Summary:
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The Last of Us Season 2 was mainly filmed in Vancouver and British Columbia, Canada, from February to August 2024.
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A few scenes were also shot in Alberta, notably in Calgary and Exshaw, for snow-covered or scenic settings.
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Filming locations were selected to visually replicate Seattle and Jackson, Wyoming, as seen in The Last of Us Part II.
Where Was The Last of Us Season 2 Filmed?
The Last of Us Season 2 was filmed primarily in British Columbia, Canada, with Vancouver serving as the central hub for the production. Filming officially began on February 12, 2024, under the working title Mega Sword, and wrapped by August 23, 2024, though additional scenes continued into early 2025. The project spanned over 150 days, a scale reflecting the show’s ambitious visual scope and faithful adaptation of The Last of Us Part II.
This season marked a notable shift from Season 1’s Alberta-heavy filming, opting instead for Vancouver’s urban resemblance to Seattle, one of the game’s primary locations. However, a few winter and mountainous scenes were still shot in Alberta.
READ MORE: Where to Watch The Last of Us Season 2 Online? Globally
Why Did Season 2 Shift from Alberta to British Columbia?
Season 1 of The Last of Us leaned heavily on Alberta’s landscapes, using locations like Canmore to portray Jackson. In contrast, Season 2 moved much of the production to British Columbia, particularly Vancouver, to better represent Seattle’s Pacific Northwest aesthetic.
British Columbia’s diverse geography, urban settings, and logistical advantages likely contributed to the shift. The proximity to the U.S. border, wide range of location options, and ability to recreate post-apocalyptic cityscapes all made it an ideal match for the game’s atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Alberta was used more selectively in Season 2 — primarily for scenes requiring snow, mountains, or distinct terrain — notably near Calgary and Exshaw.
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Which Key Locations Were Used in British Columbia?
The production used a wide range of British Columbia towns and cities, each standing in for various in-game locations. Vancouver played a major role in replicating Seattle’s urban sprawl, with surrounding areas depicting everything from wilderness trails to survivor towns.
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Vancouver: Filming occurred in multiple areas such as Downtown Eastside, Chinatown, Stanley Park, and Harbour Green Park. Notably, Harbour Green Park was transformed with abandoned vehicles and military presence on July 25, September 13–17, 2024, and again January 15–16, 2025. The Vancouver Aquarium closed early on January 17, 2025, for additional shoots.
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Nanaimo: Shot between April 22–May 31, 2024, this city featured scenes with Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced on horseback — likely representing Capitol Hill or Serevena Hotel from the game.
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Kamloops: In February 2024, a building was modified to resemble the in-game Greenplace Market, a location where Ellie and Dina confront the infected.
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Britannia Beach: Between April and July 2024, this location hosted scenes with flame and smoke effects, suggesting high-action sequences. Sets resembling town buildings were constructed.
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Mission, Fort Langley, and Langley: Used in March 2024, these areas likely stood in for Jackson, Wyoming, given their forested surroundings and small-town look.
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New Westminster and Minaty Bay: Additional filming occurred here on June 7 and July 28, 2024, respectively, providing varied scenic backdrops.
READ MORE: 1923 Timeline Breakdown and What Season 2’s Setting Means
Which Alberta Locations Were Used in Season 2?
Though Alberta played a smaller role in Season 2, its contribution was still essential for specific environmental needs — namely snow-covered roads and mountain scenery.
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Calgary: Scenes were shot on March 5–6, 2024, likely involving urban landscapes or callback locations from Season 1.
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Exshaw (Highway 1A): Filmed between March 18–24, 2024, this stretch of road was partially closed for 72 hours to film snowy or mountainous scenes, possibly related to Jackson’s winter setting.
The use of Alberta in Season 2 was limited to around 9 days, suggesting a strategic and minimal deployment of its landscapes for highly specific moments.
How Do the Filming Choices Reflect the Game’s Narrative?
The location strategy for Season 2 mirrors the game’s progression through urban, rural, and winter environments. By using Vancouver for Seattle, and areas like Mission and Fort Langley for Jackson, the production closely aligns with the visual identity of The Last of Us Part II.
Moreover, shifting to British Columbia allowed the team to streamline production logistics, tap into new filming incentives, and achieve greater variety in terrain without relying exclusively on Alberta.
The additional photography in early 2025, including shoots in Vancouver’s Gastown and around the Orpheum Theatre, suggests scenes were refined for dramatic accuracy or narrative pacing. These reshoots followed major filming blocks and helped polish key moments leading up to the April 13, 2025 premiere on HBO.
READ MORE: Parental guide for The Last of Us Season 2: Is it suitable for teens?
Complete Table of Filming Locations and Dates
| Location | Date(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kamloops, BC | February 2024 | Dressed to replicate Greenplace Market |
| Calgary, AB | March 5–6, 2024 | Likely urban backdrops |
| Mission, Fort Langley, Langley, BC | March 2024 | Represented Jackson, Wyoming |
| Exshaw, AB (Highway 1A) | March 18–24, 2024 | Snow scenes; 72-hour partial highway closure |
| Britannia Beach, BC | April, June 5, 7, 12, 13, July 2 | Pyrotechnic sequences; constructed buildings |
| Nanaimo, BC | April 22–May 31, 2024 | Scenes with Ramsey and Merced on horseback |
| Downtown Eastside, Vancouver, BC | May 4, May 11, July 12, 2024 | Replicated Seattle with military props |
| Chinatown, Vancouver, BC | July 8, 2024 | Included fictional Seraphites group |
| Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC | July 13, 2024 | Filming occurred |
| Downtown Vancouver, BC | July 25, Sept 13–17, Jan 15–16 | Vehicles, decay sets, aquarium closure |
| New Westminster, BC | July 28, 2024 | Filming occurred |
| Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, BC | July 29, 2024 | Filming occurred |
| Gastown (Cordova & Cambie), Vancouver | August 9–13, 2024 | Featured in additional photography |
When Will The Last of Us Season 2 Release?
The Last of Us Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, on HBO. The network has confirmed that the season will cover a significant portion of The Last of Us Part II, continuing the story of Ellie and introducing new characters like Abby.
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