War for the Planet of the Apes: A Closer Look at the Film’s Filming Locations
Where was War for the Planet of the Apes filmed?
War for the Planet of the Apes, the third installment of the Planet of the Apes reboot series, has taken audiences on a visually stunning journey through the dense forests, snow-capped mountains, and ruined urban landscapes of Northern Canada. Spanning across multiple locations, the film’s production team was able to create a mesmerizing world that brings new meaning to the phrase " Planet of the Apes".
British Columbia, Canada
The majority of War for the Planet of the Apes was filmed in British Columbia, a province located in the west of Canada. The scenic landscapes of BC provided a diverse range of settings that would serve as the primary locations for the film’s production.
- Mission Mountain: The rugged peak of Mission Mountain, a 2,465 meters (8,088 feet) high mountain, acted as the iconic "hut" where Caesar, the leader of the Apes, takes refuge and prepares for battle.
- Garibaldi Lake: The picturesque Garibaldi Lake, located within Garibaldi Provincial Park, served as the beautiful "Ape village".
- Squamish River: The Squamish River, which stretches over 110 kilometers (68 miles), was where the Apes and Humans engaged in a thrilling waterfall chase scene.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Calgary, another Canadian city, played a significant role in the making of War for the Planet of the Apes. This urban setting provided the cityscapes and buildings, which were used to re-create the apocalyptic state of the world.
- Calgary City Library: The Calgary City Library played host to the " Human Resistance" headquarters, showcasing a striking contrast between its once-peaceful bookshelves and the world’s devastation.
- Heritage Park: As the "human settlement" of the film, this outdoor museum was transformed to show the harsh conditions humans had to endure in order to survive.
Ivory Tower, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
The _Ivory Tower, a massive industrial building constructed for the film, offered an eerie atmosphere and would serve as the primary holding cell for the captured humans. This location also features a striking scene where human soldiers are seen trying to capture the Apes with brutal force.
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Montréal, capital of the province of Quebec, was used as another primary location for the Human Resistance. The cityscape, with its historic old buildings and bustling streets, brought a sense of authentic humanity to the film. Some notable locations include;
- Old Montreal City Hall: This historic setting became the "Resistance Rally Point" where the groups would gather to plan a strategic attack against the mutants.
- Monastère des Augustines du Séminaire de Montréal: This historic Montreal building, which was in disrepair, served as a makeshift shelter for refugees, adding to the dramatic scenes of desperation and abandonment.
Additional Locations and Notable Mentions
Some additional locations and worthy mentions include:
- The rugged terrain of the Yoho National Park near Lake Louise, Alberta
- The scenic Jasper National Park, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies
- Vancouver, BC, where the Film’s production team would return for additional scenes and setup
- Karnaval Studios, situated in Burnaby, British Columbia, where most post-production work took place
