The Last of Us stands as Alberta’s largest film production ever and one of Canada’s biggest, featuring 180 filming sites across the province. The HBO hit series transformed Alberta into a post-apocalyptic America that fascinates over 21 million viewers per episode. Calgary’s Northland Village Mall and Waterton Lakes National Park’s stunning landscapes serve as key backdrops for this epic production.
The production team spent nearly a year, from July 2021 to June 2022, bringing post-apocalyptic Boston, Kansas City and Jackson to life throughout Alberta. Calgary’s Alberta Legislature Building became the Massachusetts State House, while Canmore’s Engine Bridge over the Bow River transformed into the infamous “River of Death.” These iconic filming locations have become tourist magnets, as fans worldwide flock to experience these memorable settings personally.
Calgary, Alberta

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Calgary became the heart of HBO’s post-apocalyptic drama by transforming into several devastated cities throughout the series. The production team spent over a year in this Alberta metropolis and turned ordinary urban landscapes into eerily realistic ruins.
Calgary Scenes in The Last of Us
The city’s versatility helped it double as several major locations in the show. Downtown Calgary became Boston’s ruined streets with abandoned vehicles and overgrown vegetation. The city also stood in for Kansas City and Jakarta at different points in the storyline.
Sharp-eyed fans might catch the Globe Cinema’s distinctive blue, yellow and white marquee during an action sequence on Stephen Avenue. The production team kept this landmark and showed 2003 films like “Underworld” and “Matchstick Men” on its sign—a clever reference to the year the fictional apocalypse began.
Hotel Arts doubled as Boston’s colonial museum where Joel, Tess and Ellie ran into infected. Mount Royal University and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) combined to create the fictional University of Eastern Colorado campus.
Calgary Filming Highlights
The production scale in Calgary was unlike anything before. The locations team grew to over 115 people who worked across the city at the same time. Instead of using abandoned places, the team turned busy parts of Calgary into post-apocalyptic settings.
The crew took on an ambitious project near Stampede Park by turning three blocks into a completely destroyed cityscape. They spent just over a week shooting on Memorial Drive’s Fourth Avenue flyover in October 2021, which needed extensive planning with city officials.
The Airport Tunnel, 17 Avenue (the Red Mile) and Shannon Terrace pedestrian bridge in Fish Creek Provincial Park play big roles in the series. The Calgary Film Center hosted an amazing fiery action sequence with massive gunplay and zombie hordes.
Can you Visit Calgary Locations?
These filming spots are open to visitors. Summer months from June to August offer the best weather to explore, though you’ll find more tourists and the famous Calgary Stampede during this time.
Getting around is easy with Calgary’s public transportation. The bus network and C-Train will take you to most filming locations without needing a car.
Fans should check out:
- The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (shown in an emotional finale scene)
- Prince’s Island Park
- Globe Cinema on 8 Avenue SW
- Inglewood neighborhood (a favorite spot for Hollywood productions)
- Fish Creek Provincial Park (Canada’s second-largest urban park)
The Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown, Hotel Clique Calgary or the luxurious Fairmont Palliser are great places to stay. Ten Foot Henry or Saltlik serve amazing local food after a day of exploring.
Fort Macleod, Alberta

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Fort Macleod sits just two hours south of Calgary and played a significant role in creating the authentic feel for HBO’s hit series. This 148-year-old settlement started as a North-West Mounted Police post and became the perfect backdrop for many key scenes in the show.
Fort Macleod Scenes in The Last of Us
The town took center stage in the first episode as a stand-in for Austin, Texas during the chaotic Outbreak Day sequences. The historic Main Street transformed into the setting where Joel tried to escape the city with his daughter Sarah and brother Tommy. Some familiar spots include:
- Lone Star Watch Repair Store (filmed at an old antique store on 2nd Avenue)
- Don’s Barber Shop (located in the same building as the watch repair store)
- Samuel Roland Antiques (clearly visible during escape scenes)
- The Empress Theater (renamed “Monarch” for the plane crash sequence)
- Johnny’s Restaurant (featured during the outbreak chaos)
The production team made great use of Fort Macleod’s layout. Characters turned onto 24th Street where a fake cinema showed “Midnight Madness.” The escape scenes on Highway 2 near 2nd Avenue captured the same intensity as the original game.
