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where is once upon a time filmed ?

# From Storybrooke to Real Life: Touring the Magical Filming Spots of *Once Upon a Time*

If you’ve spent a season or two following the tangled tales of Emma Swan, the Sheriff of Storybrooke, you’ll know that the show’s real‑world charm is as important as its plot twists. While the drama unfolds on a screen, the streets, trees, and facades that give each episode its fairy‑tale feel were captured on locations that exist in the real world. Below is a detailed, fan‑friendly guide that walks you through the key spots where *Once Upon a Time* was filmed—and how you can visit them today.

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## 1. Central Park, Burnaby – The Heart of Camelot

*Why it matters*
The green expanse that looks like New York’s Central Park is actually located in **Burnaby, British Columbia**. The production used this versatile park for a wide range of scenes, from mundane present‑day moments to the grandeur of Camelot.

### What to look for
– **The “Castle” arches**: Look for the stone archways that double as the entrance to the “castle.”
– **The “Lake” scene**: The small pond on the northern side served as a key backdrop for the “Knights of the Round Table” montage.

### Quick tip for visitors
If you’re staying near the park, pack a picnic and wander the same paths the actors once did—just try to avoid the “Prince Charming” statue that the show didn’t include.

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## 2. Steveston – Storybrooke’s Coastal Charm

*Why it matters*
The picturesque fishing village of **Steveston**, in Richmond, British Columbia, served as the real‑world counterpart to the fictional town of Storybrooke. The red‑brick Hepworth Block, for instance, doubled as Archie’s office and the iconic Rabbit Hole.

### Must‑see landmarks
– **Hepworth Block**: Walk around the Victorian building; you’ll spot the same storefront windows that housed “The Apple Blossom.”
– **The Steveston Heritage Museum**: While not used in the show, it gives a great sense of the town’s historic vibe.
– **The waterfront**: The calm harbor sets the perfect backdrop for the show’s “whale” scenes.

### Insider tip
The **Steveston Trail** has a small plaque commemorating the filming. Bring your camera for a photo with the “Storybrooke sign” that locals still adore.

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## 3. North Vancouver – The “Otherworld” Canvas

*Why it matters*
North Vancouver’s diverse landscapes—from rocky cliffs to lush forests—provided the visual foundation for many of the series’ magical realms, from the Enchanted Forest to the Dark Kingdom.

### Highlights
– **Grouse Mountain**: The dramatic vistas were used for the “Enchanted Forest” episodes.
– **Capilano Suspension Bridge**: Scenes featuring “the Bridge of Dreams” were filmed here.
– **Lynn Canyon Park**: The forested paths offered a perfect backdrop for the “Shadowlands” episodes.

### Pro tip
Take the **Sea to Sky Gondola** during filming hours (usually mid‑morning) to catch the same light that made the “Dark Kingdom” scenes so ominous.

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## 4. New York City – The Season‑2 Spotlight

*Why it matters*
While the bulk of the series is shot in Canada, the iconic city of **New York** was used in Season 2 to bring an urban contrast to Storybrooke.

### Key locations
– **Times Square**: The bustling lights served as the “Night Market” scenes.
– **Brooklyn Bridge**: The bridge’s arch was featured in the “Cinderella” storyline.
– **Central Park (NYC)**: Not to be confused with Burnaby’s park, this was a backdrop for “The Wizard of Oz” episodes.

### Visiting tip
If you’re in NYC, head to the **Bronx Zoo** on a Wednesday; the production team often parks nearby, giving you a chance to spot crew members (or at least a lot of filming equipment).

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## 5. Other Hidden Gems

Beyond the main locations, the show made use of a host of lesser‑known sites:
– **Hastings, Ontario**: The “Wizard of Oz” farmhouse.
– **Rosedale, Toronto**: The “Ever After” estate.
– **Fort William, Ontario**: The “Hades” underworld set.

These spots often require a bit of research to locate, but for the truly devoted, a dedicated treasure‑hunt is a rewarding adventure.

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## 6. Planning Your Own “Once Upon a Time” Tour

| City | Must‑visit | Best Time to Go |
|——|————|—————–|
| Burnaby | Central Park, the “Castle” arches | Late Spring (May–June) |
| Steveston | Hepworth Block, waterfront | Summer weekends |
| North Vancouver | Grouse Mountain, Capilano Bridge | Autumn (Sep–Oct) |
| New York | Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge | Winter (Dec) – for holiday décor |

**Travel Tips**
– **Check local event calendars** – Many towns host “Once Upon a Time” fan events during the summer.
– **Book early** – Especially in Steveston, where the tourist season can get crowded.
– **Use public transit** – Most locations are reachable via Vancouver’s SkyTrain and Buses.

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## 7. Takeaway

Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or a casual viewer, stepping into the very places that brought Emma Swan’s world to life offers a whole new dimension of appreciation. From the quaint streets of Steveston to the soaring heights of Grouse Mountain, the show’s production team turned everyday Canadian landscapes into scenes of wonder. So next time you’re scrolling through an episode, think about the real‑world roots that make every enchanted moment possible.

Ready to hit the road? Grab your map, your camera, and your favorite Disney‑style playlist—Storybrooke awaits!