A Cross-Canada Guide to Famous Rural Locations Featured in Major Films and Television Series
Canada’s rural communities have long been Hollywood’s secret weapon. From horror blockbusters and award-winning television dramas to family favourites and streaming hits, small towns, historic villages, covered bridges, ranches, and coastal fishing communities have appeared in hundreds of productions viewed by millions around the world.
What many viewers don’t realize is that some of the most recognizable scenes in film and television were shot not in major cities, but in rural Canada.
This guide explores some of Canada’s most famous rural filming locations and the movies and television series that have used them.
ONTARIO
West Montrose Covered Bridge (The Kissing Bridge)
West Montrose, Ontario
Built in 1881, the West Montrose Covered Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in Ontario and one of the province’s most photographed historic structures.
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- IT (2017)
- In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
Television
- Various documentaries and tourism features
Why Filmmakers Choose It
- Authentic 19th-century appearance
- Scenic Grand River setting
- Rural Mennonite countryside
- Historic architecture difficult to replicate
Elora Gorge and Elora Quarry
Elora, Ontario
The dramatic limestone cliffs of Elora Gorge and the famous quarry have made the community a favourite filming destination for decades.
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- IT (2017)
- Angel Eyes (2001)
- Dead Silence (2007)
- Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
- Mrs. Soffel (1984)
Television
- Various Hallmark productions
- Documentary programs
Why It Works
- Natural cliffs and river valleys
- Historic downtown
- Small-town atmosphere
- Easily adaptable to multiple settings
Goodwood
Durham Region, Ontario
Goodwood became internationally famous through one television series.
Productions Filmed Here
Television
- Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)
Notable Locations
- Rosebud Motel exterior
- Town streets
- Local businesses
Tourism Impact
Thousands of fans visit annually from around the world.
St. Jacobs and Mennonite Country
Waterloo Region, Ontario
One of Canada’s most unique rural landscapes.
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- Cold Creek Manor (2003)
- Numerous independent productions
Television
- Hallmark Christmas movies
- CBC documentaries
- Agricultural documentaries
- Tourism features
Why It’s Popular
- Horse-drawn buggies
- Historic farms
- Covered bridges
- Authentic rural atmosphere
Prince Edward County
Eastern Ontario
Known for wineries, beaches, and historic villages.
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- The Vow (2012)
- Away from Her (2006)
- Independent Canadian productions
Television
- Hallmark productions
- Lifestyle television programs
- Food Network productions
Spencer Gorge Conservation Area
Hamilton Area, Ontario
Home to Webster’s Falls and Tew’s Falls.
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- The Shape of Water (2017)
- Crimson Peak (2015)
Television
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Murdoch Mysteries
- American Gods
- Titans
Dundurn Castle
Hamilton, Ontario
A favourite for period productions.
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- X-Men (2000)
- Cinderella Man (2005)
Television
- Murdoch Mysteries
- The Umbrella Academy
- Reign
- Anne with an E
Blue Water Bridge
Point Edward, Ontario
Connecting Canada and the United States across the St. Clair River.
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- Bless the Child (2000)
Television
- News documentaries
- Border security documentaries
Why It’s Memorable
Its international border setting provides dramatic visual impact rarely available elsewhere.
ALBERTA
High River
Foothills of Alberta
Perhaps Canada’s most famous television filming location.
Productions Filmed Here
Television
- Heartland (2007–Present)
Movies
- Various made-for-television productions
Attractions
- Maggie’s Diner
- Heartland ranch locations
- Downtown filming sites
Millarville
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- Brokeback Mountain (2005)
- Unforgiven (1992)
Television
- Western-themed productions
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Productions Filmed Here
Television
- CBC historical documentaries
- Heritage productions
Movies
- Western recreations
- Historical films
Waterton Lakes National Park
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- Brokeback Mountain (2005)
- Nature documentaries
Television
- National Geographic productions
- CBC documentaries
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Steveston
Richmond, British Columbia
One of Canada’s busiest filming communities.
Productions Filmed Here
Television
- Once Upon a Time
- The X-Files
- Supernatural
- The Flash
- Riverdale
Movies
- Numerous Hallmark productions
Fort Langley
Productions Filmed Here
Television
- When Calls the Heart
- Hallmark productions
Movies
- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
- Numerous Christmas movies
Britannia Mine Museum
Productions Filmed Here
Television
- The X-Files
- MacGyver
Movies
- Fantastic Four (2005)
- Science fiction productions
Squamish
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
- Walking Tall
- Shooter
Television
- Virgin River
- The Last of Us
- Maid
Hope
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- First Blood (1982)
- Rambo: First Blood
Television
- Adventure productions
- Documentary features
NOVA SCOTIA
Lunenburg
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- The Shipping News (2001)
- Dolores Claiborne (1995)
Television
- Haven
- Maritime documentaries
Peggy’s Cove
Productions Filmed Here
Television
- Travel programs
- Documentary series
Movies
- Independent productions
- Tourism campaigns
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Trinity
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- The Grand Seduction (2013)
Television
- Hudson & Rex
- Documentary productions
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- Maudie (2016)
Television
- Historical documentaries
- Tourism productions
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Cavendish
Productions Filmed Here
Television
- Road to Avonlea
- Anne of Green Gables
- Anne with an E
Movies
- Various Anne adaptations
Why Visitors Come
The area remains one of Canada’s most successful literary and film tourism destinations.
QUEBEC
North Hatley
Productions Filmed Here
Television
- Hallmark productions
- Romantic dramas
Movies
- Independent Canadian films
Kamouraska
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- Kamouraska (1973)
- Historical Quebec productions
Television
- French-language dramas
Eastern Townships
Productions Filmed Here
Movies
- The Covenant
- Secret Window
Television
- Hallmark productions
- CBC productions
Canada’s Rural Film Legacy
Collectively, these rural communities have appeared in:
Major Hollywood Films
- IT
- The Shape of Water
- Crimson Peak
- Brokeback Mountain
- Bless the Child
- First Blood
- Fantastic Four
- Dolores Claiborne
- The Shipping News
- The Vow
Popular Television Series
- Heartland
- Schitt’s Creek
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Murdoch Mysteries
- Anne with an E
- Road to Avonlea
- Once Upon a Time
- The X-Files
- Virgin River
- Supernatural
- The Last of Us
Final Thoughts
From the historic West Montrose Covered Bridge featured in IT to Alberta’s ranch country showcased in Heartland, rural Canada has become one of the world’s most versatile filming destinations. These locations have doubled for small-town America, historical Europe, remote wilderness, and fictional worlds, all while preserving their authentic Canadian character.
For film buffs, history enthusiasts, and road-trippers alike, these communities offer a unique opportunity to walk through real locations that have helped shape some of the most beloved movies and television shows of the past four decades.
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