Historic Charm of Fort Macleod
The town’s well-preserved historic buildings have caught many filmmakers’ eyes. Before “The Last of Us,” Fort Macleod served as a backdrop for Brokeback Mountain, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and Fargo.
The charming main street features old-fashioned buildings and beautiful historical architecture. One source said it “would make any Disney theme park blush.” This unique appeal, plus its ability to transform into different locations, makes it a perfect filming spot.
Can you Visit Fort Macleod Sets?
You can visit the town any time of year and walk the same streets where Joel and Sarah ran during the outbreak. Most filming locations are open since they used actual businesses and public spaces.
Your visit can include the nearby Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 20 minutes west of town. This archeological site tells amazing stories about Alberta’s cultural history – Indigenous peoples used it for over 5,500 years.
Last of Us fans can also check out the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands in Lethbridge to see the famous viaduct bridge from episode four.
High River, Alberta
The small town of High River sits just 30 minutes south of Calgary. This charming Alberta spot became a key filming location for HBO’s post-apocalyptic drama. Its blend of residential areas and natural scenery created the perfect backdrop for some of the show’s most memorable scenes.
High River Scenes in The Last of Us
The Beachwood Estates neighborhood turned into Bill’s fortified compound in episode three. This location set the stage for Bill and Frank’s touching love story. The same area doubled as Austin’s suburbs in the show’s opening scenes. A house tucked away in a High River cul-de-sac served as Joel and Sarah’s home for both inside and outside shots.
Evelyn’s Memory Lane Diner caught viewers’ attention with its dramatic 15-second scene. Joel runs through the restaurant while an infected chases him. The diner quickly became a local hotspot after its appearance in the first episode. High River’s streets also featured in highway escape scenes and several residential shots throughout the series.
High River’s Transformation for the Show
The sort of thing I love about High River’s role is the story behind Beachwood Estates. A massive flood in 2013 forced about 120,000 people to evacuate. This once-wealthy neighborhood went back to its natural state as a floodplain. The removal of homes, roads, and utilities left behind a eerily fitting post-apocalyptic setting.
Some infrastructure stayed in place, which created an ideal backdrop. Production designer John Paino said it “evoked New England in its style.” The production team spent four months building sets in this abandoned area for Bill’s compound. They used CGI to complete the town’s look. A location manager recalled, “Yes, we’ve finally got it” after finding the right house in High River.
Can You Visit High River Locations?
You can definitely explore these filming sites in High River. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Evelyn’s Memory Lane Diner – A busy restaurant that takes pride in its series appearance
- Former Beachwood Estates – A natural area with remnants of roads and sidewalks
- Frank Lake Conservation Area – Great for watching birds
All but one of these structures built for filming are gone, including Bill’s house. The town offers almost 30 kilometers of trails for hiking and biking. It’s worth a visit even after you’ve seen all the filming spots.
Canmore, Alberta

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Canmore sits in the stunning Kananaskis Valley with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. This beautiful mountain town became one of The Last of Us most memorable communities. The picturesque setting engaged both viewers and cast members as a convincing post-apocalyptic sanctuary.
Canmore as Jackson, Wyoming
The production crew chose Canmore to represent Jackson because of its genuine rustic architecture and magnificent mountain views. The real Jackson Hole has grown too commercial, but Canmore provided the perfect mix of wilderness and small-town charm needed for the series.
Making Canmore look like Jackson took weeks of planning and local permits. The crew built stables and greenhouses on empty parking lots. They added new façades to buildings, put in sidewalks and placed railroad ties throughout the town. A massive 30-foot-tall log wall stood as their most impressive creation. The wall stretched 60 feet on each side of its opening and needed special sections that could move to let traffic pass.
Iconic Scenes Filmed in Canmore
Episode six showcased Canmore as Joel and Ellie reached Tommy’s settlement after crossing the “River of Death.” The crew filmed these scenes at the historic Canmore Engine Bridge over the Bow River. Fans now flock to this iconic 1880s bridge to see its spectacular Rocky Mountain views.
