Charlotte CampbellAs an avid cinephile, I’ve always wondered how often Halifax doubled for Hollywood sets. The maritime charm of the HRM has captured the attention of filmmakers, making it a top Canadian choice for filming.
So, my curiosity got the best of me, and I dove deep into the world of movies to uncover which ones filmed shots in Halifax. What I found was a treasure trove of cinematic surprises!
Whether you’re a fellow film buff or scouting for your own projects, this list is your guide to discovering Halifax’s hidden on-screen gems.
1. Titanic (1997)
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“Titanic” needs no introduction. It’s the epic love story that sailed into our hearts, helmed by James Cameron and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
Set against the backdrop of the RMS Titanic’s tragic sinking, the film was not just a cinematic spectacle but also a tribute to real-life history.
Filming in Halifax, Nova Scotia, was a brilliant choice since the city is the closest major port to where the Titanic met its icy end in the North Atlantic.
Halifax played a crucial role in the aftermath of the sinking. The city’s port was a key site for recovering bodies and wreckage from the disaster.
Today, the Fairview Lawn Cemetery in Halifax is a solemn yet important site for Titanic enthusiasts. Over 100 victims of the Titanic disaster are buried there, including some of the more famous names from the ill-fated voyage.
The cemetery’s gravestones, marked with simple but poignant inscriptions, serve as a silent tribute to those who perished.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax displays a piece of the Titanic’s wooden paneling used in the film’s dramatic lifeboat scene, which adds a layer of authenticity to the movie’s portrayal.
The piece on display was scaled up for the film but is a genuine artifact from the disaster.
2. The Lighthouse (2019)
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“The Lighthouse” is a surreal and atmospheric film from Robert Eggers, starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson as two lighthouse keepers slowly losing their grip on reality.
Filming took place in Halifax and Cape Forchu, Yarmouth, creating an eerie, isolated atmosphere perfect for this psychological thriller.
Many of the interior scenes were shot on sets in studios near Halifax, with the raw, rugged Nova Scotia coast providing the ideal setting for their lighthouse odyssey.
3. Polaroid (2019)
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“Polaroid” is a 2019 horror flick about a cursed camera that seals its victims’ fates.
High school students dealing with the supernatural could be any teenager’s worst nightmare, and this film turns that nightmare up to eleven. Dartmouth’s Prince Andrew High School doubles as a key setting for the film’s terrifying events.
As you watch the movie’s suspenseful scenes, you might spot familiar spots if you’re from the area. The school’s everyday settings are transformed into a playground for supernatural horror, adding a local twist to the film’s chilling tale.
4. Alone in the Dark (2005)
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“Alone in the Dark” is a supernatural action movie based on the popular video game series. Directed by Uwe Boll, this film stars Christian Slater and Tara Reid as paranormal investigators battling otherworldly forces.
The film’s outdoor scenes were shot in Halifax, standing in for the fictional American locations of the Abkani tribe. Despite its low critical reception, the film’s choice of Halifax for some of its scenes adds a touch of local flavor to its supernatural shenanigans.
The city’s varied landscapes and architecture helped create the film’s atmospheric settings. For those with a keen eye, Halifax’s streets and outdoor spaces offer a surprising backdrop for this video game adaptation.
5. Trailer Park Boys: The Movie (2006)
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If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix a trailer park, a couple of petty criminals, and a whole lot of Canadian humor, you get Trailer Park Boys: The Movie.
This 2006 comedy crime film, a big-screen adaptation of the wildly popular Canadian TV series, follows the misadventures of Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles as they concoct one last scheme to steal enough cash to retire from their not-so-glamorous life of crime.
Every time you see the movie theater marquee in the film, all the titles listed are actually names of songs by The Tragically Hip and Rush—two of Canada’s most beloved rock bands.
And it doesn’t stop there. Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip and Alex Lifeson of Rush both make cameos in the movie, solidifying the film’s status as a love letter to Canadian music fans.
Also, various blink-an-you’ll-miss-it scenes were filmed around Halifax, giving the movie an authentic East Coast vibe. Whether it’s the gritty backdrop of the trailer park or the small-time crime scenes, the HRM certainly adds a layer of realism that’s hard to beat.
6. Scotland, PA (2001)
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“Scotland, PA” is one of those quirky films that reimagines a classic story in the most unexpected way possible.
Directed by Billy Morrissette, this black comedy takes Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” out of the gloomy castles of Scotland and drops it into a 1970s fast-food joint in suburban Pennsylvania.
The result? A darkly hilarious tale of ambition, murder, and burgers.
Much of the film’s setting was brought to life thanks to one resourceful Nova Scotia man who just so happened to own a bunch of the filming locations.
Yep, this guy owned the restaurant that became “Duncan’s Cafe,” McLeary’s Garage, Mac & Pat’s trailer, and even the den of Mac & Pat’s house. Talk about a one-stop shop for all your filming needs!
And to top it all off, he even owned one of the Camaros used in the film.
