Release Date: October 6, 2026
When film aficionados and television professionals talk about the work they’ve done in the upcoming book Shot in Vancouver, published by Arsenal Pulp Press, it’s safe to say the entertainment industry is booming. Over time, even viewers have learned to recognize certain city landmarks, the backdrop of the Rockies and the foundations supporting the SkyTrain.
That’s because similar architecture is used throughout the world to keep those rails moving. Technically, there are more than just these telltale signs when one starts exploring the region. Whether filming takes place near Steveston in Richmond, Surrey or even Abbotsford, the diversity is enormous. That’s why filming in the Lower Mainland is not only lucrative, but also tells a story of its own.
When The X-Files and Stargate SG-1 helped cement Terminal City’s status, it became easy to understand why this location is special. No, we’re not talking about tax incentives, but rather how quickly the scenery can change. Whether Stanley Park is standing in for a vast forest or one particular lake is stealing the spotlight, these locations have become easy to recognize.
As for Smallville, it’s easy to be reminded of the series while taking the bus or driving from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal to downtown Vancouver. This show isn’t discussed as frequently as the others, but these are the big three that helped define what makes the region special.
For a new generation, the era that cemented Vancouver as Starling City or Central City through the Arrowverse says it all. Supernatural is different. It borrows from The X-Files, and whether that connection will be made depends on what author Sam Wiebe explores in Shot in Vancouver: Adventures in Hollywood North.
I also remember bits and pieces that don’t always make the “official” lists. The revival of The Twilight Zone featured Vancouver-area location shots, and many a television production explored regions beyond the metropolis. That’s because over the strait, Vancouver Island became home to a few series, and the massive forests, well, they became The Planet of the Apes and (of course) Sonic the Hedgehog. These particular name-drops are important for modern films, but in the past, there were not as many that can lay claim as special.
Poltergeist: The Legacy always stands out to me because of how closely tied it feels to the broader BC production ecosystem. That includes Vancouver Island connections and the regional network that made these shows possible in the first place. While I can guess which productions will be mentioned, I hope the author will explore the quieter connections that only some of us longtime residents from Vancouver Island know. Hatley Castle in Victoria, BC is often used, and yes, X2: X-Men United was the talk of the town when Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart were here to get the feel of the history this building offered before the sets were rebuilt for the special-effects work required by such a blockbuster film. Even Deadpool had to acknowledge this legacy!
In town, there’s Craigdarroch Castle and I have to wonder if this edifice will be mentioned too. Although Little Women (1994) and The Boy (2016) were not huge hits, they did use this location for some scenes. Although the release of this book is a few months away, I can’t wait to see if what Wiebe wrote matches what I recall from watching the film scene evolve in Victoria, BC since the 80s.
I’m sure there’s much more to discover. And just how far back and just what additional regions get a side note or side bar is worth investigating. After all, this entire region is known as Hollywood North for a reason!
Anyone wanting to know more about Shot in Vancouver can preorder it now through Amazon USA or their favourite bookseller.
