Edmonton has become a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. Its unique cityscapes, historic architecture, and welcoming atmosphere attract filmmakers from around the world. The city has hosted a variety of productions, ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to independent films.
In this article, we explore some of the most notable films and TV shows shot in Edmonton. More on edmonton-trend.
The Last of Us
The Last of Us is an American post-apocalyptic TV series based on the popular video game of the same name. The story follows a smuggler named Joel as he journeys across a devastated America with a teenage girl named Ellie.
Premiering in January 2023, the series received high praise from both critics and audiences. Viewers appreciated the acting, storytelling, and music, calling it one of the best video game adaptations ever made. The show stars Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and Anna Torv.
The location scouting was led by Jason Nolan, who began his work in 2021. A team of 115 crew members selected over 180 filming locations across Alberta.
Filming began in Calgary, followed by High River, where the production company paid the town $100,000 for permission to shoot and compensated $15,000 for the removal of three trees in the area.
By October 2021, filming moved to downtown Edmonton, particularly in Rice Howard Way. The location was transformed into a post-apocalyptic Boston, featuring a large crater and a green screen for CGI enhancements. Local businesses cooperated with the production—one restaurant was converted into a destroyed salon, while another allowed a stunt actor to crash through its window.
Additionally, scenes were filmed at the Alberta Legislature Building, which was decorated with overgrown plants to match the show’s aesthetic. The production company spent approximately $372,000 in Edmonton over four days of filming. Other Alberta locations included various highways northeast of Calgary.
Snow Dogs
Snow Dogs is an American comedy film released in 2002, following a Miami-based dentist, Ted Brooks, who inherits a team of sled dogs from a woman named Lucy, whom he later learns is his biological mother.
The movie was loosely inspired by Gary Paulsen’s novel “Winterdance”, though the film focuses more on comedy rather than the novel’s themes of survival and self-discovery.
A fictional town called Talkeetna was built near Edmonton to serve as the movie’s primary setting. The buildings were designed in multiple Alaskan architectural styles, and the main street was positioned to capture a stunning snow-covered mountain backdrop.
Many scenes were filmed on frozen lakes and rocky terrains, providing harsh weather conditions for the Los Angeles-based crew. The extreme cold and fog made speaking difficult, and the production team worried about actors suffering from frostbite. Despite the authentic winter atmosphere, some scenes were cut due to the challenging conditions.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
This 2007 American epic Western, directed by Andrew Dominik, depicts the complex relationship between outlaw Jesse James and Robert Ford, culminating in James’s assassination. The film stars Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck.
Filming began in 2005 in various Canadian cities, including Calgary, Edmonton, Canmore, and Winnipeg.
One of the most famous scenes was shot at Fort Edmonton Park, where Jesse James waits in the dark for a train to rob. The cinematographer used creative lighting techniques to enhance the train’s presence in the pitch-black night, creating one of the film’s most visually striking sequences.
The film received critical acclaim, particularly for its cinematography and artistic direction. It earned two Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actor (Casey Affleck) and Best Cinematography (Roger Deakins). Brad Pitt also won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.
Empire Magazine ranked it 396th in its “500 Greatest Films of All Time”, making it a must-watch Western—even though it was filmed far from Texas.
Fast Company
Fast Company is a 1979 Canadian action film about drag racing and the politics of the motorsports industry. The movie’s final showdown takes place in Edmonton, with the city’s race track serving as a backdrop for high-stakes drama.
Filming took place from July 21 to August 29, 1978, with a budget of $850,000 USD, though production eventually cost $1.2 million. An additional $200,000 was funded by the Canadian Film Development Corporation.
The film starred Claudia Jennings, who tragically died in a car accident seven months after its release.
In May 1979, Fast Company was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, followed by a premiere in Edmonton. The movie received positive reviews and remains a classic in Canadian action cinema.
Apple’s “Misunderstood” Commercial
Apple’s “Misunderstood” was a short commercial that felt like a mini-film. The ad showcased the magic of the iPhone, portraying a seemingly disconnected teenager absorbed in his phone—until he surprises his family with a heartwarming video montage of their holiday moments, all shot on his iPhone.
The ad sparked mixed reactions. Some viewers criticized Apple for promoting a digital-first lifestyle, while others appreciated the emotional message about capturing cherished moments. The commercial won an Emmy Award.
Although official details about the filming location remain undisclosed, reports suggest the ad was shot in the Highlands neighborhood of Edmonton.
Metallica: Through the Never
Released in 2013, Metallica: Through the Never blends a fictional narrative with live concert footage from shows in Vancouver and Edmonton.
The film follows a roadie named Trip, whose surreal journey is interwoven with Metallica’s electrifying performances. The film features no dialogue, relying on music and visuals to tell its story.
While it received positive reviews, the film underperformed financially, earning $31.9 million against a $32 million budget. Despite this, it remains a cult favorite among Metallica fans.
The Edge
The Edge is a 1997 survival thriller directed by Lee Tamahori, starring Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin. The story follows a wealthy businessman, a photographer, and an assistant who struggle to survive after their plane crashes in the Alaskan wilderness.
One of the film’s highlights is its famous trained Kodiak bear, which played a major role in the movie. Alec Baldwin was amazed by the bear’s obedience, initially concerned that it was too tame for the film’s dramatic intensity.
Filming locations included Banff National Park, Canmore, and Edmonton, with additional scenes shot in Yoho National Park and Golden, British Columbia.
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