Capture the Canadian spirit: Nine films to watch before you go

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Canada has always been a favourite spot for filmmakers and TV producers. Many movies and TV shows we love for their stunning "New England in the fall" scenes or charming "European city" vibes were actually filmed in Canada! Watching these films is a fun way to get travel inspiration for your next family holiday to Canada.

Before you start browsing Netflix or your DVD collection, read on to discover the famous TV movies filmed in Canada that will spark ideas for your family trip.

9 Top Movies About Canada

Going The Distance (2004)

Teen film fans will enjoy watching this fun comedy directed by Mark Griffiths. The film tells the story of Nick (Christopher Jacot), whose seemingly perfect life in Tofino is turned upside down when his girlfriend Trish (Katheryn Winnick) leaves him to work for big-time producer Lenny Swackhammer (Jason Priestly) in Toronto. Nick plans to fly to Toronto to win her back, but his friends Tyler (Shawn Roberts) and Dime (Ryan Belleville) take him on a road trip in his motorhome instead, hoping to cheer him up.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Although Annie Proulx's novel is set in ‘Riverton’, Wyoming, the film "Brokeback Mountain" was actually shot in the beautiful Canadian Rockies of Alberta. The breath taking scenery in the movie includes the Kananaskis Range near Canmore, with distinct landmarks like Windtower, Three Sisters, and Moose Mountain.

"Brokeback Mountain" stars Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Michelle Williams. It won the BAFTA for Best Film in 2006.

Inspired by these stunning landscapes? Consider a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer train for unbeatable views and top-notch service, making it a perfect family adventure!

Photo credit Louis Paulin via Unsplash

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

In "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," Michael Cera's character faces off against his girlfriend's evil exes, all while showcasing Toronto's famous landmarks. You'll spot the CN Tower, Distillery District, Casa Loma, Baldwin Steps, and more. This 2010 film, based on Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novels, blends humour and action as our hero, a quirky musician, battles to win his dream girl.

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C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)

C.R.A.Z.Y. is a beloved Canadian film that follows 15-year-old Zac from Montreal who was born on Christmas Day in 1960, making him the fourth of five brothers. Despite being expected to blend in, Zac stands out with his unique tastes in fashion and music, particularly Glam Rock. The film features an amazing soundtrack and even includes a travel segment where Zac visits Jerusalem. This fun and heart warming movie is perfect for families and offers touching stories of self-discovery and acceptance. Highly recommended for all!

Les Boys (1997)

Les Boys is a 1997 comedy set in Québec that tells the story of an amateur hockey team trying to save their coach's tavern. The team must defeat a Mob team in an intense ice hockey match to keep the bar. Les Boys also explores Québecois masculine stereotypes in a humorous way. With three sequels, it stands as Canada's most successful film series to date. Perfect for family movie nights, this film series is a delightful blend of sportsmanship, humour, and Canadian pride.

One Week (2008)

Experience Canada’s most iconic landmarks from the comfort of your RV with this heart warming film. Directed by Michael McGowan, the movie turns Canada’s breath taking scenery into a star of its own. Follow Ben Tyler (Joshua Jackson) on his cross-country motorcycle adventure after a cancer diagnosis. From Toronto to Vancouver Island, you'll see stunning sights like the Big Nickel in Sudbury and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The film captures the beauty of Manitoba and Ontario, making it a perfect watch for anyone who loves travel and adventure.

The Revenant (2015)

"The Revenant" is an adventure film starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s. His character faces a fight for survival after disaster strikes in the rugged wilderness.

The movie also features well-known actors like Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, and Domhnall Gleeson. It was filmed in the stunning landscapes of Alberta, Canada. When DiCaprio won the Oscar for Best Actor in 2016, he praised Alberta’s natural beauty in his acceptance speech.

Photo credit Tim Woolliscroft via Unsplash

Pirates of the Caribbean (2006)

Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s most popular attractions and a gem in Ontario’s crown. This colossal waterfall, among the largest in the world, is also a favourite with Hollywood filmmakers. In 2006, the epic Disney film "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End" featured scenes shot at the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Instead of relying on digital effects, the producers chose this stunning location to depict the dramatic, apocalyptic waterfall needed for the movie. A perfect spot for both nature lovers and film buffs!

The Shipping News (2001)

When Kevin Spacey wasn’t playing iconic roles like Frank Underwood or Lester Burnham, he starred in The Shipping News. This heart warming 2001 film, directed by Lasse Hallström and based on Annie Proulx’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, also features Judi Dench, Julianne Moore, and Cate Blanchett. The film beautifully captures the cliffs, coves, and unique accents of New Bonaventure, making it a love letter to Canada’s easternmost province. Perfect for a family movie night!

Conclusion

Canada is a popular filming location for many movies and TV shows, and there are so many that we can't list them all. However, here are a few more family-friendly films that didn't make it onto our main list:

Night at the Museum – This fun film is set in New York, but many scenes were actually shot in Vancouver.

Jumanji – The thrilling adventure movie features breath taking scenes filmed in British Columbia.

Cheaper by the Dozen 2 – This family favourite was filmed around Ontario, showcasing some beautiful Canadian landscapes.

While our main list covers many great titles, these additional picks are also worth a watch!