Alberta is a versatile actress of its own, appearing in countless roles on the big and small screen. From the deserts of Afghanistan and feudal Japan’s battlefields to the glamorous neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, this Canadian province offers a backdrop for diverse stories.
Its majestic landscapes and varied geography make “Wild Rose Country” a favored location for filmmakers. With western prairies, the Canadian Badlands, and the Rocky Mountains, Alberta has everything a director could dream of. Here are 10 of Alberta’s most popular filming locations, brought to you by Calgary Trend.
1. Fortress Mountain
Formerly a ski resort in Kananaskis, Fortress Mountain now serves as a research site for studying climate change and as a filming location.
The sci-fi thriller Inception (2009) with Leonardo DiCaprio, the action-packed The Bourne Legacy (2011), and Van Helsing (2004) were filmed here. The location also starred in Brokeback Mountain (2005), which won three Oscars and multiple other awards, as well as RV (2006), The Claim (2000), and numerous commercials.
2. Elbow Falls
Located west of Bragg Creek, Elbow Falls offers cascading beauty. During June, it reaches heights of up to three meters, while other months see it climb to six meters.
The falls feature in The Bourne Legacy and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019). The latter is part of the Jumanji franchise, blending fantasy and adventure in a comedic package.
3. Alberta Legislature Building
This historic Edmonton building has been the home of Alberta’s Legislative Assembly since 1913.
The building is prominently featured in HBO’s The Last of Us (2023), a post-apocalyptic drama based on the 2013 video game. The series was primarily shot in Calgary, showcasing Alberta’s versatile urban landscapes.
4. Ranchman’s
This iconic Calgary nightclub is a hub for Calgary Stampede visitors and a beloved destination for country music fans.
Ranchman’s appears in Brokeback Mountain and Cool Runnings (1993), a comedy about a Jamaican bobsled team competing in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.
5. Inglewood
Calgary’s Inglewood neighborhood is known for its vintage shops, independent boutiques, and eclectic restaurants.
The area features prominently in the first season of the crime drama Fargo. Its charming streets and storefronts provide the perfect backdrop for the series’ intricate storylines.
6. Smokehouse Diner
This roadside Calgary café, known for its fried chicken, plays a recurring role in Fargo, serving as a stop for the characters to grab coffee.
7. Seaman Stadium
Located in Okotoks, Seaman Stadium primarily hosts baseball games for the Okotoks Dawgs.
The stadium appears in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar (2014), widely regarded as one of the greatest films exploring space and time.
8. McMahon Stadium
Built in 1960, this Calgary stadium is the home of the Canadian Football League’s Calgary Stampeders.
It features in the zombie-apocalypse drama Black Summer, which centers on a mother searching for her daughter amid societal collapse. The series highlights Alberta’s urban landscapes, including McMahon Stadium.
9. Fort Macleod
This historic town has been the backdrop for films like Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), Brokeback Mountain, and Interstellar. It also appears in The Last of Us and the thriller Let Him Go (2020).
10. West Edmonton Mall
Canada’s second-most visited shopping center, West Edmonton Mall, is more than just a retail destination.
It stars in Christmas in Wonderland (2007), a family comedy, and the horror film Prom Night II: Hello Mary Lou (1987). Its sprawling interiors add a unique cinematic appeal.
