How long does it take to walk through Downtown Vancouver's film sets?

The walk typically takes between 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace. The distance is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), with plenty of time factored in to admire the architecture and take photos at each stop.

Is it worth visiting the Vancouver Public Library if I'm not a student?

Yes, it is absolutely worth it for the architecture alone. The building's resemblance to the Roman Colosseum makes it a unique landmark and a top-tier photography spot, regardless of whether you intend to use the library services.

Can I see where Deadpool was filmed in Vancouver?

Yes, several scenes from Deadpool were filmed in the areas surrounding this route, particularly near the viaducts and the Georgia Street corridor. While this walk focuses on specific buildings, the general Downtown area is the heart of the movie's urban action sequences.

Are these film locations free to visit?

Viewing the exteriors of all these locations is completely free. Most of the cinematic magic happens on the facades and in the public plazas, making this a very budget-friendly way to explore the city.

What is the best time of day for this walking route?

Late afternoon is ideal as the 'golden hour' light hits the Art Deco details of the Marine Building and the stone of the Art Gallery beautifully. It also allows you to see the neon lights of the Granville Entertainment District begin to glow.

Is a guided tour Vancouver style necessary to see these spots?

While some prefer a group setting, a self-guided audio walk offers the flexibility to linger at your favorite film sets or skip ahead. You can explore at your own pace without being tied to a group's schedule.

Is the route accessible for people with mobility issues?

Yes, the Downtown core is designed with accessibility in mind. The route follows standard city sidewalks with curb cuts, and all the major landmarks are visible from public, level ground.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Vancouver is famously known as 'Hollywood North,' a city that has doubled for New York, Chicago, and even futuristic worlds in countless blockbusters and television series. This self-guided walk through the Downtown core reveals the cinematic secrets hidden behind the city's most iconic facades. Instead of following a rigid schedule, this walking route allows you to discover the streets where superheroes fought villains and where period dramas came to life, all at your own pace. The journey begins in the historic Victory Square and winds through the architectural marvels of the central business district. You will encounter the Colosseum-inspired Vancouver Public Library, which has served as a backdrop for sci-fi epics, and the Neo-classical Vancouver Art Gallery, a favorite for legal dramas and action sequences. As you stroll, you'll see how the city blends heritage architecture with modern steel, creating a versatile canvas for filmmakers. This neighborhood stroll is more than just a list of film sets; it is an exploration of Vancouver's vibrant art and nightlife scenes. You will pass legendary venues like the Orpheum and the Commodore Ballroom, which have hosted both global superstars and major film crews. The route concludes at the Marine Building, an Art Deco masterpiece that is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Whether you are a film buff or an architecture enthusiast, this walking tour Vancouver experience offers a unique perspective on the city's urban landscape. Explore independently and see the city through a director's lens, finding the magic in the everyday streets of Downtown Vancouver. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Explore the 'Colosseum' of Vancouver at the Central Library

See the Art Deco masterpiece known as the Marine Building

Visit Victory Square, a frequent backdrop for period-piece films

Walk past the Orpheum and Commodore, icons of Vancouver nightlife

Discover the Neo-classical grandeur of the Vancouver Art Gallery

Identify locations from hits like Smallville, Deadpool, and The Flash

Tour Stops (6)

Victory Square

Welcome to Victory Square, a site that serves as both a solemn memorial and a versatile filming location. The cenotaph here, unveiled in 1924, is the focal point of the park. Because of its preserved early-20th-century feel and the surrounding heritage buildings, directors often use this space to represent older versions of New York or London. You might recognize these streets from period dramas or gritty crime series. The sloping geography of the square provides unique camera angles that filmmakers love. As you stand here, imagine the film crews that have transformed this quiet park into a bustling 1940s streetscape or a dystopian meeting point. It is the perfect starting point to understand how Vancouver disguises itself for the silver screen.

Vancouver Public Library - Central Library

This striking building, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, is often mistaken by visitors for a Roman ruin, but to sci-fi fans, it is a gateway to other worlds. The Vancouver Public Library's Central branch, with its distinctive elliptical colonnade, has appeared in 'Battlestar Galactica,' 'The Flash,' and the film 'The Interview.' Its vast glass-walled concourse and dramatic concrete arches offer a futuristic aesthetic that requires very little set dressing. While the interior is a temple of knowledge, the exterior is a playground for location scouts. Note that the library's appearance can change slightly with temporary art installations or public events, so it always offers a fresh perspective for photographers.

Orpheum

The Orpheum is one of North America's finest examples of a 'movie palace.' Opened in 1927, its opulent interior—complete with a massive crystal chandelier and gold-leaf ceilings—has made it a prime location for films requiring a sense of grandeur. While it is a premier concert venue for Vancouver's nightlife, it has also stood in for opera houses and theaters in various films and TV shows. Because it is a working theater, the marquee outside often changes to reflect current performances. Even from the sidewalk, you can appreciate the Spanish Renaissance style that makes this building a crown jewel of the Granville Entertainment District and a favorite for cinematographers capturing the city's artistic soul.

Commodore Ballroom

Just down the street lies the Commodore Ballroom, an Art Deco legend. Since 1929, this venue has been the heart of Vancouver’s music scene, featuring a famous 'sprung' dance floor that absorbs the energy of the crowd. In the world of film, the Commodore's sleek lines and vintage atmosphere have provided the setting for nightclub scenes in numerous productions. It represents the gritty, vibrant side of Vancouver's nightlife. Keep in mind that as a popular venue, the entrance may be crowded during show nights, but the building's facade remains a constant reminder of the city's jazz-age history and its ongoing role as a cultural hub for both live performance and film.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Standing before the Vancouver Art Gallery, you are looking at a former provincial courthouse built in 1906. This Neo-classical giant, with its massive stone columns and lion statues, is perhaps the most filmed building in British Columbia. It has played the role of a museum, a government building, and a courthouse in projects ranging from 'X-Men' to 'Arrow.' The North Plaza is a frequent site for public protests and art festivals, making it a dynamic part of the city's social fabric. Because it hosts rotating exhibitions, the banners and installations around the gallery change frequently, adding a layer of contemporary art to this historic site's cinematic resume.

Marine Building

The Marine Building is the grand finale of our walk. When it opened in 1930, it was the tallest building in the British Empire. Its intricate Art Deco details—depicting marine life, seaplanes, and explorers—are so stunning that it famously served as the 'Daily Planet' headquarters in the 'Smallville' television series. The brass-heavy lobby is a masterpiece of design, often used to depict the high-stakes world of 1930s business or fictional superhero cities. It is a testament to the era's optimism and remains one of the most photographed spots in the city. As you look up at the terracotta fins and ornate carvings, you're seeing the peak of Vancouver's architectural and cinematic heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Downtown Film Locations route is widely considered the best for film fans because it covers iconic spots like the Marine Building and the Vancouver Art Gallery. These locations have appeared in hundreds of productions, making it a dense and rewarding walk for cinema enthusiasts.