7 Shocking Canadian Locations That Stood In For Yosemite In Netflix's 'Untamed'

The highly anticipated Netflix limited series, Untamed, has captivated viewers not only with its gripping crime drama but also with its breathtaking, rugged wilderness backdrop. While the show’s plot is explicitly set within the iconic boundaries of Yosemite National Park in California, the actual production team chose a location over 900 miles to the north to bring the mystery to life. This article, updated for December 2025, dives into the surprising real-world filming sites, revealing the stunning Canadian landscapes that doubled for the American wilderness.

The decision to film outside of the stated setting is a common industry practice, but for a show so deeply rooted in the atmosphere of Yosemite, the actual locations used for Untamed are a revelation. Filming for the series, which stars Eric Bana, took place primarily in the diverse and majestic province of British Columbia, Canada, with principal photography running from June to September 2024.

The Cast and Production Details Behind Netflix's 'Untamed'

The success of Untamed hinges on its intense atmosphere and the compelling performances of its leading cast, all brought together by a top-tier production team. The series is a crime drama that follows a National Park Service investigator as he uncovers a dark mystery in the wilderness.

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Key Cast Members and Roles

• Eric Bana: Leads the series as the central National Park Service investigator, marking his return to a high-stakes thriller.
• Lily Santiago: A key player in the unfolding mystery.
• Rosemarie DeWitt: Known for her versatile roles, she adds depth to the ensemble.
• Sam: Another core member of the cast whose character interacts deeply with the rugged setting.

Production and Studio Information

The series was a collaborative effort, with major players ensuring its high-quality production value. It was produced by John Wells Productions and Warner Bros TV, a partnership that speaks to the show's substantial budget and ambitious scope. The production utilized the state-of-the-art facilities at North Shore Studios in Vancouver for interior scenes and sound stage work, providing a controlled environment for the more intricate set pieces.

The 7 Majestic British Columbia Locations That Became Yosemite

British Columbia, with its towering mountains, dense coniferous forests, and dramatic coastal landscapes, proved to be the perfect stand-in for the rugged beauty of Yosemite. The production team strategically used several distinct areas around Vancouver and its northern regions to create the seamless illusion of the California park.

1. Mount Seymour and North Vancouver's Forests

Mount Seymour, located in North Vancouver, was one of the primary and most frequently utilized outdoor locations. Its vast, dense forests and challenging terrain perfectly mimic the high-altitude trails and remote areas of Yosemite. The production team leveraged the natural, untouched feel of the area to film many of the crucial outdoor pursuit and tracking scenes, giving the series its authentic wilderness feel.

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2. Squamish: The Sea to Sky Corridor's Dramatic Backdrop

The Squamish area, known as the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada," provided some of the most dramatic and recognizable mountain vistas. The production utilized the stunning views along the Sea to Sky Gondola and the imposing granite monolith known as The Chief. These locations offered the necessary scale and grandeur to convincingly portray the sheer cliffs and expansive valleys of the Sierra Nevada. The visual similarities between the Squamish peaks and Yosemite's famous granite formations, like El Capitan, are remarkable.

3. Murdo Frazer Park Cabin

For more isolated, rustic settings, the production filmed at the Murdo Frazer Park Cabin. This location likely served as the backdrop for key character residences, ranger stations, or isolated outposts central to the crime investigation. The cabin’s secluded, woodsy setting adds an immediate sense of isolation and mystery to the scenes shot there, enhancing the show’s thriller elements.

4. Whistler's High-Altitude Scenery

Further north of Vancouver, the resort town of Whistler was also utilized for its high-altitude, alpine scenery. Whistler’s surrounding mountains and trails are ideal for capturing the colder, more rugged aspects of the park, particularly scenes that might involve snow or harsh weather conditions, which are common in the higher elevations of Yosemite.

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5. Port Moody's Recent Filming Update

In a very recent update, the production was noted to have filmed in Port Moody in August 2024. This location, a city closer to Vancouver, likely provided more accessible, perhaps urban-adjacent, park settings or even specific town scenes that are necessary for a modern crime drama. The use of multiple municipalities across British Columbia demonstrates the extensive nature of the filming schedule.

6. Greenwood Park

Greenwood Park is another specific park location mentioned in the filming details. Like Murdo Frazer Park, Greenwood likely offered a mix of easily accessible yet natural-looking trailheads and forest clearings, which are essential for a show about a national park investigation. These smaller, local parks are often used to film short, connective scenes that establish the movement of characters through the wilderness.

7. North Shore Studios (Vancouver)

While not a wilderness location, North Shore Studios in Vancouver is a critical "location" for the series. All the interior shots—offices, cabins, police stations, and perhaps even some controlled environment scenes—were filmed here. This studio work is what allows the production to seamlessly blend the vast, real-world outdoor shots with the necessary indoor dialogue and plot development, creating a cohesive visual experience.

The Strategic Advantage of Filming in British Columbia

The choice to film Untamed in British Columbia, Canada, rather than the actual Yosemite National Park, was a strategic one, driven by a combination of logistical, financial, and environmental factors. This decision highlights why Vancouver and the surrounding areas have become a global hub for film and television production, often dubbed "Hollywood North."

Logistical and Environmental Ease

Filming in a highly protected and regulated area like Yosemite National Park presents significant logistical hurdles. Permitting is complex, and the environmental impact is closely monitored, often restricting the size of a crew and the type of equipment that can be used. British Columbia, conversely, offers a well-established film infrastructure with streamlined permitting processes, making it easier to manage a large-scale, months-long production like Untamed.

Financial Incentives and Production Infrastructure

Canada, and specifically British Columbia, offers competitive tax credits and financial incentives to international productions. This cost-saving measure is a major draw for large studios like Warner Bros TV. Furthermore, the availability of experienced local crews and the aforementioned North Shore Studios provides a complete and reliable production ecosystem that is hard to match elsewhere.

The Perfect Visual Match: Wilderness Diversity

Crucially, British Columbia’s landscape is incredibly diverse, allowing it to convincingly double for almost any North American wilderness. The coastal mountains, temperate rainforests, and alpine peaks offer the rugged, untamed look required by the script. This geographical flexibility allows the show to capture the essence of Yosemite without the constraints of filming on-site, a testament to the skill of the location scouts and the visual effects teams.

In conclusion, while the mystery of Untamed unfolds against the backdrop of Yosemite National Park, the true star of the scenery is the majestic, versatile wilderness of British Columbia, Canada. The series is a stunning example of how "Hollywood North" continues to provide the perfect canvas for ambitious, visually driven thrillers, creating a seamless and breathtaking viewing experience for audiences worldwide. Fans of the show can appreciate that the stunning visuals they see are a blend of Mount Seymour, Squamish's peaks, and a touch of Vancouver's studio magic.

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