Season 2 The Last Of Us

The Last of Us is known for its large-scale sets, and Gastown is no exception. With its cobblestone streets, vintage lampposts, and old-school charm, it’s no surprise this has been a favorite filming location for everything from Fifty Shades of Grey to Once Upon a Time.

The Last of Us production team shut down an entire portion of East Cordova street to shoot scenes for this episode. They brought in truckloads of vegetation, props, and wrecked cars to shoot the sequences of Ellie and Jesse moving through the city. In real life, Gastown’s twelve-block radius is packed with creative boutiques, independent galleries, buzzing live music venues, and some of the city’s best cafes and restaurants. So while you’re walking in the footsteps of Ellie and Jesse, you’ll also have everything the neighbourhood has to offer right at your fingertips.

The scene where Ellie accidentally reveals to Tommy that Dina is pregnant was shot in one of Vancouver’s most recognizable backstreets: Arch Alley, tucked between Pender and West Hastings near Victory Square. This gritty, cinematic spot is a favourite among filmmakers and has also appeared in Deadpool and The X-Files. Just a few blocks north, between Cordova and Homer Streets, you’ll find another notable backstreet—Le Magasin Alley—home to one of Vancouver’s oldest shopping galleries. While you're in the area, don't miss a visit to Gastown’s famous Steam Clock, one of the few functioning clocks of its kind in the world, which lets out a whistle and a puff of steam every 15 minutes. Or if you’re looking for a whole new perspective on the city, head to the Vancouver Lookout where you’ll be treated to sweeping 360° views of the skyline, mountains, ocean, and the neighbourhood below.

Finish off your day by sipping a cocktail in Pourhouse’s century-old warehouse or sample house-made brews and elevated pub fare at Steamworks Brewery—both just steps away.

The scene where Ellie steals a boat from a W.L.F. controlled dock was filmed at Harbour Green Park. This quiet slice of waterfront nestled along Vancouver’s Coal Harbour seawall has sweeping views of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains, and Stanley Park—though you’d never guess it from the dark and stormy atmosphere of the scene. The production team used a combination of the dock at Harbour Green Park, a set constructed to replicate the dock, a dry gimbal, and a water tank to achieve this intense ocean sequence.

The dock used for filming in this episode is a public dock so you can go check it out and even walk down to the water where Ellie launched from. Coal Harbour is a favourite stretch of waterfront among locals and visitors alike, whether you're walking the seawall, grabbing a bite, or watching seaplanes take off from the nearby terminal. While you’re in the area, stop by the Vancouver Convention Centre to check out the Olympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza—home to the Olympic flame during the 2010 Winter Games. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, grab a patio seat at popular waterfront spots like Cardero’s or Cactus Club Café for a meal with a view.

The Vancouver Aquarium stands in as the interior of the Seattle Aquarium in this episode, where Abby and her group use the long-abandoned building as a temporary base. In real life, though, it’s anything but empty. Located in the heart of Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is Canada’s largest and home to over 65,000 animals—including octopuses, jellyfish, and rescued sea mammals. It’s a lively, family-friendly spot and a must-visit while exploring the park.

This isn’t the Vancouver Aquarium’s first time on TV. Fans might remember seeing it in The Flash, Arrow, Psych, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, or even posing as Aquaworld in the movie Good Luck Chuck. A staple of Stanley Park, the aquarium is just steps from some of the trails used for filming in episode 3 of The Last of Us season 2. With lush forests, towering trees, and stunning waterfront views nearby, it's a perfect launch point for a day of exploring one of Vancouver’s most iconic spots.

The Orpheum Theatre continues to play a key role in The Last of Us season 2, now becoming more of a permanent base of operations before hosting the season’s final confrontation between Ellie and Abby. This historic venue has been a major part of the city's entertainment scene since 1927. Originally the largest vaudeville house in Vancouver, the Orpheum later became a movie palace before evolving into the world-class concert hall we know today. Over the years, it’s hosted royalty, political leaders, and countless celebrities. Gabriel Luna, the actor who plays Tommy, even posted a video on instagram of himself and Isabel Merced jamming out on stage.

The real-life Paramount theater, the theatre the Pinnacle is based on, was actually designed by the same architect as the Orpheum, making it the ultimate stunt double. No stranger to the screen, the Orpheum has also made appearances in The Magicians, Supergirl, Timeless, and many more. These days, the Orpheum is home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, hosting everything from classical performances to modern pop concerts. Fans can also join one of the theatre’s free tours for a behind-the-scenes look at this timeless venue and its history.