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Wayward Pines movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Wayward Pines filmed?

2015

City Locations

Coquitlam, Agassiz, British Columbia (Canada)

Location Types

House, Storefront, Riverside

Location Styles

Colonial, Craftsman, Dilapidated/Neglected, Modern Building

About Wayward Pines

Immerse yourself in the thrilling realm of the mystery science fiction series Wayward Pines. Based on the novels by Blake Crouch, this captivating series was skilfully adapted for television by Chad Hodge, with the pilot episode directed by acclaimed director M. Night Shyamalan, who also served as an executive producer. The show aired from 2015 to 2016, with its episodes airing on Fox.

The narrative is intriguingly layered, starting with the adventure of U.S. Secret Service agent Ethan Burke, portrayed by Matt Dillon, on a dangerous mission to find two missing colleagues. His investigation leads him to the enigmatic town of Wayward Pines, Idaho, where he is trapped, unable to communicate beyond the borders or escape due to strict rules enforced by the intimidating Sheriff Arnold Pope, played by Terrence Howard. The plot thickens in the second season with the introduction of Dr. Theo Yedlin, portrayed by Jason Patric, who gets entangled in a power struggle in the aftermath of the first season's events.

The series, which also stars Carla Gugino as Kate Hewson and Toby Jones as David Pilcher, has received glowing reviews from critics. Wayward Pines holds an impressive 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 77 reviews. The consensus speaks volumes about its intense appeal, stating that it's "creepy and strange in the best way possible." It received nominations for many prestigious awards, including the Saturn and Leo Awards.

Enduring beyond its cancellation in 2018, Wayward Pines continues to enthrall its fans with its intricate narrative and memorable characters, proof of its remarkable storytelling, and the suspenseful atmosphere it carefully crafted during its run.

Wayward Pines Locations

The breathtaking British Columbia landscape provided the production backdrop for Wayward Pines, even though it unfolds in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. The film and television industry's beloved city, Vancouver's sea and mountain surrounds, is a dramatic backdrop for many scenes. Nicknamed "Hollywood North," the west coast city of Canada is a natural wonder that doubles as a film set.

Most scenes came to life in Coquitlam, situated an hour east of Vancouver, showcasing the quintessential residential area of Wayward Pines with its charming white picket fences. Burnaby, which lies halfway between Coquitlam and Vancouver, housed the sound stages and most interiors, lending an authentic feel to the series.

However, the real gem was Agassiz, a small British Columbia town chosen to portray the seemingly idyllic yet secluded setting of Wayward Pines, encapsulated by mountains. Nestled two hours east of Vancouver, Agassiz's main street, Pioneer Avenue, transformed the series, with the production team adding a new fake side of store facades while maintaining harmony with the existing shop owners.

A trip to these locations would be an enriching experience for fans of the series and nature lovers alike. The journey promises an exploration of the filming sites and an immersion in the spectacular natural beauty of British Columbia. From the bustling cityscape of Vancouver to the serene residential charm of Coquitlam and the quaint allure of Agassiz, each location offers a unique slice of Canadian life and landscape.

Ethan Burke awakens from a car accident scene in Wayward Pines

Pioneer Ave, Agassiz, BC, Canada

The pilot episode begins with a gripping scene where U.S. Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon) wakes up from a car crash on the outskirts of the enigmatic town of Wayward Pines, Idaho. Disoriented and injured, he stumbles into town and collapses in a coffee shop, his mind swirling with recollections of his mission to find missing agents Kate Hewson (Carla Gugino) and Bill Evans.

Agassiz, British Columbia, was the backdrop for the eerie yet captivating pilot episode. The production team masterfully transformed the main street, Pioneer Avenue, into the timeless town of Wayward Pines. They added new facades to existing stores, creating a vintage-style setting reminiscent of Edward Hopper’s iconic 1942 painting, Nighthawks, and the work of artist Norman Rockwell.

However, while Agassiz's natural beauty is undeniable, the snow-capped peaks seen in the series are the work of post-production magic. The visual effects team created these majestic mountain ranges to enhance the dramatic, isolated setting of Wayward Pines, adding to its allure and mystery.

Getting to Agassiz is relatively straightforward. If coming from Vancouver, take BC-1 E and BC-9 N to Agassiz. Once there, you can stroll down Pioneer Avenue and experience the charming yet uncanny atmosphere depicted in Wayward Pines.

Dr. Pilcher shared with Ethan the town's secret scene in Wayward Pines

Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada

Episode six, "Choices," is a turning point in the narrative, revealing the backstory and giving viewers a deeper understanding of the town's mysterious nature. Dr. Pilcher (Toby Jones) takes Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon) to the secret control center, unveiling the shocking history of Wayward Pines. Pilcher explains how he discovered a mutant gene in the 1990s that predicted the emergence of the Abbies.

Pilcher discusses stumbling on a mutant gene in the ‘90s, which predicted the emergence of the Abbies. Despite being shunned by the scientific community, he managed to recruit volunteers for his project, although most participants were abducted.

Coquitlam, an hour east of Vancouver, is where this scene and much of the production came to life. This location is known for its quintessential residential area, with charming white picket fences reminiscent of Wayward Pines. Coquitlam is a vibrant city at nature’s doorstep, offering outdoor adventures such as hiking, trail running, biking, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy a rich heritage and diverse community with a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Coquitlam is conveniently accessible due to its central location in Metro Vancouver. Whether you prefer driving or public transportation, reaching Coquitlam is a breeze. One of the easiest ways to get there is by taking the new Evergreen SkyTrain Extension from Vancouver.

