We skipped last week’s “Travel Inspiration” due to Dark Knight and Mamma Mia fatigue. They both have excellent locations which we have discussed in previous posts but we just couldn’t think about either film for one more minute. Yes, we know Heath Ledger was brilliant as The Joker and the stage version of Mamma Mia cheered up Meryl’s daughter after 911, we got it!
So moving right along, in theaters this week is X Files: I Want to Believe which was filmed in Vancouver as was the original TV series. And we all know Vancouver is Hollywood North, home to dozens of movies and TV shows includingJuno, Smallville, Psych, Supernatural, John Tucker Must Die, Stargate, Battlestar Galactica, Deck the Halls, even the highly anticipated Watchmen.
There are several factors that contribute to the amount of filming taking place in Vancouver, it is cheaper to film in Canada, that is probably reason number 1 but they also have a variety of studios and on location crews that help to.
All of these movie sets make Vancouver an excellent place for star searching. Wikipedia features a guide to common filming locations that are still be used for various movies or TV shows making all of theses locations good stalking ground.
Vancouver is located in British Columbia about 2 hours north of Seattle. It offers breathtaking scenery, an array of outdoor activities, and big city amenities making it a perfect vacation destination, even if you aren’t seeking celebrities.
One of the city’s top locations, Stanley Park, is located close to downtown Vancouver and is considered one of the best parks in the world. There’s a golf course, tennis courts, and a rowing club. I hate to say this, but it makes Central Park look pretty lame.
North Vancouver parks give Stanley a run for its money by offering swimming, boating and hiking. Lynn Canyon Park is a must see in North Vancouver with its waterfalls, a suspension bridge that everyone raves about, and an ecology center.
If you looking for a cityscape, look no further than Granville Island, a small community on an island in the middle of the bigger city. This once industrial area is now home to boutiques, restaurants, walking tours, and has a great history.
For more about Vancouver, see these guides: