If you’ve ever watched Tracker and thought, “Wait… where is this supposed to be?”—you’re not alone. The show jumps across states, landscapes, and emotional terrain faster than Colter Shaw chasing his next case. One minute you’re deep in the wilderness, the next you’re cruising through a gritty city street. It feels like the series is filmed everywhere at once.
But here’s the twist: Tracker isn’t filmed all over the U.S. Instead, it relies on a smart mix of real-world locations that pull off a cinematic illusion—beautifully.
Let’s break it all down. From the primary filming hub to the forests, highways, and towns that bring the show to life, here’s a full, behind-the-scenes look at where Tracker is actually filmed—and why these locations matter so much to the story.
Where Is Tracker Filmed? A Quick Overview
At its core, Tracker is primarily filmed in British Columbia, Canada, with Vancouver serving as the main production base. Thanks to its diverse geography—mountains, forests, coastlines, and urban areas—British Columbia can convincingly double for almost anywhere in North America.
This isn’t a random choice. Vancouver has earned the nickname “Hollywood North” for a reason. It offers top-tier production infrastructure, experienced crews, and jaw-dropping natural scenery—all within a short drive.
Why Vancouver Is the Heart of Tracker
Vancouver isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the engine that powers Tracker’s visual identity.
A City That Can Be Anything
One of Vancouver’s biggest strengths is its versatility. With a few set changes and camera tricks, it can look like:
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A remote Montana town
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A bustling Midwest city
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A desolate stretch of American highway
That flexibility allows Tracker to move fluidly between locations without losing realism.
A Favorite for TV and Film
Vancouver has hosted countless major productions, and Tracker benefits from that legacy. The city offers:
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World-class sound stages
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Skilled local crews
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Efficient production logistics
In short, it makes high-quality storytelling faster and smarter.
British Columbia’s Wilderness Scenes Explained
If the wilderness feels like a character in Tracker, that’s because it basically is.
Forests That Feel Untamed
Many of Tracker’s outdoor scenes are filmed in the dense forests surrounding Vancouver, including areas in:
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North Vancouver
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Squamish
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Fraser Valley
These locations provide towering trees, rugged terrain, and that slightly ominous vibe the show thrives on.
Why These Forests Work So Well
They’re:
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Visually dramatic
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Easily accessible for crews
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Perfect for survival-style storytelling
When Colter Shaw is navigating danger in the wild, these forests sell the tension without saying a word.
Highways, Roads, and the Art of the Open Journey
Tracker is a road show at heart. Movement is baked into its DNA.
British Columbia’s Highway Network
Many driving scenes are filmed on real highways across British Columbia. Long stretches of road, winding mountain passes, and empty backroads help capture that lone-wolf feeling central to Colter Shaw’s character.
The Symbolism of the Road
The open road isn’t just scenery—it’s a metaphor. It represents:
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Freedom
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Isolation
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Constant motion
And British Columbia delivers that feeling in spades.
Small Towns That Feel Authentically American
One of the coolest tricks Tracker pulls off is making Canadian towns feel unmistakably American.
Towns Used as Stand-Ins
Several smaller communities in British Columbia are transformed into fictional U.S. towns. With adjusted signage, props, and camera angles, these places become believable settings for:
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Missing person cases
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Local mysteries
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Emotional reunions
Why These Towns Matter
They ground the story. Each town feels lived-in, personal, and just a little bit haunted—exactly what Tracker needs.
Urban Scenes and City Energy
While the wilderness dominates, Tracker also dips into urban spaces when the story calls for it.
Vancouver as a City Double
Downtown Vancouver often stands in for major U.S. cities. Its mix of modern architecture and older neighborhoods allows for flexible storytelling.
Blending Urban and Rural Worlds
That contrast—glass buildings one episode, deep woods the next—mirrors Colter Shaw’s internal conflict. He’s never fully settled, and neither is the show.
Does Tracker Film in the United States at All?
Here’s the question fans ask all the time.
Mostly No—and That’s Intentional
The vast majority of Tracker is filmed in Canada. While establishing shots or brief footage may occasionally reference U.S. locations, full-scale production stays rooted in British Columbia.
Why Canada Makes More Sense
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Lower production costs
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Tax incentives
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Easier logistics
And honestly? The results speak for themselves.
How Filming Locations Shape the Show’s Tone
Location isn’t just background—it’s storytelling.
Nature as a Narrative Tool
The wilderness amplifies:
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Suspense
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Vulnerability
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Emotional weight
You feel how small the characters are compared to their surroundings.
Realism Over Flash
Instead of glossy, overproduced sets, Tracker leans into authenticity. That’s why the locations feel so raw and immersive.
Justin Hartley and the Physical Demands of Filming
Filming in real locations isn’t always easy.
Long Days, Real Terrain
Justin Hartley has spoken about the physical side of the role. Shooting in forests, uneven terrain, and unpredictable weather adds realism—but it also demands stamina.
Why It’s Worth It
That effort shows up on screen. You believe Colter Shaw’s exhaustion, determination, and grit because it’s earned.
Behind-the-Scenes Location Magic
Ever wonder how one forest becomes five different states?
Production Design Tricks
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Different camera lenses
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Lighting changes
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Strategic set dressing
The same location can feel entirely new from episode to episode.
Editing That Enhances Geography
Smart editing stitches locations together seamlessly, creating the illusion of constant movement across the country.
Why Fans Love Tracker’s Locations
There’s a reason viewers keep talking about the scenery.
It Feels Real
Nothing looks fake or overly polished. The dirt, the trees, the roads—it all feels lived-in.
It Matches the Story’s Soul
Tracker is about searching, surviving, and staying one step ahead. The locations don’t just support that—they embody it.
Will Future Seasons Use New Filming Locations?
As the show evolves, so might its geography.
More of British Columbia’s Hidden Gems
British Columbia still has countless untapped locations, from coastal towns to snowy mountain ranges.
Expanding the Visual Language
Future seasons could push even deeper into extreme environments, raising the stakes visually and emotionally.
Conclusion: The Real World Behind Tracker’s Fiction
So, where is Tracker filmed? The answer is both simple and impressive. While the story spans the United States, the heart of the show beats in British Columbia, with Vancouver and its surrounding landscapes doing the heavy lifting.
Through smart location choices, expert production design, and a deep respect for realism, Tracker turns Canadian terrain into a convincing, emotionally rich version of America. It’s proof that when location is treated like a character, the story hits harder—and stays with you longer.
