“Survive Vancouver”: A New AR Experience Lets Fans step into a Post-Apocalyptic World Inspired by The Last of Us

May 29, 2025

As the dust settles on the momentous Season 2 finale of The Last of Us, fans of the show can now follow in Joel and Ellie’s footsteps in real life. Destination Vancouver has launched Survive Vancouver, a mobile, browser-based augmented reality (AR) experience that transports users into a world inspired by The Last of Us, right here on the streets where it was filmed.

Developed in partnership with Victoria-based creative studios One Net Agency and Hololabs, Survive Vancouver guides fans through four filming locations in Downtown Vancouver, transforming familiar settings into iconic scenes inspired by the show.

Using advanced AR tech powered by Niantic, creators of Pokémon Go, users uncover hidden digital props, unlock code words, and collect clues at each location. Once all clues have been uncovered, a set of coordinates are unveiled leading to a prize: A limited-edition, hand-illustrated postcard featuring one of Vancouver’s iconic filming locations, reimagined in post-apocalyptic detail.

Experience Highlights

  • No app download required – users can play right in their mobile browser
  • Four landmark Vancouver filming sites – The Orpheum Theatre, Chinatown, Gastown, and Harbour Green Park.
  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes content – curated local guides and interactive storytelling at each location.
  • Immersive game mechanics – integrated into Destination Vancouver’s recently relaunched, AI-powered website.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the show or a curious urban adventurer, you can visit DestinationVancouver.com/survive-vancouver to begin your own Last of Us adventure.

Fans can also dive deeper into the series with exclusive episode recaps and filming location insights available at DestinationVancouver.com/the-last-of-us-filmed-in-vancouver.

Quotes

Vancouver has always played a starring role in film and television, and Survive Vancouver offers fans a new way to experience that magic. This initiative brings a new dimension to visiting our city, inviting fans to walk in the footsteps of their favourite characters while exploring our diverse neighbourhoods. We’re inviting the world to step into the show and into Vancouver.” – Royce Chwin, President & CEO, Destination Vancouver.

This experience showcases the potential for destination marketing to evolve through technology. By using augmented reality tied to real filming locations, we aren’t just telling Vancouver’s story, we’re letting visitors step inside it. It’s immersive, interactive and a glimpse into the future of tourism.” – Stefan Hawes, Vice President, Global Marketing, Destination Vancouver.


Media contact
:
Destination Vancouver
Darren Dunne | Manager, Corporate Communications
T 604.631.2830 I C. 778.320.5391
E ddunne@destinationvancouver.com


About Destination Vancouver

Destination Vancouver is the non-profit, member-led destination marketing and management organization for the spectacular city of Vancouver, BC. Our purpose is to transform our communities and our visitors through the power of travel and to be thoughtful leaders, advocates and ambassadors for our city. We work with our partners in Vancouver's visitor economy to develop compelling experiences and offerings for our visitors and to promote Vancouver in key Canadian, US, and international markets. The responsibility to build a sustainable and resilient visitor economy is the foundation of everything we do. Visit www.destinationvancouver.com