The crew turned 8th Street into a bustling post-apocalyptic community. Local businesses on Main Street stayed open during filming. Production assistants helped customers navigate through the set. The temperature dropped to -15°C some days, yet the cast loved Canmore. Pedro Pascal described it as “this magical little town” and Bella Ramsey named it her favorite filming spot.
Can you Visit Canmore?
Canmore has become a magnet for The Last of Us fans. Here’s what you should know:
- Best time to visit: July-August brings perfect weather for outdoor activities. April-June offers smaller crowds and better deals
- Getting around: Walking works best, but bikes, charter busses and taxis are easy options
- Nearby attractions: Banff National Park and Lake Louise sit just a short drive away
- Dining options: Local gems like Crazyweed Kitchen and Communitea Cafe serve great food
- Accommodations: The Georgetown Inn & Pub and Solara Resort offer that authentic rustic feel
Nature lovers should check out the Barrier Lake Lookout Trail in Bow Valley Provincial Park. The trail gave us that gorgeous overlook from episode 9’s final scene.
Yellowjackets filming locations.
Waterton Lakes National Park

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Waterton Lakes National Park became the eerie fictional town of Silver Lake, Colorado in HBO’s hit series “The Last of Us”. This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits on Alberta’s southern border and created the perfect wintery backdrop for the show’s penultimate episode.
Waterton Scenes in The Last of Us
The snow-covered townsite brought episode eight “When We Are In Need” to life. It became the isolated resort community where Ellie faces her most dangerous human enemies. The production designer John Paino said, “That is a real resort town called Waterton and it’s boarded up in the winter. So it was perfect for us.” The show featured several notable spots:
- Lakeside Chophouse – became “Todd’s Steakhouse” where Ellie and David share their tense conversation
- Tamarack Warehouse – Joel finds disturbing evidence of cannibalism here, with bodies hanging from the rafters
- Bayshore Inn & Spa – serves as the kitchen where Ellie gets caged
- Thirsty Bear and Trappers Mountain Grill – appear in town scenes
Natural Beauty of Waterton
Waterton Lakes stands out with its impressive collection of designations. The park remains Alberta’s only location that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, international peace park, dark sky preserve and biosphere reserve all at once. Rocky Mountains create a stunning backdrop against pristine lakes in this dramatic alpine and glacial landscape.
The night sky reveals the Milky Way thanks to minimal light pollution. The park’s unique location next to Montana led to its merger with Glacier National Park in 1932, creating the world’s first International Peace Park.
Can You Explore Waterton Locations?
Fans can definitely visit these filming sites. The townsite becomes peaceful in winter—the same time filming happened—letting visitors experience the show’s atmosphere. Must-see locations include:
- The Prince of Wales Hotel (shown in establishing shots)
- Mountain View Road (location of many exterior shots)
- Waterton Lake’s shores (featured throughout)
Chinook winds bring mild temperatures in winter. Visitors can go snowshoeing and then relax at a cozy lodge. Waterton is a chance to step right into “The Last of Us” haunting world.
Northland Village Mall, Calgary

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Northland Village Mall became one of The Last of Us’ most memorable settings in early 2022, just before its scheduled demolition. This Calgary shopping center served as the perfect backdrop for episode seven’s emotional flashback story.
The Abandoned Mall Episode
“Left Behind,” the seventh episode, takes us deep into Ellie’s life before she met Joel. The story follows Ellie and her friend Riley (Storm Reid) during their adventure in an abandoned shopping center. Their night of teenage rebellion unfolds with several touching moments. They play Mortal Kombat II in Raja’s Arcade, ride a carousel, visit a photobooth and share a dance on top of a store counter. Set decorator Paul Healy crafted an incredibly detailed world that became the backdrop for one of the season’s most emotional storylines.
How Northland Mall Was Transformed
The search for a suitable mall proved challenging at first. Production designer John Paino found Northland “completely stripped” with just one floor, which needed major changes. The team built 20-25 storefronts to match American retailers like Victoria’s Secret, Foot Locker and American Girl. They added a food court with Panda Express and Subway too.
