Friday, March 29, 2024

Highway Journey to “The Final of Us” Filming Places in Alberta


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Compiled by the Highway Journey Alberta staff

Final Up to date on March 22, 2023

HBO’s TV collection The Final of Us premiered in January of 2023 and was an prompt megahit. Based mostly on a online game by the identical title, the story follows heroes Joel (performed by Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (performed by Bella Ramsey) throughout a post-apocalyptic United States. Whereas it options quite a few notable American cities like Boston, Kansas Metropolis, Salt Lake Metropolis, and extra, your complete collection was truly shot in Alberta, and is without doubt one of the largest productions in Canada’s historical past! Because the present’s star Pedro Pascal mentioned: “There’s such a robust and dynamic bodily panorama to Alberta.” And within the present, that sentiment actually comes by way of. So for those who’re a fan and serious about road-tripping to see distinguished The Final of Us filming places, then this text is for you.

We’ve designed a four-day, three-night journey that begins out in downtown Edmonton and takes you to the southern ideas of the province (with recommendations for good, non-apocalyptic issues to do alongside the way in which as effectively).

Observe that for those who haven’t performed the sport or watched the present, proceed to learn with warning, as there are many spoilers forward.

Take this highway journey to see essential The Final of Us filming places

DAY 1: Edmonton

The capital metropolis of Edmonton is featured within the second episode, with the Alberta Legislature Constructing appearing because the Massachusetts State Home. Total streets surrounding “The Ledge” (because it’s identified regionally) have been remodeled to point out the journey of Joel, Ellie, and Tess (performed by Anna Torv) to this important location. What follows is a extremely pivotal scene within the collection, the place Tess is attacked by the zombie-like creatures, setting Joel and Ellie as much as undertake the remainder of the journey on their very own.

Edmonton Legislature

Guided excursions of the Alberta Legislature Constructing can be found. Additionally, take a stroll down 100A Road, 104 Road and 108 Road to see for those who can spot the standout scenes and even recreate a number of the most outstanding pictures.

Olds

From Edmonton, begin driving south in the direction of Calgary on Freeway 2, but additionally plan a detour into Olds. 51st Road was remodeled right into a small Texas city for a couple of scenes in episode one.

Additionally filmed right here was a cease at Willow Lane Barn. Whilst you received’t be capable of go inside (except you might be attending an occasion there – it’s a attractive marriage ceremony venue!) you possibly can admire from afar and say that you just visited the spot the place Joel and Ellie ravished a meal served up in a eating corridor by Joel’s brother, Tommy (performed by Gabriel Luna) in episode 6.

After you’ve accomplished the drive from Edmonton to Calgary, verify into certainly one of these glorious Calgary resorts (we recommend choosing one downtown), and also you may need to get began on the checklist of all of the filming places within the metropolis, as famous beneath.

For dinner, head to Mannequin Milk – not solely is it certainly one of our private fave Calgary eating places – however it was additionally one which Pedro Pascal cherished!

DAY 2: Calgary

Prepare for an epic day of sightseeing and selfie-snapping, as a result of Cowtown was the location of so many filming places from the present. Listed below are a number of the most essential stops to make:

DOWNTOWN CALGARY

Downtown Calgary was the setting for a lot of scenes – usually nondescript pictures in parking tons, tunnels, and staircases – however the neighbourhood of Inglewood held the constructed set for the Boston quarantine zone, and thus a lot of the primary episode was shot right here (seize a cuppa at Rosso Espresso on twenty fourth Ave & seventh St SE – the constructed set was throughout the road)!

Downtown Calgary was used for many of The Last of Us filming locations.

There are additionally loads of different recognizable spots with fast glimpses all through the present. The historic Bell Block constructing (1002 Macleod Path SE) was seen within the first episode, as was Calgary’s notorious Globe Cinema (617 – 8 Ave SW) – even with the signal left in.

PHO ANH HUYEN VIETNAMESE NOODLE HOUSE

Do not forget that opening scene in episode two at a restaurant in Indonesia? That was truly the Pho Anh Huyen Vietnamese Noodle Home on 1403 Centre St NW.

4TH AVENUE FLYOVER

As you drove into downtown Calgary (taking Memorial Drive west from Deerfoot Path), the scene in entrance of you already might need triggered your reminiscence of the present. This main overpass was shut down in October of 2021 and remodeled to supply memorable scenes of a post-apocalyptic world in episode two, as Joel, Ellie and Tess made their technique to the Massachusetts State Home.

Calgary Fourth Avenue Flyover
Calgary Fourth Avenue Flyover

THE LAUNDROMAT

In Kansas Metropolis, in episode 4, Joel and Ellie crashed their pickup truck right into a laundromat which led to their run-in with the revolutionary group led by Kathleen (performed by Melanie Lynskey). Whereas the laundromat was truly a constructed set, the world it was located in is well identifiable! Stroll or drive north alongside Macleod Path and look down an alley on the proper, between eleventh and tenth Ave SE.

