‘The Last of Us’ Filming Locations
Where was The Last of Us filmed? The hit HBO series, based around the video game franchise of the same name has captured our imaginations since it first came out in January of 2023. It follows the story of Joel (Pedro Pascal), a smuggler and one of the few survivors of an infectious disease that has wiped out most of humanity, who is tasked with protecting a teenage girl named Ellie (Bella Ramsey). Over the course of 9 episodes, the main characters embark on a post-apocalyptic journey across the United States, going through cities such as Boston, Kansas City, and Jackson.
However, as we’ll discuss, much of the series was shot in America’s neighbour to the north—specifically, in Alberta, Canada. Today with Civitatis, we’ll go through where exactly some of the most iconic scenes were shot!
Fair warning, the following list may include some spoilers!
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
The first stop on our list of The Last of Us filming locations is a city which was frequently used during the filming of the series—Calgary.
Interestingly, it was in this city in Alberta, Canada that scenes set in Boston were filmed. Strolling around a residential area like the one pictured below, you can almost picture Sarah, Joel’s daughter, coming out of one of these houses at night like in the first episode!
Sarah’s school was also filmed in Calgary, specifically at Lord Shaughnessy High School. And in another episode, Calgary’s famous Arts Hotel played the role of Boston’s colonial museum, where Joel, Tess, and Ellie encountered a couple of infected people. In addition, two Calgary educational institutions were chosen to represent what would become the University of Eastern Colorado– Mount Royal University and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada
We resume our post-apocalyptic journey to Fort Macleod, just two hours from Calgary. Several scenes that supposedly take place in downtown Austin were actually shot in this quaint town in Alberta. For example, the scene set in a watch repair shop was shot in an antique store in on 2nd Avenue in Fort Macleod. It was here that Sarah is able to fix Joel’s watch as a birthday present!
Fort MacLeod’s main street, on the other hand, is lined with charming historic buildings, perfect for any shoot. And this spot has not only served as a filming location for The Last of Us, but also for other series such as Ghostbusters: Afterlife and even movies like Brokeback Mountain (2005) and One of Us (2020).
High River, Alberta, Canada
Just 42 kilometers (26 miles) south of Calgary is the town of High River. In the first episode of the series, this town was served as one of the filming locations meant to recreate a residential area in Austin. It was here that shots in the Millers’ house were filmed! Specifically, filming took place at 11 Sullivan Road Southwest.
High River is also home to Joel, Sarah, and Tommy’s neighborhood cul-de-sac, the highway, and Evelyn’s Memory Lane Diner. Bill and Frank’s home was built in another residential area of High River, the Beachwood Estates, which were abandoned after a terrible flood in 2013.
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
The journey to discover the locations of The Last of Us will continue in a small Canadian town that serves as Jackson. There Joel is finally reunited with his brother Tommy. Filming took place in Canmore, Alberta, although in reality, the real American town it doubles as for the show is in Cheyenne, Wyoming – almost 2,400 kilometres (1,500 miles) away!
Another of the most important scenes is the moment when Joel and Ellie cross the grim “River of Death”. Filming for this sequence took place on the Engine Bridge over the Bow River, also in Canmore. This impressive bridge built in the 19th century is notable for its vertical posts and unique structure.
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
It is in the eighth episode, the main avenue of Silver Lake appears. These shots were actually recorded in Waterton, home to Waterton Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the backdrop for Ellie’s capture by David and his hunters, featuring snow-covered vistas set against majestic mountain peaks.