The carousel scene needed special care. The ride belonged to the mall originally but had moved to Spruce Meadows. The production team rented it, took it apart, and changed its center panels to create a “hallucinatory feel.” The project required extensive CGI work beyond physical construction. The breathtaking shot of Ellie watching the mall light up was filmed on a soundstage against a blue screen. Visual effects added the multi-level mall view that Northland didn’t have.
Can You Visit Northland Mall?
The mall’s transformation continues as it becomes an open-air retail development. The exterior frame structure remains partly preserved while it evolves into a mixed-use destination with two residential towers. The Northland Village community project will add 229 units across two buildings by 2025.
Travel Alberta suggests visiting CF Market Mall or hiking through scenic Nose Hill Park instead if you’re planning a trip before completion.
Edmonton, Alberta

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Edmonton became Boston’s post-apocalyptic double throughout season one of The Last of Us. The city’s architecture and layout helped create convincing exteriors that took viewers right into the show’s devastated American setting.
Edmonton Scenes in The Last of Us
The city played a key role in episode two as the production team turned the downtown core into haunting Boston streets. Camera crews captured scenes along 100A Street, 104 Street, and 108 Street. They filmed the sequence after the flooded hotel between 100A Street Northwest and Rice Howard Way. A CGI bomb crater appeared outside the Phipps-McKinnon Building.
Scotia Place on Rice Howard Place became the backdrop for Boston’s destroyed exteriors. Local viewers might recognize Edmonton’s Old Warehouse District that set the perfect mood for the show’s dark story.
Landmarks Used in Filming
The Alberta Legislature Building stands out as the most recognizable Edmonton landmark in the series. It became the Massachusetts State House with its iconic gold dome. Joel, Ellie and Tess walked past both the exterior and side views of this historic building on their way to meet the Fireflies.
The popular 104 Street strip became another key filming spot. The 4th Street Promenade appeared often in the show, though real-life visitors will find it much more welcoming. Today it’s full of chic shops and restaurants that keep the district’s historic charm alive.
Can You Visit Edmonton Locations?
You can! Summer makes the best time to check out these filming sites. Warm weather and sunny skies from June through August create perfect conditions to explore without any infected nearby.
The Edmonton Transit System (ETS) makes getting around easy with busses and light-rail running throughout the city. After seeing the filming spots, you can visit:
- West Edmonton Mall
- Royal Alberta Museum
- The historic Old Warehouse District
Sabor Restaurant and Rockin’ Robyn’s offer great dining options. The Sawridge Inn and Conference Center Edmonton South and Best Western Plus South Edmonton Inn & Suites give you comfortable places to stay at good prices.
Olds, Alberta
A small town in central Alberta, 160 miles from Calgary, made its mark in HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us. Olds might not be the show’s main filming location, but it gave us some memorable moments in this post-apocalyptic story.
Olds Scenes in The Last of Us
We first see Olds during the emotional opening sequence when Joel and Sarah try to escape the original outbreak. Their car flips upside down, and the action takes place outside Pandora’s Boox game store on 51st Street and the nearby alley. This scene shows the growing chaos as infected people chase our heroes through the streets.
There’s another reason fans noticed this part of Alberta in episode six. The Willow Lane Barn, where families host weddings, became an important setting. The barn’s TV appearance brought unexpected attention to the business. Past brides even sent emails when they saw their wedding venue on screen.
Unique Filming Spots in Olds
Olds stands out from other The Last of Us filming spots because of its real small-town charm. The compact downtown area was perfect for those chaotic street scenes needed at the start of the story.
The production team came back to Olds several times to reshoot scenes. The town’s layout had something special that other Alberta locations couldn’t match, which made it worth the extra trips.
Can You Visit Olds Sets?
You can visit most filming locations in Olds since they’re open to the public. The downtown area on 51st Street welcomes visitors all year and Pandora’s Boox still runs as a regular store. The Willow Lane Barn owners welcome visitors too. One family member said that “there are some brides out there who would love to get married in the barn that Pedro Pascal was in.”
