Filming locations for The Last of Us tour. Okay, if you’re sitting there binge-watching and kinda dreaming about wandering those post-apocalyptic streets (without, y’know, actually running from infected), you’re definitely not alone. I get it—finding real-world spots from your favorite shows is like a scavenger hunt, and honestly, who doesn’t love uncovering a place that feels both eerie and famous? And if you’re anything like me (a little obsessed with travel AND TV), you want the highlights, not the runaround. Before I get into all the Alberta locations, you might also wanna peek at these must-see spots in South America if your bucket list is getting crowded: 19 must-see locations in South America.
Most Iconic Filming Locations in Alberta
Wanna see where Ellie and Joel actually walked? The locations are scattered, sure, but these are the crowd-pleasers:
- Calgary: The courthouse, streets, and cityscapes pop up more than once (I’m tellin’ you, you’ll recognize those alleyways).
- Canmore: This town doubled as “Jackson,” and trust me—it’s beyond photogenic even if you’re not hunting infected.
- Fort Macleod: The downtown area? Feels straight outta the game, only with a little less danger.
- Waterton Lakes National Park: You get those hauntingly big landscapes without the need for CGI. Wild, right?
If you want more, just take a stroll—half the charm is spotting the smaller, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scenes.
I never thought I’d actually stand where they filmed—made the story feel insanely real! Alberta feels like another planet in some spots. — Candice, road trip regular
How to Plan Your Visit to The Last of Us Filming Locations
Traveling for TV? (Yup, I admit it—I do it. No shame.) Here’s how not to stress out:
- Rent a car. You’ll want to hop between towns and nature spots without fuss.
- Map your trip ahead of time. Some filming locations aren’t even in the main tourist loops, so make a loose plan (emphasis on “loose”—nobody likes a rigid vacation).
- Plan for snacks (I always bring something to munch on—never tryna get hangry in the wilds of Alberta).
- Consider the weather. Alberta gets real cold in winter, folks.
If you’re chasing other adventurous travel tips, check out 50 must-know travel tips for every adventurer.
Insights into the Filming Process and Behind-the-Scenes
Now, if you’re the “I LOVE the ‘making-of’ more than the show” type, here’s a bit for you (I totally get it).
- The crew picked Alberta mostly for its weirdly perfect abandoned vibes (which sounds kinda sad…but it’s cool on screen).
- Many towns had to be totally transformed—a pizza shop here, a burnt-out car there.
- The community? Super involved. Some locals even got to be extras! (Imagine getting paid to look scared for a day.)
- While the magic happens behind the scenes, the locals still tell funny stories about half-eaten prop food left behind. Kinda gross, kinda cool.
—All this makes you see the real work that goes into TV, not just the pretty end product.
Related Attractions and Activities in Alberta
So, you’re there for a fandom pilgrimage. But what about stuff to do if your travel buddy isn’t as obsessed as you?
- National parks galore: Banff and Jasper are, honestly, five-star views. Even if you don’t care about Joel and Ellie, you’ll care about the mountains.
- Dark sky tourism. Wild, right? Stargazing in Alberta is out of this world (no joke). If that’s your thing, there’s more info here: dark sky tourism destinations you must visit.
- Check out some local eats in Canmore and Calgary. Poutine, bison burgers, maple treats… Don’t leave hungry—trust me.
- Wildlife watching is legit. Think bears, elk, and a random moose if you’re lucky.
Your camera roll is about to fill up, fast.
Tips for Fans of The Last of Us Visiting Alberta
Before you pack your backpack (or your battered flannel), a few quick things:
- Don’t trespass—some spots are private property (don’t be that fan).
- Respect the land. Alberta’s proud of its open spaces, so don’t litter, please and thank you.
- Layer up! Seriously, mountain weather changes faster than Joel’s mood.
- Locals are friendly. Ask politely if you’re unsure about a spot—they usually love to chat TV.
- Definitely bring a power bank unless you want to recreate apocalypse-style phone panic.
Most of all: snap those photos, but also look up and breathe it all in. These places are just wild in person.
Common Questions
Are the filming locations open to the public?
Mostly yes, but check local signage—some buildings are private or in use.
Is it easy to spot the exact places from the show?
Depends. Some are super obvious (hello, Canmore main street), others need a side-by-side photo to really pop out.
What’s the best season for a tour?
I’d go late spring through early fall, unless you love snow more than I ever could.
Will I see props or leftover set pieces?
Usually not—most stuff gets cleaned up after filming. But occasionally a painted-over window or odd sign sticks around.
Are there guided tours?
Not everywhere, but the bigger towns (like Calgary) may offer themed walking tours especially in peak seasons.
Ready to Walk in The Last of Us’s Footsteps?
Honestly—you don’t have to be a hardcore fan to eat this up. Alberta’s filming locations are just plain cool, even if your PlayStation is gathering dust. If you want to dive deeper, here’s a solid roundup: Explore These Alberta Locations Featured in HBO’s The Last of Us. Also, GQ has more info about all the filming locations in The Last of Us — and how you can visit. Pack snacks, wear sturdy shoes, and be ready for some magic (with or without cordyceps fungus). And if you wander off route—who cares? Sometimes that’s exactly how adventures are made.
