HBO’s acclaimed series The Last of Us has embraced the richness of real-world environments by utilizing various locations throughout its first two seasons. Filming for the inaugural season commenced on July 12, 2021, concluding nearly a year later on June 11, 2022, and it premiered in January 2023. Meanwhile, production on season 2 spanned over 150 days, gearing up for its anticipated premiere in April 2025. The show’s creators have made a conscientious effort to incorporate impressive and genuine locations, adding depth to the series’ post-apocalyptic narrative.
Set against a backdrop of a devastated United States decimated by the Cordyceps fungus—a virus that transforms humans into hostile creatures—The Last of Us predominantly filmed in Canada. Key regions included Alberta, which served as a primary filming location, and Vancouver, where scenes representing Seattle were shot in the second season. This meticulous location selection complements the show’s somber atmosphere, enhancing its narrative richness. As season 3 looms on the horizon, fans can expect a return to these evocative Canadian settings.
Calgary
Alberta
Most scenes for season 1 were filmed in and around Calgary, Alberta, which acted as a stand-in for various locations in the show. For instance, many sequences shot in Calgary convincingly represented the Boston quarantine zone depicted in episode 1. High River, a nearby town, also contributed to these pivotal scenes. Calgary’s Mount Royal University and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology simulated the fictional University of Eastern Colorado featured in the game’s concluding sections.
Additionally, the Northland Village Mall in northwest Calgary served as the setting for scenes inspired by the Left Behind DLC, focusing on Riley and Ellie. The urban environments of downtown Calgary and the Beltline were transformed into a dystopian version of Boston, while other filming locations in the city included Kensington and Victoria Park, alongside the smaller towns of Okotoks and Olds.
Fort Macleod
Alberta
Fort Macleod, another town in Alberta located south of Calgary, also hosted filming for season 1. This location was essential for the prologue of episode 1, which depicts the Cordyceps outbreak amid Joel, Sarah, and Tommy’s hometown of Austin, Texas. This emotional introduction powerfully sets the tone for the series and showcases some of the most poignant moments in the narrative.
Edmonton
Alberta
Edmonton, located north of Calgary, was transformed into another city affected by the Cordyceps virus. Several scenes in Downtown Edmonton successfully recreated post-apocalyptic Boston, particularly in the show’s first episode conclusion. The Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton played a significant role, likely mirroring the State House in Massachusetts, where Joel and Tess embark on their mission to transport Ellie.
Canmore
Alberta
The picturesque town of Canmore, situated just west of Calgary, was chosen to depict Jackson, Wyoming, the setting for Tommy’s community in The Last of Us. Filming occurred over four days, from November 15 to November 19, 2021, featuring stars Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and Diego Luna along with 300 extras. Furthermore, Waterton Lakes National Park, located south of Canmore, contributed to scenes representing the Wyoming chapters of the story.
Interstate 435
Kansas City, Missouri
One of the last filming sites for The Last of Us was Interstate 435, which encircles much of Kansas City, traversing both Kansas and Missouri. This area was pivotal for scenes involving characters Sam and Henry, who befriend Joel and Ellie in the game. While originally set in Pittsburgh, the show reimagined this segment of the story, placing the characters’ encounters in Kansas City. Thus, Interstate 435 served as the road that Joel and Ellie used to navigate into the city, with additional Kansas City scenes also shot in Calgary.
What We Know About Season 2’s Filming Locations
It Was Shot Entirely in Canada
Distinct from its predecessor, The Last of Us season 2 was filmed entirely in Canada, primarily across various locations in Alberta. Production revisited many sites featured in season 1, and according to Toronto News, Calgary and Edmonton were prominent favorites among the cast and crew. The Alberta Legislature Building appeared once again, proudly towering above the remnants of the city.
A notable addition to this season’s filming lineup was Vancouver, which reimagined a post-apocalyptic Seattle—a crucial setting for the character Abby in both The Last of Us Part II and season 2. This expansion explores Abby’s backstory, a defining moment that intertwines her fate with Joel and Ellie in this gripping narrative tapestry.