Olds offers more than just film locations. Visitors can enjoy local restaurants and beautiful natural attractions that show off rural Alberta’s charm.
Sheep River Falls, Alberta

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Sheep River Falls stands out as one of the most striking natural backdrops in HBO’s apocalyptic drama. This beautiful waterfall in Kananaskis Country plays a vital part in the series’ emotional experience.
Sheep River Falls in The Last of Us
The breathtaking mountain views of Sheep River Falls take center stage as Joel and Ellie wake up in episode three, “Long Long Time.” The show places this scene “10 miles west of Boston,” which drew criticism from viewers who know New England’s geography. Stephen King himself pointed out how the rugged Alberta terrain clashes with Massachusetts’ gentle rolling hills.
This location marks a major change in the story’s direction. Ellie sees untouched nature outside Boston’s Quarantine Zone for the first time. The sparkling waters and dramatic rocks create the perfect setting to show her amazement at the world beyond city walls.
Scenic Value of the Location
The waterfall sits where Alberta’s foothills meet the Rocky Mountains. Its unique stepped rock formations create multiple cascading levels, making it one of the area’s most photographed spots. Small pools dot the rocks and provide cool spots to refresh during summer, though the water is freezing cold.
Sheep River Provincial Park includes a variety of ecosystems perfect for spotting wildlife and birds. The park’s location just over an hour from Calgary makes it available to visitors while keeping its remote feel.
Can You Hike to Sheep River Falls?
The falls are easy to reach. A short 820-foot trail from the parking area creates a 0.3-mile round trip with almost no climbing. This quick walk rewards visitors with views that make the minimal effort worthwhile.
Tips for visitors:
- Best time: May through September (Highway 546 closes from December 1 to May 14)
- Difficulty: Easy and great for families, but wear good shoes as rocks near falls get slippery
- Amenities: You’ll find picnic tables and fire pits in marked areas
- Wildlife: Look for rainbow trout swimming in the clear water
The falls’ easy access lets visitors combine this stop with nearby trails like Indian Oils loop. Many people stay at Bluerock Campground to spend more time exploring this amazing filming location.
Discover New England cuisine.
Okotoks, Alberta
The Last of Us found a perfect filming spot in Okotoks, a charming suburban community located 18 kilometers south of Calgary. This family-friendly area’s neighborhoods and scenic surroundings created authentic backdrops for some of the show’s most emotional moments.
Okotoks Scenes in The Last of Us
Season one’s episodes seven and eight heavily featured Okotoks. The seventh episode “Left Behind” starts with a stunning pan shot through the Suntree neighborhood. Joel and Ellie take shelter in an abandoned house at 501 400 Suntree Place. The eighth episode “When We Are in Need” switches between Okotoks and Waterton Lakes National Park. Viewers see Ellie wandering through local neighborhoods alone while Joel recovers from his injuries.
Residential Filming in Okotoks
The production team transformed Suntree neighborhood from January 31 to February 6, 2022. They decorated Suntree Lane, Suntree Place and Suntree Park extensively. The crew added trees, grass, greenery and created snow effects to match the post-apocalyptic world. Production vehicles lined Robinson Drive and Waldron Avenue throughout filming week. The town earned USD 18,000 after covering staff costs for municipal enforcement during the production.
Can You Visit Okotoks Locations?
You can definitely visit these locations! The best times are May and September, which offer beautiful weather and great photo opportunities. Getting around is easy with regional transit or ride-share services since Okotoks is mostly suburban. Suntree Heights neighborhood welcomes visitors who want to take a relaxed walk to see the houses from the show. This spot offers a more laid back experience than other filming locations but has plenty of attractions nearby. Fish Creek Provincial Park is perfect to learn about nature. Hungry visitors can grab a bite at Heartland Cafe & Restaurant or The Canadian Brewhouse. Lakeview Inns & Suites and Royal Duke Hotel provide comfortable places to stay.
