Canada is home to some of the most visually striking streets in the world, many of which have appeared in films, commercials, and TV shows without viewers even realizing it. From historic districts with cobblestone roads to bustling urban avenues lined with neon lights, these streets offer filmmakers unique backdrops that capture both local character and cinematic appeal. Here are the 22 photogenic streets you’ll recognize from films—only later.
Saint Catherine Street, Montreal, Quebec
Saint Catherine Street is one of Montreal’s busiest commercial streets and has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. Its combination of historic architecture and modern storefronts makes it visually striking on screen. From bustling crowds to iconic department stores, filmmakers often use this street to convey the energy of Montreal. The street’s holiday decorations and festival events have also been featured in various productions, adding seasonal charm. Its central location and recognizable landmarks make it an ideal filming spot that captures the essence of the city’s urban life.
Rue Saint-Paul, Old Montreal, Quebec
Rue Saint-Paul is the oldest street in Montreal, lined with cobblestones, boutique shops, and historic buildings. Its European feel has made it a popular choice for period films, romantic scenes, and cinematic establishing shots. The street’s charming storefronts and historic architecture allow filmmakers to evoke an old-world ambiance while still being in the heart of Montreal. Its proximity to the Old Port and waterfront provides additional cinematic versatility. Many films use Rue Saint-Paul to convey Montreal’s unique blend of history and culture, making it instantly recognizable to locals and moviegoers alike.
Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia
Granville Street is a central artery of downtown Vancouver, known for its nightlife, theatres, and neon signs. It has served as a backdrop in numerous films, often standing in for U.S. cities due to Vancouver’s nickname, “Hollywood North.” Filmmakers use the street’s bustling energy and urban skyline to create a realistic city atmosphere. Granville’s mix of modern high-rises and historic architecture allows for versatile settings, from action sequences to dramatic cityscapes. Its entertainment district appeal and cinematic lighting make it a go-to location for productions looking to capture a vibrant, metropolitan feel.
Robson Street, Vancouver, British Columbia
Robson Street is a lively shopping and cultural district in Vancouver, known for its international stores, cafés, and urban street life. Its wide sidewalks, cityscape views, and contemporary storefronts make it an attractive filming location. Many productions use Robson Street for exterior shots requiring a dynamic, cosmopolitan backdrop. The street’s proximity to landmarks like BC Place and the Vancouver Art Gallery provides additional cinematic value. Robson Street’s recognizable city vibe allows filmmakers to convey Vancouver’s modern and bustling character without extensive set design, making it a frequent choice for local and international productions.
The Distillery District, Toronto, Ontario
Toronto’s Distillery District is famous for its preserved Victorian-era industrial buildings, cobblestone streets, and artsy vibe. This historic area has appeared in countless films and commercials for its unique aesthetic that blends heritage with creativity. Its pedestrian-friendly streets and decorative outdoor spaces allow for easy camera setups and versatile shooting angles. Filmmakers often use the Distillery District to depict Toronto’s cultural and artistic side, whether in period settings or contemporary stories. Seasonal events and art installations add further visual interest, making it a highly photogenic and cinematic location for a variety of productions.
King Street West, Toronto, Ontario
King Street West is a vibrant and trendy district in Toronto known for its nightlife, theatres, and modern office towers. The street has frequently appeared in films and TV shows to represent the city’s energy and urban sophistication. Its mix of historic buildings and contemporary architecture provides a visually appealing backdrop for a variety of genres. Filmmakers also utilize King Street West for street-level action scenes, bustling pedestrian shots, and dynamic exterior sequences. The area’s combination of cultural landmarks, restaurants, and entertainment venues makes it a go-to location for capturing the essence of downtown Toronto on screen.
Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario
Queen Street West is one of Toronto’s most iconic streets, known for its artsy vibe, boutique shops, and eclectic street art. Filmmakers love this area for its creative energy and visually striking façades. The mix of historic buildings, murals, and vibrant storefronts provides a cinematic backdrop for everything from indie films to commercials. Its pedestrian-friendly layout and cultural landmarks make it ideal for filming lively street scenes. Queen Street West’s combination of urban edge and artistic charm allows productions to capture Toronto’s unique personality while giving viewers a sense of local culture.