The Burke house scene in Wayward Pines

1496 Marguerite St, Coquitlam, BC V3E 0C3, Canada

Ben (Charlie Tahan) and Theresa (Shannyn Sossamon) are checking the fridge when Ethan (Matt Dillon) surprises them from behind at the Burke family's new home. A warm, comforting hug marks the family reunion. Ethan then asks Ben to step outside to talk privately with Theresa. Outside, a kid on his bike greets Ben by his full name as Ethan advises him to stay close to the house and look after his mother. This scene showcases the familial bonds and the undercurrent of unease that defines their existence in Wayward Pines (season 1, episode 3).

This scene was filmed at 1496 Marguerite Street in Coquitlam, British Columbia. This location is the series's exterior of the Burke family's house. It's important to note that this house is privately owned and not for sale, meaning interior access for fans is prohibited. Visitors should respect private property and limit their observations to the exterior. Nearby, you'll find Marguerite Park, a location that encapsulates the atmosphere of the TV series and is certainly worth a visit.

To reach this location, travel to Coquitlam, an hour east of Vancouver. Take the Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E and Lougheed Highway/BC-7 E to Mariner Way in Coquitlam from Vancouver. Another option is to take the N9 bus from Vancouver and then transfer to Coquitlam Central Station to catch the 188 bus.

Theresa finds Adam Hassler’s video scene in Wayward Pines

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

In the ninth episode, "A Reckoning," a crucial turning point emerges. Spurred by the conflicted Pam (Melissa Leo), Theresa (Shannyn Sossamon) explores the complex tunnel network beneath Plot #33. There, she unexpectedly finds a video message from Adam Hassler (Tim Griffin) filmed amidst the decay of San Francisco in the year 4020. This enlightening finding, which she discloses to Ethan (Matt Dillon) and Kate (Carla Gugino), unravels a mesmerizing segment of the mysterious backstory of Wayward Pines.

In the first season, many captivating interior scenes, including this gripping one, were filmed in Burnaby, British Columbia. Situated halfway between Coquitlam and Vancouver, Burnaby is a thriving city renowned for its scenic parks, family-friendly attractions, and abundant shopping opportunities. The construction of sound stages and most interior sets for Wayward Pines took place here, lending an authentic ambiance to the enigmatic backdrop of the series. Burnaby's renowned gems, such as Burnaby Mountain Park, Deer Lake Park, and the Burnaby Village Museum, make it a captivating destination for both avid fans of the show and casual visitors.

Making your way from downtown Vancouver to Burnaby is straightforward and fast. It's just a brief 15-minute journey on the SkyTrain, which provides a convenient linkage to diverse parts of the city through the Expo and Millennium lines. Drive into the intriguing attractions and picture yourself crossing into the realm of Wayward Pines.

4032 in Wayward Pines scenes in Wayward Pines

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

In the year 4032, Wayward Pines divides into two factions: the official leadership of Jason Higgins (Tom Stevens) and the First Generation, assisted by Megan Fisher (Hope Davis), who strive to preserve Pilcher's (Toby Jones) original vision using any means necessary, and an underground rebel group led by Ben Burke (Charlie Tahan), opposing the authoritarian rule of the First Generation.

Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia, provided the backdrop for the second season. Vancouver is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and cosmopolitan adventurers. The city is surrounded by close to 30 kilometers of uninterrupted waterfront path, including the seawall around Stanley Park, offering a scenic route for exploration.

Fans of the show can start their journey from Vancouver by hiring a car to visit all the filming locations at once, immersing themselves in the world of Wayward Pines. Getting to Vancouver is relatively straightforward. Most travelers will fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which has direct flights from many global cities. Alternatively, you can take a scenic train ride from various Canadian and U.S. locations or drive through beautiful British Columbia.

Conclusion

Wayward Pines blends suspense, drama, and psychological thrill. Set in the fictional town of Wayward Pines, the series borrows elements from renowned works like Twin Peaks, Silent Hill, The Truman Show, The Village, Under the Dome, and The Prisoner. Yet, it weaves these influences into a unique narrative that stands on its own, especially from episode five onwards, when it starts verging on greatness.

British Columbia was the predominant setting, despite being set in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. Coquitlam and Burnaby were used to portray the picturesque residential area of Wayward Pines and the interiors. The breathtaking landscapes of these areas added a visually stunning dimension to the series, enhancing its appeal.

The performances by the cast members are commendable. Matt Dillon leads the pack with his captivating portrayal of a Secret Service agent. The series also sees stellar performances from Justin Kirk and Hope Davis, who bring their respective characters to life with conviction. The script, developed by Chad Hodge, successfully balances mystery and revelation, thus keeping the audience engrossed.

Wayward Pines stands out for its unique blend of various genres and inspirations. It demonstrates how different elements can be combined to create a new, engaging narrative. The series also showcases the scenic beauty of British Columbia, thus promoting it as a popular filming location.

It is worth watching, especially for mystery and science fiction fans. The series offers a compelling storyline, strong performances, and captivating visuals. However, viewers need to be patient through the initial episodes, as the series begins to shine from the fifth episode onwards.