming locations of "Backcountry" enhanced its narrative, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.