Where Vampires Roam

A Twilight Fan’s Pilgrimage Through Greater Vancouver

British Columbia’s misty coastlines and ancient forests didn’t just provide backdrops for the Twilight saga – they became characters themselves, transforming Meyer’s supernatural world from page to screen. From Vancouver’s sophisticated urban landscapes to Tofino’s wild shores, the region offers fans a chance to step directly into the world of vampires and werewolves. As we explore these iconic locations, remember we’re traveling through the traditional territories of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh peoples, whose own stories of transformation and supernatural beings have been shared here for countless generations.

As Bella once observed, “No one will surrender tonight” – and neither should you when it comes to exploring these iconic locations.

Practical Considerations

Timing: These locations transform dramatically with the seasons, each offering unique opportunities to capture the Twilight atmosphere. Fall brings misty mornings and moody skies that mirror the films’ aesthetic perfectly. Spring offers wildflower meadows reminiscent of Edward and Bella’s special place, while winter transforms locations like Mount Seymour into snowbound wonderlands worthy of a vampire baseball game.

When visiting natural areas, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out what you pack in, and respect wildlife. Many of these locations, particularly along the North Shore and in provincial parks, require appropriate footwear and basic hiking preparation. The Pacific Northwest weather can change quickly – just like vampire allegiances – so dress in layers and carry rain gear regardless of the forecast.

Vancouver: Urban Hunting Grounds

The heart of Vancouver holds countless Twilight moments for the dedicated fan. The magnificent Sun Tower on Beatty Street, where Bella’s Seattle scenes were filmed, rises like a beacon with its distinctive copper dome and beaux-arts architecture. 

Steps away, the Orpheum Theatre on Smithe Street played a crucial role in Breaking Dawn Part 1, its ornate interior providing the perfect backdrop for Edward’s brooding flashback. The theatre still operates today, and while you might not spot any vampires in its gilded halls, the atmosphere remains hauntingly beautiful.

When night falls, venture to Dark Table in Kitsilano, where dining in complete darkness offers a unique way to experience heightened senses – much like our favorite vampires. The restaurant regularly hosts themed events that capture the mysterious atmosphere fans will appreciate.

Walking through Gastown’s cobblestone streets, particularly around Hornby Street near the Vancouver Art Gallery, you’ll find yourself where Rosalie’s tragic human ending played out. The Victorian architecture and gas lamps create such a perfect atmosphere that minimal set dressing was needed for filming.

Stanley Park deserves special attention, its thousand acres of dense forest providing the perfect setting for several crucial scenes. The park’s interior trails, shrouded in mist and towering cedars, created the ideal backdrop for vampire speed sequences. While you explore, keep to marked trails, leave wildlife be, and take out what you bring in.

The North Shore: Where Supernatural Meets Natural

The spot where Jacob carries Bella to the mountaintop campsite still offers breathtaking views of Vancouver sprawling below, just as it appeared in the film’s sweeping shots. Winter transforms the mountain into a snow-covered wonderland reminiscent of the Cullen-Volturi confrontation, though thankfully with less supernatural tension.

The North Shore mountains played a pivotal role throughout the saga, with Mount Seymour hosting several critical scenes in Eclipse.

Cleveland Dam and Capilano Lake provided the backdrop for some of Bella’s most daring moments.

While the actual cliff diving scenes combined footage from multiple locations, including Whytecliff Park, the dam’s impressive 91-meter drop creates the same sense of vertigo that made these scenes so memorable. Visit early in the morning to catch the mist rising off Capilano Lake – it’s the kind of atmospheric scene that makes you understand why vampires might choose the Pacific Northwest as their home.

Sea to sky and Beyond: Into Vampire Territory

The distinctive Whyte Islet appears in the background as Bella plunges into the waters of Howe Sound. Today, the park is popular with divers and seals – though you’re more likely to spot the latter than any vampire swimmers. And if you happen to get there during low tide, you can walk the natural rock bridge onto the islet itself.

Whytecliff Park, where Bella’s dramatic ocean dive was filmed, offers some of the most spectacular coastline in the Vancouver area.

The dramatic Stawamus Chief in Squamish provided the perfect setting for Breaking Dawn Part 2’s climactic confrontation.

This massive granite monolith rises 700 meters above Howe Sound, and while the Cullen house built nearby has been demolished, the provincial park offers hiking trails with views that any vampire would appreciate. Rock climbers regularly scale these walls, though perhaps not at the supernatural speeds shown in the film. The area also hosted the wedding ceremony and reception scenes, transforming the lush landscape into the Cullens’ perfectly curated celebration.

The most recognizable spot is near the Porteau Road exit, marked by the distinctive 80 km/hour signs that made it into the final cut. This stretch of highway is particularly beautiful at sunset, when the ocean reflects the changing sky in a way that would make even the Cullens pause to admire the view.

The journey along the Sea-to-Sky Highway deserves special attention. The winding road to Porteau Cove, where Bella’s return drive from Seattle was filmed, offers dozens of pullouts for photographs.

Deeper into British Columbia

Pemberton, standing in for Denali, Alaska, offered its snowcapped peaks and pristine wilderness for crucial scenes in Breaking Dawn. The challenge of filming vampires in bright sunlight led to some creative scheduling, but the resulting footage captures the majestic beauty of British Columbia’s interior. The area, about two hours north of Vancouver, provides year-round recreation opportunities in the same landscapes where the Denali coven made their home.

The freshwater lake, warmer than the ocean, provides a peaceful setting today for swimming and picnicking. The surrounding park offers extensive hiking trails through the same forests where Irina’s fateful sighting of Renesmee was filmed.

Heading east of Vancouvet, the waters of Sasamat Lake in Belcarra Regional Park played a crucial role in Eclipse, where Riley’s newborn vampire army emerged from its depths.