Cupid’s arrows are ready to fly and flower shop owners are singing hallelujah. Valentine’s Day is coming up fast, and whether you’re celebrating with your S.O., BFF, your mom or yourself, we can’t think of any better way to spend the night than diving deep into a heartfelt romance (wine and chocolates optional). We’ve selected five of our favourite movies and TV shows that celebrate love – and each one is filmed in Vancouver. What’s not to love about that?
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before We are obsessed with Netflix’s spunky comedy, whose 16-year-old protagonist, Lara Jean Covey, is a true romantic. After her mischievous younger sister sends Lara’s secret love letters to the crushes she penned them for, all hilarity breaks loose. Vancouver veterans will recognize background scenes like the British Columbia Institute of Technology and North Vancouver’s Corner Café – learn more, and follow in Lara’s footsteps, by following our TATBILB-inspired self-guided itinerary.
Everything, Everything If this one doesn’t tug at your heartstrings, we don’t know what will! The movie follows a teenager (poignantly played by Amanda Stenberg) who has spent her entire life confined to her house due to a rare disease. When a cute boy (played by devilishly handsome Nick Robinson) moves in next door, the pair embark on an email romance that blossoms into deep love. Vancouver locations you’ll recognize on-screen include Moderne Burger in Kitsilano, and various streets in the downtown core.
Anything Hallmark Okay, so this isn’t a specific production, but there are SO MANY Hallmark movies to choose from – in fact, nearly 60 are filmed in Vancouver each year. Some of our favourites include Mingle All the Way(directed by Allan Harmon, who shares his favourite Vancouver experiences here), The Perfect Bride: Wedding Bells (filmed in Fort Langley, as well as bridal shops in Abbotsford), and Love, Once and Always(film locations include Gastown, Spanish Banks beach and The Vancouver Club).
Once Upon a Time Although Once Upon a Time is jam-packed with adventure, suspense, action and drama, the movie’s fairytale storylines are rooted in romance. Captain Hook and Emma, Snow White and Prince Charming, Rumplestiltskin and Belle… what other characters could make us fall so completely in love with love? OUAT filmed throughout Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby and New West for seven rollercoaster seasons, and those who want to replicate that fairytale feeling IRL can follow the self-guided itinerary here.
The L Word Spicy and stylish, The L Word shares the stories of a group of lesbian friends living in L.A. who support each other in facing complicated issues like gender confusion, prejudice and gay parenting. Vancouver film locations include the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park; the Sutton Place Hotel; the Pacific National Exhibition fairgrounds and nearby Hastings Racecourse; and Vancouver International Airport.
Keen for more self-guided itineraries? Follow in the footsteps of Deadpool, Supergirl, Legion and other Vancouver productions here.
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