Grande Prairie, Alberta
The Queen Elizabeth II Ambulatory Care Center in Grande Prairie became the dramatic backdrop for Joel and Ellie’s climactic showdown with the Fireflies in HBO’s post-apocalyptic series finale. This medical facility, nestled in northwestern Alberta, served as the fictional Salt Lake City hospital where the series reached its emotional peak.
Hospital Scenes in Grande Prairie
The season finale showcased the Queen Elizabeth II Ambulatory Care Center as Joel and Ellie reached their destination. Joel woke up in a strange room at the “Firefly hospital” after a flashbang grenade knocked him out. The facility’s corridors turned into a battleground as Joel went on a violent rampage to save Ellie from the operating room.
Production designer John Paino thought they would need to build a hospital from scratch but found this “disused” facility instead. His team painted the hospital and aged it carefully to create a weathered post-apocalyptic look. The pediatric wing’s murals matched the original game faithfully, showing the production team’s commitment to detail.
Why Grande Prairie Was Chosen
The production team picked Grande Prairie’s hospital because a new facility had replaced it two years earlier. The timing worked perfectly since they needed a real medical setting they could modify extensively.
The team used dim lighting throughout the hospital scenes to create what Paino called “a dark and moody vibe”. On top of that, they scattered plastic barriers throughout the facility as a subtle nod to the early outbreak’s infected patients.
Can You Visit the Hospital Set?
The Queen Elizabeth II Ambulatory Care Center might not top your must-see list, but Grande Prairie has several attractions worth visiting. Tourists can explore 360 million years of history at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum or walk more than a dozen kilometers of paved trails in Muskoseepi Park.
This northwestern Alberta city sits in Peace River Country. The area’s natural beauty and rich history make it a great stop on any The Last of Us filming location tour.
Kananaskis Country, Alberta

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The Canadian Rockies’ eastern slopes in Kananaskis Country gave The Last of Us some of its most stunning natural backdrops. This beautiful wilderness area west of Calgary became the perfect stand-in for post-apocalyptic America with its rushing waterfalls and dramatic mountain views.
Kananaskis in The Last of Us
The show featured Kananaskis Country heavily throughout multiple episodes as wilderness settings and transition areas between major plot points. The famous “River of Death” crossing used the historic Engine Bridge over the Bow River, which stands out with its rare vertical endposts built between 1880-1891. Fortress Mountain in Kananaskis showed up in season two as the spot where Ellie practices shooting while clickers approach their mountain hideout. Many acclaimed films like Inception, The Revenant, and Brokeback Mountain have also used this popular filming spot.
Mountain and River Scenes
The century-old Horseshoe Falls Dam hydroelectric power plant between Kananaskis and Morley became a key landmark. The show captured one of its most beautiful moments on AB-742 along the Kananaskis Lakes Trail near Pocaterra Hut at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. This mountain highway’s hairpin turns created the perfect backdrop for the characters’ trip.
Can You Explore Kananaskis?
You definitely can! Here’s how to see these filming locations yourself:
- Drive along Kananaskis Lakes Trail to follow Joel and Ellie’s path
- Head over to Spray Lakes Provincial Park for canoeing or book aerial tours with Alpine Helicopters
- Check out hiking trails in the area that show off views like those in the show
Bruce Marpole, communications manager for Tourism Canmore Kananaskis, has noticed more visitors wanting to see filming locations. “Film locations can be a huge driver for visitation”. The region welcomes fans—”but no zombies please,” Marpole adds with a laugh.
Things to do in Jasper Alberta.
