Top Filming Locations from Resident Alien You Must Visit

If you’re a fan of Resident Alien, you’ve likely found yourself captivated by its quirky small-town charm and stunning outdoor vistas. But did you know that the filming locations of Resident Alien are just as fascinating as the show itself? While the fictional town of Patience, Colorado, exists only in the realm of TV, its real-life counterparts are nestled in the beautiful landscapes of British Columbia, Canada. From snowy mountains to lush forests, Resident Alien’s filming spots capture the essence of the show’s eerie and captivating atmosphere. In this post, we’ll take you on a journey through the most stunning filming locations from Resident Alien, where you can walk in the footsteps of Harry the alien, Sheriff Mike, and the rest of the beloved cast.

Why British Columbia Was Chosen for Resident Alien

When it comes to filming locations, British Columbia (BC) is a hot spot for many popular TV shows and films. So, why was this region chosen to bring Resident Alien to life? The answer lies in the province’s versatility and stunning variety of landscapes. From rugged mountains to serene beaches and forests, BC offers filmmakers a wide array of settings for any scene. The natural beauty and rawness of BC perfectly align with the themes of Resident Alien, blending mystery, danger, and humor in a way that only nature can enhance.

Key Reasons BC Was Chosen:

• Diverse Landscapes: BC offers mountains, beaches, forests, and small towns all within a few hours’ drive from each other, making it easy to find locations that suit a wide range of filming needs.
• Proximity to Vancouver: Vancouver is a major hub for the film industry, with world-class production facilities, a talented crew base, and convenient access to diverse outdoor locations.
• Tax Incentives: The Canadian film industry offers attractive tax incentives, making it a cost-effective choice for filmmakers.

Patience, Colorado: Brought to Life by Ladysmith, BC

While Resident Alien takes place in the fictional town of Patience, the real-world town of Ladysmith, BC, served as its primary filming location. Ladysmith’s charming main street has been transformed into the heart of Patience, capturing the essence of the small, quirky town we see on screen. The picturesque storefronts and quaint streets in Ladysmith serve as the perfect backdrop for the show’s human and alien drama.

Why Ladysmith Was Perfect for Patience:

• Small-Town Feel: Ladysmith’s tight-knit community and cozy town center were ideal for portraying the intimate, sometimes claustrophobic atmosphere of Patience.
• Historical Charm: The town’s vintage architecture gives it an old-time feel, making it perfect for a show that blends mystery with the oddball charm of small-town life.
• Accessible and Scenic: Ladysmith’s location on Vancouver Island offers easy access to a variety of landscapes, including the forests and mountains seen in the show.

Notable Scenes Filmed in Ladysmith:

• Patience’s Main Street: Several outdoor scenes, including Harry’s arrival in town and key interactions between characters, were filmed on Ladysmith’s Main Street.
• The Diner: The iconic diner where many of the show’s scenes unfold is based on a real restaurant in Ladysmith, complete with its retro signage and cozy interior.

Harry’s Cabin: The Famous Britannia Beach Location

One of the most memorable locations in Resident Alien is Harry’s cabin, a secluded spot that serves as the alien protagonist’s hideout. The stunning cabin was filmed at Britannia Beach, a scenic coastal area along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, which runs from Vancouver to Whistler.

Why Britannia Beach Works for Harry’s Cabin:

• Seclusion and Solitude: Britannia Beach offers a quiet, isolated environment, perfect for a character like Harry who is trying to hide from the world.
• Scenic Beauty: The area’s lush green forests and dramatic coastal views perfectly capture the natural beauty that surrounds Harry’s cabin.
• Close to Vancouver: Britannia Beach’s proximity to Vancouver allowed for easy access while providing the necessary seclusion for filming.

Key Features of the Location:

• Mountain Views: The dramatic backdrop of towering mountains and ocean cliffs in Britannia Beach make it a memorable setting for Harry’s journey.
• Remote Vibe: The secluded nature of the area mirrors Harry’s struggle to remain undetected, making it a perfect match for the storyline.

Vancouver: The Silent Star of Resident Alien

While many fans associate Resident Alien with small-town scenes and beautiful landscapes, Vancouver itself plays a pivotal role in the series. Known as the “Hollywood North,” Vancouver is a prime location for filming, and many of the interior scenes in Resident Alien were shot on its soundstages. Whether it’s the inside of Harry’s cabin or the local police station, Vancouver’s production studios bring the story to life.

Vancouver’s Role in the Show:

• Versatility: Vancouver’s urban, suburban, and natural landscapes offer everything needed for an expansive show like Resident Alien. Whether filming city streets, interiors, or lush forests, Vancouver provides the perfect backdrop.
• Convenient Filming Hub: With top-notch soundstages and production teams, Vancouver offers all the infrastructure needed to create a high-quality TV show.

Notable Vancouver Filming Locations:

• Police Station: The police station, where much of the town’s drama unfolds, was filmed on a soundstage in Vancouver.
• Interior Scenes: From the diner to Harry’s cabin, many of the show’s interior scenes were filmed in soundstages around the city, providing a controlled environment for critical moments.

