The Truth is Out There

An X-Files Fan’s Journey Through British Columbia

“I want to believe.” These iconic words, displayed on Mulder’s famous office poster, could be the mantra for any X-Files fan exploring Greater Vancouver’s filming locations. The region’s misty forests and moody urban landscapes served as the backdrop for much of the show’s early seasons, standing in for locations across America. As Mulder once said, “When convention and science offer us no answers, might we not finally turn to the fantastic as a plausibility?”

Remember that while many locations have changed since the 1990s filming, the essential mystery and atmosphere that drew X-Files producers to British Columbia remains intact. As you explore these locations, maintain respect for private property, indigenous lands, and natural environments. The truth may be out there, but it must be sought responsibly and respectfully.

Considerations

Indigenous Acknowledgement: This journey winds through territories that have been home to First Nations peoples for thousands of years before becoming filming locations. The Coast Salish, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations’ deep connections to these lands add layers of genuine mystery and significance to our X-Files expedition. Their stories of supernatural phenomena and spiritual encounters remind us that the line between the known and unknown has been contemplated here for generations.

Weather Tips: Most locations are accessible year-round, though some forest trails may be challenging during heavy rainfall. Always check trail conditions before departing and carry appropriate gear. Many locations offer better photographic opportunities during what photographers call “blue hour” – just before sunrise or after sunset – when the light creates an ethereal quality perfect for capturing the X-Files mood.

View Route on Map

Vancouver & NOrth Shore: Where It All Began

Begin your journey in downtown Vancouver at Robson Square, where the distinctive architecture of the Law Courts building appeared in multiple episodes, most notably in the pilot and in Season 2. As Scully would later reflect, “Nothing happens in contradiction to nature, only in contradiction to what we know of it.” The building’s geometric glass roofing and cascading gardens created the perfect backdrop for government conspiracy.

After exploring Robson Square, venture into Gastown’s cobblestone streets where numerous episodes (S2) captured the neighborhood’s Victorian architecture and mysterious ambiance.

The steam clock, while not featured in the show, emanates the kind of steampunk aesthetic that wouldn’t feel out of place in an X-Files episode.

For dinner, seek out Dark Table, where dining in complete darkness challenges your perceptions of reality. As Mulder once said, “Sometimes the only sane answer to an insane world is insanity.” The restaurant’s concept of trusting unseen guides mirrors many of the show’s themes about faith and skepticism.

Mysterious Ambiance

Queen Elizabeth Park deserves at least half a day of exploration. The Bloedel Conservatory’s geodesic dome structure has aged gracefully since its X-Files appearances (Season 5), and today it houses an even more impressive collection of exotic plants and birds than it did during filming.

The surrounding quarry gardens, transformed from an industrial site into a horticultural showcase, echo the show’s themes of finding beauty in unexpected places.

North Vancouver: Into the Woods

The journey to North Vancouver across Lions Gate Bridge offers stunning views of Burrard Inlet, especially during winter months when low-hanging clouds create an otherworldly atmosphere.

Lynn Canyon Park, a filming location for numerous forest scenes, is best accessed early in the morning before crowds arrive.

The suspension bridge and surrounding trails appeared in several episodes, including “Darkness Falls, (S1:E20)” where ancient trees harbored deadly insects.

The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre offers fascinating insights into the local ecosystem and the delicate balance of the temperate rainforest. During rainy days – which are frequent in this region – the forest takes on an especially moody quality that perfectly captures the show’s atmosphere.

The park requires careful attention to Leave No Trace principles – pack out what you pack in, stay on marked trails, and avoid wildlife.

Just 10 minutes north of Britannia Beach, Squamish offers plenty of dinner options, many right along the water. The Broken Seal serves up handcrafted cocktails and a creative west coast fusion menu that is sure to please.

Sea to Sky: Mountain Mysteries

Journey along the Sea to Sky Highway for one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever encounter. The Britannia Mine Museum provides an immersive experience into the local mining industry.

Featured in Season 2’s “Paper Clip”, the museum’s industrial setting was used to represent the Strughold Mining Company in rural West Virginia.

Mysteries of the Valley

For lunch, the Trading Post Brewing Company in Fort Langley offers a fitting end to your Fraser Valley exploration. Their basement taproom, with its stone walls and local legends of supernatural occurrences, creates the perfect atmosphere for discussing the day’s investigations.

Fraser Valley: Agricultural Mysteries

As you head east into the Fraser Valley, the landscape transforms into a patchwork of farms and fields that provided settings for several rural-themed episodes. The Campbell Valley Regional Park appeared in Season 1’s “Gender Bender” episode. The park offers walking trails through meadows and forests, and its historic Annand/Rowlatt Farmstead captures the pastoral settings often featured in the show’s agricultural conspiracy episodes.

Riverview Hospital: Center of Darkness

The historic Riverview Hospital grounds in Coquitlam served as a filming location for numerous episodes, most famously appearing as a psychiatric hospital in “Beyond the Sea.”

While the buildings themselves are not open to the public, the sprawling grounds feature heritage trees and walking paths that are accessible year-round.

The grounds are particularly atmospheric in autumn when fallen leaves carpet the paths and morning fog clings to the Victorian-era architecture. The Riverview Horticultural Centre Society occasionally offers guided tours that provide historical context while respecting the site’s sensitivity.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

BEYOND THE SET

The Vancouver International Film Festival (September/October) and Fan Expo Vancouver (February) often feature content related to Vancouver’s role as “Hollywood North.”

The Museum of Vancouver frequently includes exhibits about the city’s film industry history, with occasional X-Files memorabilia on display.

For those seeking to delve deeper into local mysteries, the Vancouver Paranormal Society occasionally offers public events and investigations. While not directly connected to the show, these events capture the investigative spirit that made The X-Files compelling.

Ready to start your adventure?