The Best Locations for Filming in Vancouver

Vancouver wouldn’t be “Hollywood North” if it didn’t offer a bunch of great locations for filming and that is what we’ll discuss in this blog post. We have assembled a resource round-up of some of the best locations for filming in Vancouver.

This list is not comprehensive and if you feel we’re missing a location that should be added, feel free to contact us with the suggestion.

We’ll discuss, in no particular order:

1. Best larger studios for filming in Vancouver
2. Best smaller studios for filming in Vancouver
3. Best churches for filming in Vancouver
4. Best other locations for filming in Vancouver

Best larger studios for filming in Vancouver, BC

Vancouver Film Studios

URL: http://www.vancouverfilmstudios.com/

Vancouver Film Studios on 3500 Cornett Road (~15 minutes from downtown Van and ~25 minutes from the airport) has 12 purpose-built sound stages that have been designed to meet the needs of the most demanding film, television and commercial projects.

The sound stages feature acoustical insulation, 16×16 sound doors and tilt-up construction. There are also additional buildings on site for film-related needs: warehouses, mills, office space and a gym.

Notable production shot there: Bates Motel (TV series)

Ironwood, Fraserwood and Copperwood Studios

URL: https://ironwoodstudios.ca/

William F. White (WFW) has three film studio spaces in Vancouver:

• Ironwood is a 177,000 square-foot premium, 31’ clear height, full-service facility
• Fraserwood is a 119,000 square-foot premium, 25’ clear height, full-service facility
• Copperwood is a 106,000 square-foot premium, 31-foot clear height, full-service facility

Since 1963, WFW has equipped Canadian film and TV productions with the most comprehensive and technologically advanced rental inventory in the country.

Bridge Studios

URL: https://bridgestudios.com/

Bridge Studios is a 15-acre site that is ~30 minutes from the airport and ~15 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Film equipment, service and labour are all readily available in the immediate area.

Bridge Studios opened in 1987 and the facility includes 13 sound stages and a full complement of support and office space. 75,000 sq. ft. of wardrobe prop and shop space available in auxiliary buildings.

Notable production shot there: 50/50 (2011)

Martini Film Studios

URL: https://www.martinifilmstudios.com/

Martini Film Studios is located five minutes off the 200 St Highway 1 Exit, making it easily accessible from the airport, downtown Vancouver and the US border crossing. Martini has four studios and 10 sound stages; all studios are constructed of tilt-up concrete, with acoustical insulation.

Martini also offers wardrobe and office spaces to serve the growing needs of North American filmmakers and producers.

Notable production shot there: Snowpiercer (TV series)

Mammoth Studios and North Shore Studios

URL: https://nsstudios.ca/

Mammoth Studios, a subsidiary of North Shore studios, holds one of the largest film stages in the world at 123,883 square feet (11,509.1 square metres). Mammoth Studios has three stages, production offices and support space. Mammoth North includes two additional studios and production offices.

North Shore Studios has eight stages with the largest one being 20,544 square feet. North Shore also has production offices, support services and a zero waste/“Keep it Green” program.

Notable production shot there: Things We Lost in the Fire (2007)

Best smaller studios for filming in Vancouver, BC

Stage 6

URL: https://stage6.ca/

Stage 6 is a film studio located on 65 East 6th Ave, Vancouver, and is ideal for film, photography and everything in between.

The stage is 2800 sq. ft. and includes a truck height loading bay, on-site lighting, wardrobe rooms and a security system.

Notable production shot there: District 9 (2009)

Open Studios

URL: https://www.openstudios.ca/

The Open Studios shooting stage consists of a box office entrance way, large 30 x 35ft flex room, 500 sq. ft. mezzanine, wet bar/kitchen and a large office. Located in central Van, ~5 minutes from downtown.

Ideal for small to medium sized shoots and pick-up shots. There is also a partial loading bay and monitored alarm system with security cameras on site.

Farawayland Studios

URL: https://www.farawayland.ca/farawaylandstudios

Farawayland is a smaller studio of about 750 sq. ft., located in the Gastown neighbourhood of Vancouver. The studio has a shower, microwave, kitchen, high-speed internet and a projector.

This studio can accommodate film/video shoots with multiple camera angles and lighting against a plain backdrop, bricks or green screen.

Peacemaker Filmworks

URL: https://peacemakerfilmworks.com/studio/

Peacemaker Filmworks is an effects studio of 3300 sq. ft. This studio is ideal for commercials, features, series, photographic, special effects, stunts, second units/insert units, green screen work and more.

The studio is conveniently located in Burnaby, ~20 minutes from downtown Vancouver.

Notable production shot there: Deadpool (2016)

Pachamama Studio

URL: https://pachamamafilm.com/studio

“A natural light studio with a big heart.”

This 735 sq. ft. studio is also located in the Gastown neighbourhood of Vancouver. The space has been created to provide the film and photo community with a big open space to create art and community.

The studio is associated with the award-winning film production company, Pachamama.