ByWard Market Streets, Ottawa, Ontario
ByWard Market is a historic and bustling area in Ottawa, featuring cobblestone streets, outdoor patios, and farmers’ stalls. Its colorful architecture and lively atmosphere make it a favorite for filmmakers seeking a vibrant urban setting with a historic feel. The market area has been used in films, TV shows, and commercials to depict local culture, bustling weekends, and seasonal festivals. Its proximity to Parliament Hill and other landmarks adds cinematic versatility. ByWard Market’s photogenic streets, combined with seasonal decorations and community events, make it instantly recognizable as a charming Ottawa hotspot.
Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Sparks Street is a pedestrian mall in downtown Ottawa, lined with offices, restaurants, and historic buildings. Its central location and open-air layout make it a practical choice for filming city scenes without heavy vehicle traffic. Sparks Street has appeared in productions that require a distinctly Ottawa backdrop, featuring political, commercial, or downtown settings. Seasonal decorations and street performers often add character to scenes. The street’s combination of heritage architecture and modern urban infrastructure allows filmmakers to showcase Ottawa’s downtown core while capturing authentic pedestrian and city life.
Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Main Street in Winnipeg runs through the heart of the city, featuring historic buildings, boutique shops, and diverse eateries. Its combination of vintage architecture and modern storefronts makes it a flexible location for film productions. Filmmakers often use Main Street to capture Winnipeg’s local charm, from bustling daytime street scenes to atmospheric night shots. Seasonal events and cultural festivals along the street provide additional visual appeal. Its accessibility and distinct urban character make Main Street a reliable choice for productions needing authentic Winnipeg settings without extensive set modifications.
Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Portage Avenue is one of Winnipeg’s main thoroughfares, known for its commercial and business districts. Its wide streets, historic buildings, and city skyline views make it a versatile filming location. Many productions utilize Portage Avenue to convey Winnipeg’s downtown energy, whether for street-level action sequences or establishing shots. The avenue’s blend of modern and heritage architecture allows for diverse cinematic uses. Filmmakers also benefit from the accessibility and open spaces along the street, making it easier to capture both wide urban vistas and detailed pedestrian activity.
Stephen Avenue, Calgary, Alberta
Stephen Avenue is Calgary’s historic pedestrian street, lined with sandstone buildings, shops, and restaurants. Its European-inspired architecture and pedestrian-friendly design make it a favorite for filmmakers capturing Calgary’s downtown ambiance. The street has been featured in films and commercials, often highlighting urban life, nightlife, and cultural events. Seasonal decorations, outdoor patios, and public art installations add visual interest. Stephen Avenue’s mix of historic charm and modern city energy allows productions to convey a vibrant and authentic Calgary setting while offering flexible shooting locations.
17th Avenue, Calgary, Alberta
17th Avenue in Calgary, also known as the “Red Mile,” is famous for its restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. Filmmakers often use the street to capture Calgary’s trendy and energetic atmosphere. Its wide sidewalks, decorative façades, and street-level activity make it visually appealing for exterior shots. Seasonal events, street festivals, and nightlife scenes further enhance its cinematic value. 17th Avenue’s combination of commercial vibrancy and cultural character allows productions to showcase Calgary’s local flavor while providing a versatile filming location suitable for both daytime and nighttime sequences.
Whyte Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta
Whyte Avenue, located in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona district, is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, historic buildings, and bustling nightlife. Filmmakers are drawn to its eclectic mix of cafes, shops, and street art, which provide a lively and visually appealing urban backdrop. Seasonal festivals, farmers’ markets, and pedestrian-friendly streets add dynamic elements for filming. Whyte Avenue’s combination of historic charm and modern energy allows productions to capture Edmonton’s unique local culture, making it an ideal location for films, commercials, and photo shoots seeking a creative yet authentic city environment.
Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta
Jasper Avenue is Edmonton’s central thoroughfare, featuring a mix of modern office buildings, historic architecture, and retail spaces. Its long, straight layout and urban skyline make it a popular choice for establishing shots and street-level filming. Jasper Avenue has been used in productions to convey downtown life, city events, and urban energy. The street’s blend of heritage façades with contemporary structures allows filmmakers to capture Edmonton’s evolution over time. Seasonal lighting, outdoor patios, and public art installations provide additional visual interest, enhancing its cinematic versatility.
Water Street, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Water Street in St. John’s is one of Canada’s oldest streets, featuring brightly colored row houses, historic buildings, and vibrant storefronts. Its distinctive architecture and coastal charm make it a favorite for filmmakers seeking a visually striking backdrop with local character. Water Street often appears in productions highlighting Atlantic Canadian culture, bustling commercial districts, and seasonal events. The street’s combination of history, color, and activity allows productions to capture the essence of St. John’s while providing dynamic visuals for exterior scenes.
Duckworth Street, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Duckworth Street is a lively downtown thoroughfare in St. John’s, lined with pubs, shops, and historic buildings. Its vibrant streetscape, often decorated with seasonal lights and banners, makes it visually appealing for filming urban life and local celebrations. Filmmakers appreciate Duckworth Street for its authentic representation of Newfoundland culture, from bustling nightlife to pedestrian activity. The street’s historic façades and mix of modern amenities provide flexibility for a range of cinematic scenes, from casual strolls to festival crowds, while highlighting St. John’s unique character.
George Street, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
George Street is famous for its nightlife and entertainment district in St. John’s, featuring brightly lit bars and pubs. Its energetic atmosphere and dense pedestrian traffic make it a prime location for filming nightlife scenes, cultural events, and city celebrations. Filmmakers often use George Street to convey Atlantic Canadian urban energy, especially for scenes involving music, festivals, or local gatherings. The colorful façades and iconic signage provide an instantly recognizable backdrop, making it ideal for productions that want to capture the vibrancy of St. John’s entertainment scene.
Rue Notre-Dame, Montreal, Quebec
Rue Notre-Dame in Montreal is a historic street known for its stunning architecture, bustling shops, and cultural landmarks. Filmmakers favor it for its European-inspired façades and vibrant street life, providing a cinematic urban setting with authentic Montreal character. The street frequently hosts festivals and seasonal events, which can be incorporated into film sequences. Rue Notre-Dame’s combination of history, activity, and aesthetic charm makes it a versatile backdrop for productions looking to capture the essence of Montreal’s city life.
Crescent Street, Montreal, Quebec
Crescent Street is a popular nightlife and entertainment district in Montreal, lined with restaurants, bars, and clubs. Its lively streets, neon signage, and pedestrian traffic create a visually dynamic filming location. Filmmakers use Crescent Street to depict Montreal’s nightlife, entertainment culture, and urban energy. Seasonal events, parades, and festivals often add layers of visual interest, making it ideal for films, commercials, and music videos that require a recognizable yet vibrant city setting.
Stanley Park Seawall Streets, Vancouver, British Columbia
The streets and pathways along Vancouver’s Stanley Park Seawall offer stunning waterfront views, lush forested surroundings, and city skyline backdrops. Filmmakers are drawn to this location for its versatility, whether for outdoor adventure scenes, romantic strolls, or urban escapes. The mix of natural beauty and proximity to downtown Vancouver allows for cinematic shots that combine city and nature seamlessly. Stanley Park’s seawall and streets provide a photogenic and versatile setting, making it a favorite for productions seeking iconic Vancouver landscapes with both urban and scenic appeal.
22 Groceries to Grab Now—Before another Price Shock Hits Canada
Food prices in Canada have been steadily climbing, and another spike could make your grocery bill feel like a mortgage payment. According to Statistics Canada, food inflation remains about 3.7% higher than last year, with essentials like bread, dairy, and fresh produce leading the surge. Some items are expected to rise even further due to transportation costs, droughts, and import tariffs. Here are 22 groceries to grab now before another price shock hits Canada.
22 Groceries to Grab Now—Before another Price Shock Hits Canada
