Vancouver Island Emerges as Hollywood’s Hidden Gem for Film Tourism

These films (and more) showcase why Vancouver Island is becoming known as Hollywood North: its forests, beaches and towns can double for many locations around the globe, and the Island’s film-friendly communities welcome production crews.

A grand Edwardian “castle” built in 1908 (now part of Royal Roads University), Hatley Castle is one of Victoria’s most famous film backdrops. Its stately exterior served as Professor Xavier’s X-Mansion in the X-Men series and as the X-Men training school in Deadpool. Disney’s Descendants films and Netflix’s The Killing have also used its lawns and gardens. Today you can tour the castle interior and the Hatley Park Historic Gardens (by guided tour), and imagine the mutant students and superheroes that once roamed these halls.

This ornate Victorian mansion (built 1890s) is now a house-museum but has played lead roles onscreen. It doubled for an old English manor in the horror films The Boy and The Boy II, and even appeared in the classic drama Little Women (1994). Craigdarroch’s wood-paneled rooms and grand staircases give visitors a cinematic feel. Be sure to take the self-guided tour to enjoy its intricate woodwork and learn its history between movie references.

Narrow brick alley in Chinatown, billed as Canada’s narrowest street, Fan Tan Alley hosted a thrilling motorcycle chase in Bird on a Wire (1990). Today it’s lined with boutiques and cafes, but fans will recognize the setting. Stroll the alley to enjoy its unique atmosphere and imagine Goldie Hawn careening past on a Harley.

Canada’s oldest West Coast lighthouse (red-and-white Fisgard) stands guard at Fort Rodd Hill. Its rugged shoreline and historic batteries have appeared in films and TV: Watchtower (2001, with Tom Berenger) and TV series like Arrow and Van Helsing used Fisgard’s timeless setting. The park’s trails and the climb to the lighthouse offer panoramic ocean views and a glimpse of movie magic on the cliffs.

This quaint seaside village has doubled as an American town in many Hallmark films. For example, Oak Bay’s quaint streets became a New York island in Once Upon a Prince and a tropical getaway in Sailing Into Love. Visitors can recognize the English-style tea shops and waterfront parks from these feel-good movies. Stop at the White Heather Tea Room or local boutique shops—perhaps you’ll spot a familiar façade from a Hallmark romance!

Another waterfront town, Sidney masqueraded as Northern California’s Gracepoint in the 2014 TV series. Island View Beach and local shops became the Pacific Northwest setting of that crime drama. Today Sidney’s waterfront is peaceful and perfect for whale-watching or beach walks — keep an eye out for familiar sights from the show.

This sunny valley north of Victoria has hosted blockbusters. Ladysmith’s historic downtown became “Green Hills, Montana” for Sonic the Hedgehog (2020). The old Southern Railway of Vancouver Island trestles near Duncan and Goldstream Park were featured in Godzilla (2014) for a high-speed train chase. Nature lovers will enjoy wandering the Kinsol Trestle trail or the lakes and parks around Ladysmith while imagining Jim Carrey or Godzilla nearby.

Popular vacation towns with beaches and forests, these communities served as backdrops for the thriller Wrecked. The lush hills and rivers around Parksville (including Englishman River Falls) appear in the film. Visitors can explore Rathtrevor Beach Park or Little Mountain (Mount Arrowsmith) and feel a real-life connection to the movie’s setting.

Each of these locations operates as a working park or community: please follow on-site rules, respect local traffic, and carry out any litter. For example, Hatley Castle and Craigdarroch are museum sites with their own hours and tour fees, so plan your visit accordingly. The rugged beaches and forests (like those in Pacific Rim National Park or Fort Rodd Hill) require good hiking shoes and water.