Where was Supernatural Filmed
“Supernatural,” the long-running fantasy horror TV series, has captivated audiences with its thrilling storylines, legendary characters, and eerie atmosphere. Although the show follows brothers Sam and Dean Winchester across the United States as they battle supernatural beings, the actual filming locations tell a different story.
While “Supernatural” is set in various locations across the U.S., most of the series was filmed in Canada, primarily in and around Vancouver, British Columbia. The city’s diverse landscapes, urban settings, and ability to double as American towns made it the perfect backdrop for the show. In this article, we’ll explore the key filming locations of “Supernatural” and how they contributed to the series’ unique aesthetic.
Vancouver: The Heart of “Supernatural” Production
For nearly 15 years, Vancouver served as the primary filming location for “Supernatural.” Known as “Hollywood North,” the city is famous for its film-friendly environment and scenic versatility. The ability to transform its landscapes into various U.S. settings made Vancouver the perfect home for the Winchester brothers’ journey.
Not only does Vancouver offer cityscapes, forests, lakes, and mountain ranges, but it also provides tax incentives for filmmakers, making it an attractive choice for long-running TV shows like “Supernatural.”
Notable Vancouver Filming Sites
Many of the show’s most memorable episodes were shot at real-life locations in and around Vancouver. Some of these places have since become tourist attractions for die-hard “Supernatural” fans.
Buntzen Lake
Located north of Vancouver, Buntzen Lake is a scenic location that appeared in multiple episodes of the show. One of its most notable appearances was in the episode “Dead in the Water” (Season 1), where it served as the setting for the eerie and mysterious Lake Manitoc. The lake’s calm yet ominous presence made it a perfect fit for the show’s horror-driven storytelling.
Cleveland Dam
Located in North Vancouver, the Cleveland Dam was featured in “Simon Said” (Season 2), where it served as a striking backdrop for a tense showdown. The dam’s towering structure and surrounding wilderness added to the intense atmosphere of the episode.
Riverview Hospital
One of the most frequently used locations in “Supernatural,” Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam is an abandoned psychiatric hospital that has been a filming site for various horror and thriller productions. In “Supernatural,” it was often used to portray asylums, hospitals, and other eerie institutions. The hospital’s real-life abandoned setting enhanced the creepy, haunted feel of the episodes that featured it.
Beyond Vancouver: Expanding the Horizons
Though most of the show was filmed in Vancouver, the production team occasionally ventured to other locations to bring authenticity to certain scenes.
Los Angeles: The Inception Point
While “Supernatural” is primarily associated with Vancouver, its pilot episode was filmed in Los Angeles. This was a common practice for TV shows before securing a full season order. Some early scenes were shot on the same sets used for “The O.C.,” further proving how productions maximize their resources. After the pilot, filming permanently moved to Canada.
The Magic of Reimagining Locations
One of the production’s greatest strengths was its ability to transform familiar locations into new settings, making Vancouver look like a variety of American small towns, highways, and remote areas.
Heritage Park, Burnaby
Heritage Park in Burnaby was frequently used throughout the series. The park’s old-fashioned architecture and lush greenery made it ideal for various scenes, including cemeteries and small-town settings. The art department worked its magic to modify the set designs, ensuring the same location could be used multiple times without being too recognizable.
Conclusion
“Supernatural” may have taken audiences across the United States in its storyline, but behind the scenes, Vancouver and its surrounding areas served as the true home of the show. The city’s diverse landscapes, urban centers, and eerie abandoned sites provided the perfect setting for the Winchester brothers’ adventures.
From the haunting atmosphere of Riverview Hospital to the picturesque beauty of Buntzen Lake, these filming locations played an essential role in creating the iconic look and feel of “Supernatural.” Even though the show has concluded, its legacy lives on, not just through its storylines but also through the real-world locations that helped bring its supernatural world to life.
