For years, Alberta has not-so-secretly been providing filmmakers with stunning landscapes and iconic shooting locations. Thanks in no small part to the province’s versatility, filmmaking infrastructure, and studio-friendly tax incentives.
What you might not know, is that Bragg Creek has played a surprisingly large role in bringing several popular TV series and movies to life.
This picturesque little hamlet has quietly hosted everything from the landmark Canadian television series North of 60 to blockbusters like The Revenant (2015) and a New Netflix Series, My Life With the Walter Boys.
In fact, Bragg Creek’s connection to film history stretches back even further than you’d expect.
Freddie Nash, a former Forest Ranger and local dude-ranch operator, once worked as a stunt double for Canadian silent film actress Barbara Kent in His Destiny (1928).
Still, even though it’s extremely common to see film crews shooting in and around town, it can be pretty hard to find information on just how many different productions have filmed here,
So, today I wanted to compile a list of confirmed scenes, trivia, some practical information on filming in the area, and a little bit of hearsay to keep things interesting.
Popular Filming Locations in Bragg Creek
Bragg Creek and the surrounding Kananaskis area offer a variety of scenic backdrops, from forests and mountains to rivers for stunning wilderness scenes.
While the townsite has a handful of authentic heritage buildings like The Bragg Creek Trading Post and the aptly named “Round Hall” in addition to more nostalgic western-themed storefronts—perfect for small-town scenes.
The town’s proximity to several popular filming locations like;
- CL Western Town and Backlot – A large 1850s-1930s backlot often used for Westerns and period pieces.
- Elbow Falls – A dramatic waterfall and isolated river setting.
- Bragg Creek Provincial Park – A primary film location for CBC’s North of 60
Filming Permits & Regulations in Alberta
Before setting up your camera, it’s important to have the right permits.
But as a hobbyist who never went to film school, understanding how things like location scouting and film offices work can be a little hard for me to grasp.
So, I wanted to share a couple of helpful resources for aspiring filmmakers who may not know where to begin.
Where To Start
- Alberta Film Commission – The provincial film commission provides location scouting guidance and can help if you have any questions about the permit process.
- Calgary Film Commission – If your shoot extends into Calgary, the Calgary Film Commission can help with permits for city-owned locations and has a pretty in-depth guide on getting started.
- Local Film Offices – While some regions have their own film offices. There doesn’t seem to be a dedicated liaison for film permits in Rocky View County. So, it’s probably best to contact the county directly.
- Alberta Parks – Alberta Parks has its own permit process with fairly clear approval and submission processes as well.
Quick Insider Tip
Not all filming locations are publicly listed. Thanks to the town’s history, many owners are familiar with location managers and open to negotiating.
So, reaching out directly with a business card can be a great way to secure shooting locations in Bragg Creek.
As long as you’re polite and respectful, the worst you’ll get is a no. And, it can be a good opportunity to generate some awareness for small projects by getting your name out there.
Ranchland and Small-Town Scenes
My Life With the Walter Boys (Netflix)
This new Netflix series set in the fictional town of Silver Falls, Colorado, has been filming all over Alberta, including parts of downtown Calgary for the last two seasons.
For Season One, the Walter Ranch was filmed outside Bragg Creek at the CL Western Town and Backlot Studio. Thanks to its prime location, this large 1850s to 1930s set has been used as a backdrop for several productions listed here.
But, I have it on very good authority that the Moose Mountain General Store located in Bragg Creek, will be making an appearance in Season Two.
Black Summer (Netflix)
Although this prequel to Z Nation is set in a random US town, the entirety of the first season was filmed in and around the Calgary area, including key locations like McMahon Stadium and the Stampede grounds.
However, the one location some people give Bragg Creek credit for, (the Diner in Season One Episode 5), is also a CL Western Backlot set piece called the Roadside Cafe.
Most of the town scenes were actually filmed in Irricana. While one checkpoint sequence in “Drive” was filmed on the River Avenue Bridge in Cochrane.
I have heard rumours that a decent amount of the show takes place in Kananaskis country. But, where exactly is unclear.
It’s also interesting to note that a certain portion of Tin Star was also filmed on the River Avenue Bridge.
North of 60 (1992)
Bragg Creek was also the setting for North of 60 (1992–1998), serving as the fictional Indigenous community of Lynx River.
Much of the town and surrounding area played a prominent role in the landmark series, which was a major step forward for Indigenous representation on Canadian television.
FUBAR (2002)
This Canadian mockumentary shot on a Canon XL1 and a shoestring budget, struck a real chord with Calgarians when it was first released and has enjoyed a cult-classic status ever since.
While Bragg Creek is only listed in passing as one of many local filming locations, at least a few Creekers swear the gas station scene was filmed here and I’m inclined to believe it.
Alaska and Wilderness Survival Scenes
This section could almost be called “things filmed along the Elbow River”. But I can’t really complain because it’s a beautiful location to visit and film.
The Order (2024)
The Order (2024), a thriller about a string of violent bank robberies across the Pacific Northwest that leave law enforcement scrambling for answers, was filmed in several locations across Alberta.
While there may be other Bragg Creek locations, one scene I could confirm takes place during the film’s climax along the Elbow River.
Land (2021)
According to the psychological drama’s Wikipedia page, Edee’s cabin was located on Moose Mountain, with the Elbow River featured prominently in several scenes.
The Revenant (2015)
It’s a point of local pride that the survival epic that earned Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar—was partially filmed in the area. However, pinning down the exact locations can be tricky.
While much of the film was shot in Kananaskis Country, Fortress Mountain, Bragg Creek, Dead Man’s Flats, the Drumheller Badlands, and along the Bow River near Morley, one confirmed scene was filmed right at the edge of Bragg Creek.
The final chase sequence, where DiCaprio’s character pursues Fitzgerald through a forest, was shot along Highway 66, about a mile past Highway 758 on the right side.
Togo (2019)
This story of a champion dogsled trainer racing to deliver medicine to Nome, Alaska, is considered a remarkably faithful retelling—right down to the brutal weather conditions the crew endured.
Primarily filmed in the Cochrane area, Togo features many recognizable landmarks.
And, while the CL Backlot is the only officially named Bragg Creek location, several wilderness scenes and backdrops were also shot in the area, adding to the film’s rugged, authentic atmosphere.
Storm (1985)
Storm is an inspiring story for young Alberta filmmakers.
This innovative, low-budget Canadian drama was filmed near Bragg Creek in the summer of 1983 with a cast and crew of just 10 people.
Produced in 24 days on a $70,000 budget, it was later extended to feature-length after being picked up by Cannon Films.
While not a major title, it marked the directorial debut of David Winning—who went on to make Killer Image (1992) in the same area—and built a successful career in film and television.
The Bourne Legacy (2012)
While the film’s winter scenes are set in Alaska, they were shot at Fortress Mountain, another popular Alberta filming location, and parts of Kananaskis Valley.
The opening scene, featuring the protagonist plunging into a river beneath a frozen waterfall, was filmed at Elbow Falls near Bragg Creek.
The Fourth War (1990)
The Fourth War (1990), directed by American filmmaker John Frankenheimer, is another interesting entry in Bragg Creek’s film history.
This time, instead of playing a stand-in for the frozen Alaskan tundra, the film is set along the German-Czech border, culminating in a tense two-person war on an icy lake.
Conclusion
Obviously, I may be a little biased because Bragg Creek’s enthusiasm for its place in film history is infectious.
But I think exploring these hidden gems and seeing the locations in person are powerful experiences—even for casual movie fans.
And, the hamlet’s proximity to so many great resources make it a surprisingly accessible resource for budding filmmakers.
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