HBO's adaptation of The Last Of Us sees Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) traveling through a desolate America in search of survival, but where was the series filmed? As the characters bond and learn more about Ellie's immunity to the Cordyceps infection, their journey takes them through areas where happy people once lived regular lives, and the setting informs each fast-paced and emotionally devastating episode.
It's interesting to find out where The Last Of Us was filmed as the setting is pitch perfect, and there are also some locations that fans can visit in real life and see the places that Ellie and Joel have passed through.
The Last Of Us Was Filmed In Alberta, Canada
The Last Of Us was filmed in Alberta, Canada. Every episode sees Joel and Ellie continuing on their journey and walking through a world that is desolate and destroyed, which adds a lot of emotion to every moment. Whether Ellie is spending time at an empty mall with Riley Abel (Storm Reid) or Joel is meeting up with his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna), every scene was shot in Alberta. The Last Of Us had a great premiere and every element of the series is almost flawless, including the setting.
John Paino, the production designer, shared some details when interviewed by CN Traveler. Paino said, "We shot in and around Calgary, and also in Edmonton, for when they're leaving Boston proper. Most of the series takes place in the middle of America, so we wanted places that could fill in. We used a sliver of downtown Calgary for Kansas City. When they're ambushed and crash into the laundromat, that's really Calgary."
The Last Of Us featured 180 total filming locations, which is wild to think about but a testament to the powerful storytelling of the series. The best The Last Of Us characters are dealing with matters of life and death and trying to find some beauty and happiness in the midst of survival, and the Alberta setting works in every single scene. It should be noted that any outside scenes were filmed at Mount Royal University, Waterton Lakes National Park, Canmore, and High River, according to CN Traveler. Inside scenes were filmed at Calgary, Alberta sound stages that production created.
According to Curocity, a scene from episode 6 was filmed at the Engine Bridge which is located at Spur Line Trail in Canmore, Alberta. A memorable scene from episode 3 was shot At Priddis General Store, which is located at Priddis Valley Rd W in Priddis, Alberta.
The Locations That The Last Of Us Fans Can Visit
Fans of The Last Of Us can take a trip to Alberta and spend time in the cities of Calgary and Edmonton, along with the surrounding areas. While many original The Last Of Us characters were created, Joel and Ellie's journey is the heart of the TV series, and they walk through many parts of the United States. These scenes saw them walking through parts of Alberta, which would make for a fun, nature-filled vacation.
According to People, many The Last Of Us scenes were filmed at two schools: the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Mount Royal University. Fans can visit and go on tours of each school. Fans can also go to Canmore, Alberta. Joel and Ellie find a herd of giraffes in episode 9, "Look For The Light," and according to Travel Alberta, the scenes were filmed at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, which is another place that fans can visit. The Last Of Us giraffe scene is very important so this definitely had to be included in the TV adaptation.
Fans will remember when Ellie and Joel eat at Willow Lane Barn in episode 6 called "Kin," and according to Travel Alberta, this is a real place where fans can go and enjoy a meal. This location is close to Olds, Alberta and is a popular wedding venue. Travel Alberta noted that the scenes of Ellie and Riley were filmed at the Northland Village Mall in Calgary, and while it's currently being renovated into an open-air mall, the website notes that fans can go to CF Market Mall which is nearby and also hike through Nose Hill Park.
While The Last Of Us pilot is impressive, every episode lives up to that promise, and the nature-filled setting emphasizes how scared Joel and Ellie are but how strong they are trying to be.
Travel Alberta shared that fans can travel to Calgary and walk through Fish Creek Provincial Park. Ellie and Joel walk toward where Bill lives in episode 3, "Long, Long Time," and people can bird watch, go on a bike ride, and go for a hike. There are many tourist attractions here, including the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant. The menu includes delicious dishes like Salt Spring Island Mussels, Braised Lamb Shank, and a variety of salads.