On THE CHASE:
A Tracker Fan’s Weekend in Greater Vancouver
Tracker, filmed entirely in British Columbia, follows Colter Shaw, a survivalist who solves crimes and locates missing persons across the country. Calling himself a “rewardist,” he digs into a new mystery each episode, showcasing the natural beauty of the region, as seen from his Airstream Flying Cloud travel trailer home.
Practical Considerations
Transportation: This itinerary works best with a car, as public transit between locations is limited. Plan for extra time during rush hours (7-9 AM and 3-6 PM on weekdays) when crossing bridges or traveling through tunnels.
Cleveland Dam and Lynn Canyon have free parking lots (arrive early on summer weekends), Steveston offers both street parking and lots, and Fort Langley has ample street parking.
Timing: Most locations are accessible year-round, though Bridal Veil Falls is most impressive during spring runoff. Bring layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy walking shoes in the cooler months.
Day One: Vancouver’s North Shore
Morning: North Vancouver Adventures
Begin your Tracker journey at Cleveland Dam, where one of the show’s most intense chase scenes was filmed. The massive concrete structure towers 91 meters above the Capilano River, creating a spectacular backdrop that’s particularly stunning in morning light. The dam has been a landmark since 1954, and while it played host to a dramatic pursuit in the show, its real-life presence is equally impressive. Before exploring, stop at Barrio Coffee, a cozy local café just minutes from the dam. Their specialty coffee and locally sourced baked goodies make the perfect fortification against the North Shore’s notoriously moody weather – even summer mornings can be misty here.
Take your warm drinks to explore the surrounding trails and visit the Capilano River Hatchery below the dam. The hatchery, while not featured in the show, offers free admission and fascinating insights into local salmon populations. The viewing windows below the water level let you observe these remarkable fish up close – something that feels right out of a survivalist’s handbook.
Follow the well-marked Twin Falls Trail, which offers several viewpoints perfect for recreating scenes from the show. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre’s outdoor seating area, where interpretive displays provide context about the temperate rainforest ecosystem.
Mid-Morning: Canyon Trails
By mid-morning, make the short drive to Lynn Canyon, where another dramatic sequence was shot near Twin Falls. The suspension bridge, swaying 50 meters above the canyon, offers free access to breathtaking views. The crystalline pools featured in the show are even more impressive in person, though swimming is strictly prohibited due to dangerous currents.
Day TWO: IDYLLIC STEVESTON
Afternoon: Steveston Heritage
Head south to Steveston Village in Richmond, which stood in for Camden, Maine in Episode 8. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site dominates the waterfront, its weathered wooden exterior virtually unchanged since 1894. In the show, this historic site provides the backdrop for Colter’s investigation of a fishing town mystery. The cannery offers guided tours that illuminate the area’s rich fishing heritage, and the original machinery inside helps visitors understand why this location was perfect for the show’s atmospheric needs.
The working fishing harbor still buzzes with activity – time your visit right and you might see fishing boats unloading their catch at Fisherman’s Wharf. The wooden boardwalk where Colter questions local fishermen remains largely unchanged from its appearance in the show. Grab lunch at Pajo’s Fish and Chips, and try their signature halibut and chips while watching seals play in the harbor.
Before leaving Steveston, visit Garry Point Park, where several background shots were filmed. The park’s windswept trails and driftwood-strewn beaches offer spectacular sunset views of the Gulf Islands, and the Japanese gardens provide a peaceful spot for reflection.
Finish your day back wandering the village for a variety of dining options. From award-winning fine Thai dining at Baan Lao to BBQ comfort food at the Hog Shack Cook House, you’re bound to tempt any craving in this quaint village.
After lunch, join a whale watching tour with Steveston Seabreeze Adventures or Vancouver Whale Watch – the local waters are home to orcas and humpback whales, offering the kind of wild encounter that would impress even a survivalist like Colter Shaw. The 4-5 hour tours provide ample opportunities to spot marine wildlife and gain a deeper appreciation for the maritime setting that drew the show’s producers to this location.
Day THREE: Adventures in Abbotsford
Morning : SWEET STARTS AT ZILLA’S DONUTS
Begin your Abbotsford adventure at Zilla’s Donuts, a local institution that served as a filming location for Tracker. This beloved donut shop provided the perfect small-town atmosphere that the show’s creators were seeking, and it’s easy to see why – the welcoming storefront and bustling interior capture the essence of communities where Colter Shaw often finds himself investigating.
But Zilla’s is much more than just a filming location – it’s a genuine treat for visitors looking to fuel up for the day ahead. Every batch of dough is made from scratch, with new creations appearing weekly that keep both locals and visitors coming back for more. The shop has built a reputation for innovative flavors alongside beloved classics, including their signature “Homer” donut – a playful nod to a certain animated TV star that perfectly captures the shop’s fun-loving spirit.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee and donut to go or settling in to soak up the atmosphere that drew the Tracker production team here, Zilla’s offers the kind of authentic local experience that makes filming location visits truly memorable.
The donut shop sits in the heart of Abbotsford’s charming Essendene Avenue district, where tree-lined streets create an idyllic small-town atmosphere.
The surrounding neighborhood along Essendene and its adjacent streets offers plenty of opportunities for leisurely exploration, with local boutiques, cafes, and specialty shops that showcase the community spirit that likely drew the shoWs location scouts to this area.
For film enthusiasts looking to explore beyond Tracker’s filming locations, Abbywood serves as your comprehensive guide to Abbotsford’s thriving film industry. This dedicated resource showcases the city’s extensive filmography, including Virgin River, The Good Doctor and countless Hallmark gems. Explore their website for film-inspired experiences, local favourites, and tips on making the most of your visit.
Take your Tracker adventure to new heignts at Skydive Vancouver, the dramatic backdrop for the skydiving scenes in Season 1, Episode 10 “Into the Wild.” The facility’s sweeping views of the Fraser Valley and coastal mountains provided the perfect setting for one of the show’s most adrenaline-pumping sequences.
For visitors inspired by the on-screen action, Skydive Vancouver offers tandem jumps that let you experience the same breathtaking perspectives featured in the episode. The experienced instructors guide first-time jumpers through the entire process, from ground training to the exhilarating freefall and peaceful canopy ride back to earth. Advanced booking is essential, especially during peak season, and weather conditions ultimately determine jump schedules.
Even if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, the facility welcomes visitors who want to watch jumps and explore the location where this memorable Tracker scene came to life. The dramatic mountain and valley vistas that made this location perfect for the show are just as spectacular from ground level.
AFTERNOON : SCenic walks in Matsqui
Cap off your Abbotsford filming location adventure with a leisurely walk along the Matsqui Trail, a picturesque pathway that offers both natural beauty and a connection to Tracker’s storytelling. The trail is featured at the beginning of Season 1, Episode 9, with a dramatic crime scene setting beneath the Mission Bridge overhead. As you stroll along this scenic route, you’ll experience the kind of peaceful, contemplative atmosphere that makes these locations so appealing to both filmmakers and visitors.
If you’re driving back from Abbotsford westward, consider adding two local businesses that were featured in Tracker’s Season 2.
In the opening episode, a tense fight scene unfolds at Bradner General Store, which makes for an excellent pit stop to pick up local goods before leaving the Fraser Valley.
Later in the season, Episode 18 “Collision” features Devan Greenhouses, where Colter enters to question staff about a missing coworker. This family-operated greenhouse offers visitors a wide range of plants and flowers, plus a delightful petting zoo that operates from March to early October.
Ready to start your adventure?