CALGARY ZOO

After we watched the scene in episode 9 the place Ellie fed the giraffe (in supposed Salt Lake Metropolis), we have been sure it was created by way of CGI. We have been very mistaken! You’ll be able to truly meet Nabo, the bull Masai giraffe who resides on the Calgary Zoo (210 St. George’s Drive NE), who’s now well-known by affiliation with the present.

Calgary Zoo Giraffe became famous after being one of the spots for The Last of Us filming locations.
The Giraffe on the Calgary Zoo – photograph by way of Journey Alberta credit score Kelly Hofer

HOTEL ARTS

Do not forget that terrifying scene within the Boston Museum in episode two? The doorway to the museum was truly shot on the Lodge Arts (119 – 12 Ave SW).

CALGARY NORTHLAND VILLAGE MALL

This mall carried the storyline in episode seven through which Ellie and her greatest good friend Riley (performed by Storm Reid) have been attacked whereas having fun with an epic night of exploration, video games, and extra. Sadly, it’s presently unvisitable, as it’s beneath development to grow to be an open-air mall. Keep tuned as it’s slated to open in 2023 (though it would probably be fairly unrecognizable from the present).

HERITAGE PARK

Head to the Wainwright Lodge at Heritage Park, a big open-air museum in Calgary’s southwest, to situate your self within the precise spot the place Joel and Tommy had a personal dialog in episode six. (Belief us and pattern the Fry Bread when you’re there.)

Heritage Park Calgary was one of many Calgary spots for The Last of Us filming locations.

FISH CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK

Outside lovers who reside in southern Calgary rapidly recognized the Shannon Terrace pedestrian bridge that Joel and Ellie walked over in episode three. To see it, park on the Shannon Terrace day-use space within the provincial park. From there, it’s roughly a five-minute stroll to the bridge.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY & SOUTHERN ALBERTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SAIT)

In early winter of 2021, each of those post-secondary establishments hosted the solid and crew, as they have been remodeled to seem like the College of Jap Colorado (together with having vines, leaves, and sandbags added, plus snow was eliminated). Right here, Joel and Ellie have been making their technique to a supposed Firefly compound in episode six, solely to be attacked. That is the place Joel was impaled.

SAIT Campus at night
SAIT Campus – photograph by way of Journey Alberta credit score @geoff_deman

SAIT’s Senator Burns Constructing additionally performed dwelling to the Indonesian Ministry of Well being, with the lounge and hallways seen within the first jiffy of episode 2.

In your second day in Calgary, perhaps take a break from apocalyptic gazing and discover some enjoyable within the metropolis! We advise consuming at our fave Mexican restaurant – Native Tounges – and likewise choosing certainly one of these superior guided Calgary excursions to do.

DAY 3: Canmore & Space

In the present day, you head to probably the most scenic spots in Alberta, and essentially the most beloved of all The Final of Us filming places! Each stars raved about this mountain resort city, and with good purpose. Get your caffeine repair early at certainly one of Calgary’s nice espresso retailers, after which make your means west on Freeway 1 from Calgary to Canmore.

Canmore was popular for The Last of Us filming locations.
Canmore Engine Bridge

The entire city was remodeled into Jackson, Wyoming, and strolling down the primary avenue of Canmore will set off many reminiscences from the present. It performed the backdrop for many of episode six, and apart from wandering the streets, don’t miss seeing the Canmore Engine Bridge – a beautiful spot within the hit present the place Joel and Ellie crossed simply earlier than attending to Jackson.

Whereas there, head a bit out of city to Bow Valley Provincial Park and hike the Barrier Lake Lookout Path. This attractive overlook (altered to point out the city of Jackson) was the ultimate scene of episode 9. (We could have shed a few tears at this scene – however don’t fear – season two is coming! Though it’s but to be introduced if the present will return to Canada for filming.)

Couple at Barrier Lake Hike
Couple at Barrier Lake HIke – photograph supplied by Journey Alberta credit score Sean Thonson

If you wish to lengthen your highway journey by a day or two, we recommend including an evening right here. There are SO many superb issues to do in Canmore, and plenty of fabulous Canmore eating places! Plus, with some additional time in your arms, you may also take a drive into Kananaskis and peep at another scenes from the HBO present – like, some attractive overhead views of driving alongside Freeway 40 have been used (though be aware that parts of that highway are closed in winter).

DAY 3: Heading south

On day three, the stops are going to come back scorching and heavy as loads of floor goes to be lined in southern Alberta. Head again in the direction of Calgary on Freeway 1, however then flip south on Freeway 22X, after which Freeway 22 east in the direction of Priddis for a complete of 113 km.

PRIDDIS

The small city of Priddis was dwelling to pivotal scenes in episode 4. The Priddis Common Retailer is the place Joel had some provides stashed, and the close by Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Space confirmed some stunning pictures of Joel and Ellie climbing.

Outside of Okotoks
Exterior of Okotoks – Photograph by way of Journey Alberta credit score Authorities of Alberta

From Priddis, head south on Freeway 22 and east on Freeway 549 into Okotoks.

Non-obligatory facet journey!

