Sci-Fi On Location: Real-World Settings from Your Favorite Films

12. Vancouver, Canada – Sci-Fi’s Secret City

Vancouver may not scream “sci-fi capital” at first glance, but this Canadian city has quietly become a central hub for the genre—especially on television. With its diverse cityscapes, lush nearby forests, and adaptable studio spaces, Vancouver has doubled for alien worlds, future Earths, and space colonies in a staggering number of shows, including The X-Files, Battlestar Galactica, Fringe, Stargate SG-1, and The 100. Its cost-effectiveness and proximity to LA make it a favorite for producers, but for fans, it’s a goldmine of recognizable filming locations. Take a stroll through Vancouver’s downtown or nearby Stanley Park, and you might recognize scenes from your favorite series. Tours are available that guide superfans to key sites, while local conventions keep the sci-fi community thriving year-round. For lovers of episodic science fiction, Vancouver is more than just a filming location—it’s the canvas upon which countless intergalactic stories have been brought to life.