Colter Shaw will stop at nothing to try and solve cases on CBS’ Tracker, no matter the stakes. But where is the show filmed? The hit drama series follows Justin Hartley as lone wolf survivalist Colter, who travels in an Airstream across the U.S. to help find missing persons. Throughout the show’s first two seasons, viewers got to see Colter tackle cases in Montana, Nevada, Idaho, Vermont, Virginia, his family’s fictional Echo Ridge, California, property and more.
The job has certainly been physically demanding for Hartley, who admitted it was “challenging” to film in the Airstream, per the Sioux City Journal. “We’re a roadshow,” executive producer Ken Olin told the outlet. “We’re out on location seven out of eight days shooting. Physically, it’s challenging – particularly for Justin. It’s a very physical show and he’s in 90 percent of it.” Scroll below for more on the Tracker filming locations and set details. ‘Tracker’ Blesses Us With Shirtless Justin Hartley Shower Scene — and It’s Worth the Watch
Where Is ‘Tracker’ Filmed?
Though episodes of Tracker see Colter traveling to different cities across the U.S., the show is actually filmed in Canada. Filming locations have included Vancouver Film Studios, the Cleveland Dam in North Vancouver, the Beach Grove Hotel in British Columbia, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery in Oliver, British Columbia and more scenic spots in the Great White North. Ahead of season 3, production reportedly arrived at South Okanagan at Osoyoos’ Sun Bowl Arena in British Columbia in August 2025, per Castanet.
The CBS drama Tracker, starring Justin Hartley, has quickly become one of the most talked-about shows on television. Beyond its thrilling storylines and gripping character arcs, one detail has captivated fans: the filming locations. The landscapes, cityscapes, and rugged backdrops play almost as important a role as the characters themselves. But where exactly is Tracker filmed? Let’s dive deep into the locations, production choices, and how the settings shape the story.
The Importance of Location in “Tracker”
Every great drama relies on more than just dialogue and plot—it needs atmosphere. In Tracker, the setting isn’t just a backdrop; it drives the mood and tone of the series. Justin Hartley’s character, Colter Shaw, moves through diverse terrains as a survivalist-for-hire, meaning the show demands versatile filming locations that can deliver both gritty urban vibes and breathtaking wilderness shots.
Where Is “Tracker” Actually Filmed?
Although the show’s storyline takes Colter Shaw across the United States, the series is primarily filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver is known as “Hollywood North” for its ability to stand in for countless U.S. cities thanks to its diverse landscapes, modern downtown, and nearby forests and mountains.
Why Vancouver? The Perfect Stand-In
So, why did the creators choose Vancouver? The city offers everything:
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Urban skylines for city-based episodes.
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Dense forests and rugged trails for Shaw’s survivalist journeys.
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Waterfronts and mountains that capture America’s vastness.
Additionally, Vancouver provides attractive tax incentives for filmmakers, making it a practical and financial win.
The Pacific Northwest Aesthetic
One of the show’s standout features is its rugged, moody aesthetic. Vancouver’s natural surroundings—rain-soaked streets, misty forests, and towering peaks—deliver that Pacific Northwest vibe. This works perfectly for Colter’s lifestyle, where survival, exploration, and grit intersect.
Justin Hartley’s Role in Shaping the Setting
Interestingly, Hartley has spoken about how filming in such varied environments adds depth to his character. Colter Shaw isn’t just navigating emotional challenges; he’s physically tested by the landscapes he traverses. Every wooded path, icy lake, and bustling city scene mirrors the complexity of his journey.
Iconic Filming Locations Featured in “Tracker”
While the show films across different parts of Vancouver and nearby British Columbia, several spots stand out:
1. Vancouver Downtown Streets
Used for urban storylines, the glass towers and busy roads double for major U.S. cities like Seattle, Chicago, or San Francisco.
2. North Shore Mountains
When Colter needs a wilderness challenge, the forests and trails of the North Shore provide an authentic survivalist backdrop.
3. Fraser Valley
With wide-open fields, rivers, and rural settings, the valley captures the spirit of small-town America.
4. Waterfront Locations
Scenes along Vancouver’s harbor and coastal spots are often transformed into fictional ports or lakesides within the storyline.
How the Locations Enhance Storytelling
In Tracker, the location is never random. Every setting is chosen to amplify tension or highlight a character’s growth. A dense forest might symbolize Colter’s isolation, while a buzzing city street underscores the chaos of a case.
Filming Challenges in Vancouver
Of course, shooting in Vancouver isn’t always easy. The region is famous for its unpredictable weather—rain being the biggest challenge. Yet, rather than being a problem, the rain often enhances the show’s gritty realism, adding to the suspenseful atmosphere.
Does “Tracker” Film Anywhere Else?
While Vancouver is the hub, production occasionally uses other areas in British Columbia to capture specific scenery. Rural towns, national parks, and coastal roads provide variation so the series feels like it spans the entire U.S.
The Role of Production Design
Even though the real filming happens in Canada, the show’s production team works hard to transform Vancouver into multiple U.S. settings. Through smart set design, props, and background adjustments, a single block in Vancouver can convincingly turn into Chicago or Denver.
Fan Curiosity: Can You Visit the Filming Locations?
Yes—many of the locations used in Tracker are public spaces. Fans who travel to Vancouver can spot familiar spots from the series, whether it’s a downtown street or a forest trail. It adds a fun, immersive layer for those who want to walk in Colter Shaw’s footsteps.
Vancouver: Hollywood North’s Legacy
Tracker is far from the first series to use Vancouver as its stand-in for America. Popular shows like The X-Files, Supernatural, and Riverdale all filmed there. This track record proves Vancouver’s versatility and explains why producers keep returning.
The Connection Between Setting and Audience
Viewers don’t just connect with characters—they connect with the worlds those characters live in. The authenticity of Tracker’s settings helps audiences suspend disbelief, making the storylines feel grounded and real.
Future Seasons: Will Filming Stay in Vancouver?
Given the success of the first season, it’s likely that Tracker will continue to film in Vancouver. The city offers consistency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Unless the producers decide to shoot specific U.S.-based episodes, fans can expect the Canadian backdrop to remain central.
Conclusion
So, where is Tracker filmed? While the story takes Colter Shaw across the United States, the truth is most of the action unfolds in Vancouver, Canada. From downtown streets doubling as major U.S. cities to breathtaking forests that capture the essence of survival, Vancouver’s versatility is the secret star of the show. The backdrop enhances the drama, tests Justin Hartley’s character, and keeps audiences glued to the screen. Next time you’re captivated by a tense scene in Tracker, remember—the wilds of Canada are just as much a part of the story as the characters themselves.