Though it’s a little out of the way in which, visiting Sheep River Falls will put you in the identical setting as Joel and Ellie whereas resting by a river, simply downstream from the falls, in episode three. To get there, as an alternative of taking Freeway 549 into Okotoks, maintain heading south on Freeway 22 till you arrive on the former city of Turner Valley. From there, go west on Freeway 546 into Sheep River Provincial Park. Observe that this can add over an hour of driving time to your day, and Sheep River Highway is barely open in summer season months.

Sheep River Falls
Sheep River Falls

OKOTOKS

The Suntree neighbourhood within the small metropolis of Okotoks was dwelling to a battleground in episode eight. Whereas most of that episode’s scenes have been filmed in Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park, Ellie could be seen leaving 501 Suntree Place (an deserted home) earlier than her run-in with cult chief David.

HIGH RIVER

This small metropolis, simply 22km south of Okotoks on Freeway 2, isn’t any stranger to filming iconic reveals. It serves as the house base for CBC’s heart-warmer known as Heartland, so being dwelling to a number of apocalyptic filming places for The Final of Us is definitely a departure! Whereas a few fast pictures could be seen in episode one – Evelyn’s Reminiscence Lane Diner was very recognizable the place Joel and his daughter Sarah (performed by Nico Parker) are chased by way of a restaurant, plus your complete collection opened on the quiet Sullivan Highway cul de sac on the town – probably the most memorable episodes of the entire season was virtually solely shot right here.

Downtown High River
Downtown Excessive River – photograph by way of Journey Alberta credit score Colin Method

Episode three, through which we watch Invoice (performed by Nick Offerman), and Frank’s (performed by Murray Bartlett) heart-wrenching love story, was largely shot within the Excessive River neighbourhood of Beechwood. This residential neighbourhood, deserted after dramatic floods hit town in 2013, was the right setting for Invoice and Frank’s home.

NANTON

Preserve heading south on Freeway 2 till you arrive at Nanton (solely 30km additional) to seek out the Ranchland Inn, the place Joel, Ellie, Sam (performed by Keivonn Woodard) and Henry (performed by Lamar Johnson) retreated for security in episode 5. Throughout the road from there may be the place Henry was buried after he was overcome with the lethal an infection. That is additionally the place you see a manufacturing oops, the place a small little bit of a UFA (United Farmers of Alberta) signal could be seen within the present.

Grain elevator in Nanton, Alberta
Grain Elevator in Nanton, Alberta

FORT MACLEOD

Southward sure, once more! Preserve happening Freeway 2, and once you move by way of Clareshom, take a fast glimpse east of the freeway on the town – that water tower you see was additionally seen in episode 4.

However the huge draw is Fort Macleod – 81 km south of Nanton – because it predominantly stands in for Austin, Texas, in episode one. This small city is as soon as once more no stranger to moulding itself into different places – because it has beforehand been used for such huge productions as Brokeback Mountain, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Fargo, and extra. And because the cordyceps fungus outbreak took over Austin, so did it take over primary avenue Fort Macleod.

The Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod was a location in The Last of Us filming locations episode 1.
Empress theatre in Fort Macleod

Notably, pre-outbreak, Sarah acquired Joel’s watch mounted at Lone Star Watch Restore Retailer right here, with the native Don’s Barber Store within the different half of the constructing. As chaos began to take over the streets, Samuel Roland Antiques is recognizable, as are Johnny’s Restaurant and the long-lasting Empress Theatre.

LETHBRIDGE

From Fort Macleod, take Freeway 3 east to Lethbridge (50 km). Though Alberta’s third-largest metropolis is barely seen by way of a fast glimpse of the huge Excessive Degree Bridge (additionally known as the Lethbridge Viaduct) with a collapsed portion, it’s well worth the detour for that view.

The famous Lethbridge Train Bridge was in a shot in The Last of Us filming locations.

DAY 4: Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park

The final day of our highway journey takes you into one of many best-kept secrets and techniques in Canada – Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park. To get from Lethbridge to Waterton, take Freeway 5 southwest for simply over an hour and a half of driving time.

View from Bears Hump hike in Waterton. Waterton was a location in The Last of Us filming locations.

The townsite was featured closely in episode eight. Ellie encounters a faith-based group residing within the city and finally finally ends up caged within the kitchen of the Bayshore Inn & Spa (depicted within the present because the Silver Lake Steakhouse). The Tamarack Storage can be seen, rebranded because the Silver Lake Rental Store, as are the attractive shores of Waterton Lake, the place Joel and Ellie embrace after she escapes.

So perhaps you could possibly have squeezed this cease in yesterday, or you could possibly simply pack up and go dwelling now, however don’t waste the truth that you might be on this attractive nationwide park! Spend one other day or two having fun with all of the issues to do in Waterton, and verify in to one of many superior Waterton resorts.

As well as, be aware that these are only a handful of the 180 identifiable The Final of Us filming places!

For a fuller checklist, see this map put collectively by Journey Alberta.

The Final of Us – Season 2

We don’t know but if Season 2 will likely be filmed in Alberta, however we certain hope so. It is going to be some time although with Bella Ramsey predicting late 2024 or early 2025. All we all know is we are able to’t wait. Keep tuned!




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