Many people think of Hollywood when they think of films, but did you know that Canada has an extensive history in the world of film as well? The picturesque country offers a variety of shot locations from historical buildings to beautiful nature scenery. As such, it should be no surprise that some of the most memorable films have been shot at historic locations across Canada, and we’ll be exploring some of the most notable today.
Catch Me If You Can (2002) – Place Royale, Québec City, QC
This film is based on the true story of former imposter Frank Abagnale, and the scene in Catch Me If You Can where Frank is arrested by the police for the first time was filmed in the historic Place Royale, a neighbourhood in Quebec City. In the film’s story, the scene takes place in the town of Montpellier, France. However, Place Royale was chosen as a convenient substitute as its historic neighbourhoods have that European flare. The scene also features the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church.
Silent Hill (2006) – Historic Downtown of Brantford, ON
Believe it or not, the historic downtown of Brantford, Ontario was used as the setting for the chilling horror film Silent Hill. Those familiar with the city may be able to recognize some street corners in the movie, despite the foggy air poisoned with falling ash. In the story, the town of Silent Hill was abandoned 30 years ago due to an underground coal mine fire that has continued to burn ever since. What’s eerier is the story is inspired by a real place called Centralia, PA, where a mine fire has been burning underneath the town since the 60s. But if you were to visit the city of Brantford today, you may not be able to find some of these storefronts after a demolition took place in 2010, tearing down several buildings on the main street.
Chicago (2002) – Casa Loma (Oak Room), Toronto, ON
You may have noticed the exterior of Casa Loma in movies such as X-Men, but in Chicago, the interior was finally given some love. This Gothic Revival style house’s Oak Room starred as celeb lawyer Billy Flynn’s office. It’s been a popular backdrop for movies, also appearing in Strange Brew, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and more.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010) – Gastown District, Vancouver, BC
The opening scene of the third installment of the popular Twilight Saga series was filmed in Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, Gastown. What was once just a tavern built back in 1867, Gastown grew to feature multiple Victorian houses and is now considered a very trendy neighbourhood. Its narrow streets can be viewed as a Twilight character runs epically through the rain.
Crimson Peak (2015) – Dundurn Castle, Hamilton, ON
Canadian director Guillermo del Toro chose a lot of Canadian sites as filming locations for his Gothic Period romance movie, Crimson Peak. The outdoor scene was shot at Dundurn Castle, a Canadian National Historic Site. This Italianate-styled villa was built during the 1830s. Other set locations were shot at the University of Toronto’s Victoria College building and Hamilton’s Scottish Rite Club.