Comparison Table
| Location | Primary Scene/Episode Featured | Key Filming Locations/Landmarks | What Was Depicted As | Visitor Availability | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary, Alberta | Multiple episodes | Globe Cinema, Hotel Arts, Mount Royal University, SAIT | Boston’s streets, Kansas City, Jakarta | Most locations available | June-August |
| Fort Macleod | Episode 1 | Main Street, Empress Theater, Johnny’s Restaurant | Austin, Texas during Outbreak Day | Available year-round | – |
| High River | Episode 3 | Beachwood Estates, Evelyn’s Memory Lane Diner | Bill’s compound, Austin suburbs | All areas available | – |
| Canmore | Episode 6 | Engine Bridge, 8th Street, Main Street | Jackson, Wyoming | Open to public | July-August |
| Waterton Lakes | Episode 8 | Lakeside Chophouse, Bayshore Inn, Tamarack Warehouse | Silver Lake, Colorado | Available year-round | Winter for authentic experience |
| Northland Mall, Calgary | Episode 7 | Mall interior, carousel | Abandoned Boston mall | Under redevelopment | N/A |
| Edmonton | Episode 2 | Alberta Legislature Building, 104 Street, Scotia Place | Post-apocalyptic Boston | All areas available | June-August |
| Olds | Opening sequence | Pandora’s Boox, Willow Lane Barn | Early outbreak scenes | Public spaces available | – |
| Sheep River Falls | Episode 3 opening | Waterfall and surrounding trails | “10 miles west of Boston” | Easy access, 0.3-mile trail | May-September |
| Okotoks | Episodes 7-8 | Suntree neighborhood, 501 400 Suntree Place | Residential areas | Open to public | May and September |
| Grande Prairie | Season finale | Queen Elizabeth II Ambulatory Care Center | Salt Lake City hospital | Limited entry to hospital | – |
| Kananaskis Country | Multiple episodes | Engine Bridge, Fortress Mountain, Horseshoe Falls Dam | Various wilderness scenes | Open to visitors | – |
Final Thoughts on The Last of Us Filming Locations
Alberta stands out as the real star behind HBO’s post-apocalyptic masterpiece. Calgary’s transformed urban areas and Canmore’s stunning mountain views created an authentic backdrop that brought the game’s fictional world to life. The production team turned regular Canadian spots into convincing American settings with incredible attention to detail. This created a unique experience that fascinated millions of viewers worldwide.
Fans who want to plan their own Last of Us journey should think about the weather before mapping their route. Most locations are best visited during summer months. Winter trips to Waterton Lakes National Park give visitors that authentic apocalyptic feel shown in the series. Calgary and Edmonton make great starting points because they pack many filming sites close together. This is the quickest way to see multiple locations when time is limited.
These filming spots keep changing with time. Northland Village Mall is getting a makeover while cities like Calgary are enjoying their new fame among TV fans. The historic Engine Bridge and Fort Macleod’s Main Street now draw visitors who might never have found these Canadian treasures. HBO turned these places into apocalyptic wastelands, yet Alberta’s natural beauty still shines through. That’s exactly why the production team picked this region over all others.
The Last of Us locations give fans something different from regular tourism. Fans can actually step into a beloved fictional world. Standing on Canmore’s Engine Bridge or walking through Edmonton’s downtown creates a special connection to characters and stories that struck a chord with them on screen. These 12 amazing locations aren’t just perfect for photos – they’re touchpoints with a story about survival, connection and hope in the face of destruction.
FAQs
Q1. Where was the majority of “The Last of Us” filmed?
The majority of “The Last of Us” was filmed in Alberta, Canada. The province’s diverse landscapes and urban areas provided the perfect backdrop for the post-apocalyptic setting of the show.
Q2. Can fans visit the locations used in “The Last of Us”?
Yes, most filming locations are accessible to the public. Places like Calgary, Edmonton, Canmore and Waterton Lakes National Park welcome visitors who want to explore the settings featured in the show.
Q3. What time of year is best to visit “The Last of Us” filming locations?
Generally, summer months (June to August) offer the best weather for exploring most locations. However, some areas like Waterton Lakes might provide a more authentic experience in winter, matching the show’s atmosphere.
Q4. Which location was used to represent Jackson, Wyoming in the show?
Canmore, Alberta was transformed to represent Jackson, Wyoming in “The Last of Us”. The town’s rustic architecture and mountain vistas made it an ideal stand-in for the fictional post-apocalyptic community.
Q5. Are there any guided tours available for “The Last of Us” filming locations?
While there aren’t official guided tours specifically for “The Last of Us” locations, many of the filming sites are in popular tourist areas. Visitors can create their own self-guided tours using publicly available information about the filming locations.















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