Demigod Destinations and Olympian Wonders
Exploring the Real-World Settings of Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Greetings, fellow demigods! This guide traces every footstep where Walker Scobell and his castmates brought Percy Jackson to life, offering visitors a magical journey through British Columbia’s enchanted filming locations. From grand manors to hidden university corners, these special spots transformed familiar Canadian landscapes into the vibrant world of Greek mythology. Adventurers should pack their celestial bronze weapons (okay, maybe just cameras) – this epic quest through British Columbia reveals where fantasy and reality beautifully collide!
Practical Tips for Your Quest
Transportation: While a chariot would be nice, Vancouver’s public transit system can get you to most locations. The #4 bus takes you near Hycroft Manor, while the SkyTrain’s Expo Line connects you to Westminster Pier Park and toward Burnaby Mountain. For Howe Sound, you’ll want to rent a car and give yourself plent of time to explore the area.
Best Times to Visit: Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable weather, but be prepared for Vancouver’s famous rain. Many of these locations actually look more atmospheric in misty conditions – perfect for capturing that Camp Half-Blood mood.
Leave No Trace: Remember that many of these locations are actively used by local communities or are environmentally sensitive areas. Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked paths, pack out what you pack in, and respect any private property boundaries.
Day 1: A Journey Through Mythical Beginnings
Yancy Academy: Hycroft Manor’s Hidden Grandeu
Our journey begins at the magnificent Hycroft Manor in Vancouver’s Shaughnessy neighborhood, which served as Yancy Academy in the show’s opening episodes. This 1911 Edwardian mansion perfectly captures the prestigious boarding school vibe where Percy’s journey began. The best part? You can actually visit this location, as it’s now home to the University Women’s Club of Vancouver. Nearby, Arbutus Coffee serves ambrosia-worthy pastries in a more modest-yet-charming heritage building.
Insider Tip: The manor hosts public events and tea services on select dates. Check their website for scheduling. The gardens are particularly lovely in spring when cherry blossoms frame the architecture that transported us to New York’s Hudson Valley on screen.
If you’d like something more casual, Angelina’s Dutch Corner is known for hearty Dutch savoury pies, and Cockney Kings Fish & Chips delivers a classic riverside meal with crispy fish and golden fries.
PIER PARK AS ST. LOUIS
Next, head east via car or public transit to historic New Westminster.
The Pier Park boardwalk along the Fraser River doubled as St. Louis waterfront scenes, and a key moment of reunion for our young heroes. This vibrant waterfront park offers a perfect blend of urban and natural elements that made it ideal for filming. The boardwalk’s wooden planks and river views create excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
Finish with Columbia Street’s “Antique Alley” for some quest-worthy treasure hunting in the various antique shops. El Santo offers Mexican fusion that Percy would definitely approve of. Additionally, Steel & Oak Brewing Co. nearby offers excellent craft beers for the grown-up demigods in your group.
The Museum Connection: Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby campus served as the Museum of Natural History in the series. The brutalist architecture of SFU’s main campus created the perfect backdrop for some of the show’s most intense scenes. While visiting, take time to explore the Academic Quadrangle – its concrete designs and angular shadows feel straight out of Mount Olympus.
Beyond the main campus, the sprawling grounds offer several mythological treasures worth discovering. The W.A.C. Bennett Library feels like a modern Temple of Athena, with its towering concrete columns and vast knowledge repositories. The library’s upper floors provide commanding views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for a demigod seeking strategic vantage points.
The recently opened Gibson Art Museum is home to over 5,800 works of art, tracing the complex social and cultural life in the West Coast.
Just below the main campus, the Centennial Rose Garden has over 900 rose bushes during peak season (June through September). The terraced design and mountain views provide the perfect backdrop for photos with your loved ones.
Dining Nearby: Just a short drive from campus, Mintara restaurant is perched on top of Burnaby Mountain offering panoramic views of surrounding mountains, rolling hills and beautiful rose gardens.
The university’s Diamond Alumni Centre offers panoramic views of Burrard Inlet and serves excellent lunch options.
For a quick snack, Renaissance Coffee in the Academic Quadrangle makes a mean freddo cappuccino that would energize any demigod in training.
Insider Tip: Visit during their special evening events when gas lamps illuminate the village streets. The atmospheric lighting creates an almost magical ambiance that transports you into a historical scene.
Deer Lake’s Ancient Mysteries: The Village Museum Portal
Deer Lake Park is home to one of British Columbia’s most fascinating time portals – the Burnaby Village Museum. This heritage village, frozen in the 1920s, feels like stepping through the mist into a different era entirely. The museum’s carousel, vintage storefronts, and costumed interpreters create an immersive experience that captures the same sense of wonder as discovering the mythological world.
Day 2: Howe Sound & Aldergrove – Into the Heart of Camp Half-Blood
Camp Half-Blood: Minaty Bay’s Mythological Magic
Perhaps the most exciting location for any Percy Jackson fan is Minaty Bay, which transformed into Camp Half-Blood. Nestled along Howe Sound, this stunning spot perfectly captures the feel of Long Island’s mythical demigod training facility. While filming was done on private property, you can still get amazing views of the area from nearby public access points. Pack plenty of snacks for the Minaty Bay journey – blue cookies optional but recommended!
Getting There: Take the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) north from Vancouver. The bay area offers stunning views of Howe Sound, and while you can’t access the exact filming locations, the surrounding public areas provide perfect photo opportunities of the landscape that became Percy’s training grounds.
Photography tip: Visit during golden hour for the best photography conditions. The way the sun hits Howe Sound creates an almost mythical atmosphere that makes it easy to imagine why the producers chose this location.
May the gods be with you as you explore these magical filming locations. Remember, mist or shine, these spots now hold a special place in Percy Jackson history. Just keep your eyes peeled for monsters – though the only ones you’re likely to encounter are in your imagination!
Ready to start your adventure?