Sea-to-Sky Corridor: A Landscape Between Earth and the Alien World

The Sea-to-Sky Corridor is one of the most scenic filming locations in Resident Alien. Stretching from Vancouver to Whistler, this breathtaking highway is home to dramatic mountain views, alpine lakes, and lush forests. The corridor serves as a stunning backdrop to many of the show’s outdoor scenes, including those that emphasize Harry’s alien perspective.

Why the Sea-to-Sky Corridor Works:

• Majestic Views: The sweeping views of mountains and oceans provide a sense of awe and mystery that complements the show’s otherworldly themes.
• Dramatic Landscape: From towering cliffs to deep forests, the variety of landscapes along the corridor helps create an alien-like atmosphere.

Key Locations:

• Shannon Falls: The iconic waterfalls along the Sea-to-Sky Highway are featured in several scenes, offering a picturesque and dramatic setting.
• Garibaldi Provincial Park: Known for its stunning alpine meadows and towering peaks, this area serves as a backdrop for some of the show’s more intense, suspense-filled moments.

Filming Locations Across Seasons: Resident Alien Evolves with BC

As the show progresses, new filming locations are introduced, showcasing even more of BC’s breathtaking beauty. In each season, the production team expands its filming sites, bringing new dynamics and settings to the Resident Alien universe.Read more about Matt LaFleur

Season 1: Establishing the Small Town of Patience

• Ladysmith takes center stage as the iconic Patience, capturing the small-town charm with its streets and local businesses.
• Britannia Beach serves as the secluded location for Harry’s cabin.

Season 2: Expanding Horizons

• The production team moves beyond Ladysmith to include other parts of Vancouver Island and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, introducing fresh landscapes.
• New scenes filmed in Whistler and Squamish show the increasing complexity of Patience and its surrounding environment.

Season 3: Further Exploration of BC

• New filming locations in the Kootenay Mountains and Okanagan Valley offer breathtaking new vistas, blending seamlessly into the alien world.

The Magic Behind Vancouver’s Soundstages

While British Columbia’s natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for Resident Alien, many of the show’s indoor scenes were filmed on Vancouver’s world-class soundstages. These controlled environments allow for precise set designs, special effects, and more intimate scenes.

Popular Soundstages in Vancouver:

• Pacific Backlot Studios: Used for many of the show’s interior scenes, including the town’s police station.
• North Shore Studios: Famous for providing a versatile filming space for a wide variety of productions, including Resident Alien.

Sustainable Filming Practices: Protecting the Environment While Creating Magic

As beautiful as British Columbia’s landscapes are, it’s essential to preserve them. Resident Alien takes sustainability seriously by implementing eco-friendly practices to minimize its environmental footprint.

How Resident Alien Maintains Sustainable Filming:

• Leave No Trace: The crew is committed to minimizing waste and reducing their carbon footprint while filming in natural areas.
• Environmental Partnerships: The show partners with local conservation organizations to ensure that filming doesn’t harm the surrounding ecosystems.

Tourism Impact: How Resident Alien Brings Visitors to BC

Since Resident Alien premiered, many fans have flocked to BC to visit the stunning locations featured on the show. From guided tours of Ladysmith to trips along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, the tourism industry has benefited from the increased interest in Resident Alien filming locations.

Popular Tours and Visitor Spots:

• Guided Walking Tours of Ladysmith: Fans can walk the streets of Patience, seeing key filming locations.
• Shannon Falls: Fans can visit the iconic waterfalls featured prominently in the show.
• Whistler and Squamish: These locations offer hiking trails and scenic views seen throughout the series.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of Resident Alien and want to explore the stunning filming locations in real life, British Columbia offers an unforgettable experience. From the quaint streets of Ladysmith to the secluded beauty of Britannia Beach, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring places to visit. Not only will you get a taste of the town of Patience, but you’ll also experience some of the most scenic filming locations in Resident Alien, all while enjoying the natural beauty of British Columbia.

So, whether you’re planning a trip to experience these filming sites firsthand or simply want to learn more about the stunning landscapes that bring Resident Alien to life, BC is waiting for you. Explore, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the world of Resident Alien—one filming location at a time.

FAQs

Where do they shoot Resident Alien?

Resident Alien is primarily filmed in British Columbia, Canada. The majority of the show’s outdoor scenes are filmed in and around Vancouver, while other key locations include Ladysmith, Britannia Beach, and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. These stunning landscapes double for the fictional town of Patience, Colorado, creating the show’s distinct look.

Is Patience, Colorado a real town?

No, Patience, Colorado is not a real town. It’s a fictional setting created for Resident Alien. The town’s exterior shots are filmed in Ladysmith, BC, a charming small town on Vancouver Island, which perfectly captures the essence of Patience’s main street and local businesses.

Where is Joe’s diner from Resident Alien?

Joe’s diner, where many of the show’s key scenes take place, is filmed in Ladysmith, BC. The diner is based on a real local restaurant, and the town’s Main Street serves as the backdrop for the iconic location.

What mountains are in Resident Alien?

Resident Alien features several mountain ranges, most notably the Coast Mountains and Garibaldi Provincial Park in British Columbia. These mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the show, with the Sea-to-Sky Corridor offering sweeping views of towering peaks and alpine lakes.