Best churches for filming in Vancouver, BC

St Paul's Anglican Church

URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Paul's_Anglican_Church,_Vancouver

St Paul's Anglican Church on Jervis St in Vancouver is a beautiful space that includes on the floor of the parish hall a full-scale replica of the medieval labyrinth found at Chartres Cathedral in France. 

Various film and TV productions over the years have used this church for filming.

Notable production shot there: MacGyver episode "There But for the Grace" (1991)

St. John's Shaughnessy Church

URL: https://www.stjohnsshaughnessy.org/

St John’s Shaughnessy Anglican Church on Nanton Av. in Vancouver is a smaller church that can accommodate about 450 people. The church has been used for filming various film and TV productions.

This church contains some beautiful stained glass windows. Many of the windows are memorials to those who fought and died in World War II.

Notable production shot there: Brazen (2022)

Holy Rosary Cathedral

URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Rosary_Cathedral_(Vancouver)

Holy Rosary Cathedral is a late 19th-century French Gothic revival church located in downtown Vancouver on Richards St.

The cathedral contains an impressive pipe organ and some beautiful stained glass windows. This church is listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register and is a legally protected building.

Notable production shot there: Supergirl TV series (2015-21)

St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church

URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Andrew's_Wesley_Church

Quite a few movies and TV shows have been filmed at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church over the years. This Gothic Revival church opened in 1927. It is located in downtown Vancouver on Nelson St.

This church features a high vaulted nave, deep transepts, abundant light and the sanctuary has stunning stained glass windows in the French and English style.

Notable production shot there: Supernatural TV series (2005-20)

Unitarian Church of Vancouver

URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unitarian_Church_of_Vancouver

The Unitarian Church on W 49th Ave, Vancouver, has also been used for various film and TV productions over the years. This church was established in 1909, has many active groups and committees, and offers space to various organizations.

The church has two labyrinths on the property. One is a classical three-circuit square and the other a double-processional labyrinth in the garden on the west side.

Notable production shot there: Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist TV series (2020)

Best other locations for filming in Vancouver, BC

Murrayville Hall

URL: http://murrayvillehall.ca/film-production/

Murrayville Hall in Langley is a community memorial hall that can be used for various events, including film productions. The building is located on the unceded, traditional, ancestral territories of the Kwantlen, Matsqui, Katzie and Semiahmoo First Nations.

The hall measures 38’9” wide by 59′ long of useable space. The ceilings are domed shaped and are 16’ 4” high.

Contact Murrayville Hall to request their Front Row coupon code for $25 off event insurance and short-term production insurance.

Water St. Cafe

URL: http://www.waterstreetcafe.ca/

The Water St. Café has been used as a film set on various film and TV productions and it is easy to see why: its high windows allow in lots of natural light.

Located across from the steam clock in Gastown in the stone-clad heritage building, the Edward Hotel.

Notable production shot there: Love Hard (2021)

VanDusen Botanical Garden

URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VanDusen_Botanical_Garden

Established in 1975, VanDusen is a beautiful botanical garden in the Shaughnessy neighborhood of Vancouver. The garden has been used many times over the years for filming and photography.

Notable production shot there: Happy Gilmore (1996)

Vancouver Public Library

URL: https://www.vpl.ca/rentals/filming-at-the-library

Vancouver Public Library (VPL) welcomes TV and movie filming at the Central Branch as well as the 20 branches in the VPL system. The Central Branch is one of Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks.

Filming on exterior spaces is possible during the day but shooting inside the libraries can only be done when they are closed.

Notable production shot there: Battlestar Galactica (TV Series 2004–09)

Creative Community Space (Locationbase.ca)

URL: https://locationbase.ca/location/s121-creative-community-space-cultural-halls-and-clubs-studio-space/

Many filming locations are available to rent on Locationbase.ca, including this one, Creative Community Space, which is a fun non-profit artist space and venue. The space includes a gallery, kitchen and outdoor courtyard.

Contact Location Base to request their Front Row coupon code for $50 off short-term production insurance.

Get DigiGear Insurance | Short Shoot Insurance | Front Row Insurance

If you’re researching filming locations in Vancouver, chances are good that you’re a filmmaker or film producer; if that is the case, you’ll want to consider insuring your valuable filmmaking gear and film productions. Get a fast quote from Front Row Insurance and buy online:

• Short-Term Film Insurance (Canada): provides coverage for up to 15 consecutive days of shooting. The coverage is available online 24/7. Covers rented gear, rented locations, rented props, sets, wardrobes, and more. Quotes are free. The filming location/venue can be added as an additional insured.
• DigiGear Insurance (Canada): custom equipment insurance for owners of: cameras, sound and lighting gear working in the film/TV industry. Also available online. Quotes in 2 minutes. Policy available in 5 minutes. Shop from your phone.
• Event Insurance (Canada): if you’re holding a private event at one of the above venues, you can buy short-term event insurance online from Front Row.

Refer a Friend to Front Row

We’ve setup our referral marketing program and if you refer a friend to Front Row, you could win a $15 Amazon eGift Card OR be entered into a random draw to win a $99 Amazon eGift Card! (depending on your province) 

About: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment. Offices in: Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, NY, Nashville and LA.

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• Author: Grant Patten

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