Where Was ‘Tron: Ares’ Filmed? See A Fresh Side Of Vancouver In The New Sci-Fi Epic

If you’re a long-time sci-fi fan, you’re surely familiar with the epic “Tron” franchise. The latest venture in the long-running series is “Tron: Ares,” which premiered in theaters on Oct. 10. The movie has already drawn massive crowds, with plenty of social media buzz highlighting the atmospheric setting, the crisp visual effects and Jared Leto’s leading performance. Those native to the Pacific Northwest, however, may have made note of more than just the film’s narrative, as “Tron: Ares” was filmed entirely in and around Vancouver, Canada.

Whether you’ve been meaning to check out Van City for some time, or you’re just getting inspired to motorbike through the same rainy roads as Ares himself, be sure to read ahead. We’ll outline a few key filming locations for the sci-fi adventure, and provide some tried and tested recommendations for tourist stops, restaurants and more.

What To Know About Visiting Vancouver’s ‘Tron: Legacy’ Filming Locations

Key Scenes: Like “Tron: Ares,” 2010’s “Tron: Legacy” was shot entirely in and around Vancouver. This makes perfect sense, as the northern locale frequently stands in for various American cities on the big screen. Vancouver is known to offer solid tax incentives for TV and film productions, and tends to be cheaper than Los Angeles or similar cities in the lower 48. This is especially true of productions like the “Tron” franchise, which require the filmmakers to shut down multiple intersections to shoot high-octane racing sequences.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Vancouver largely depends on your specific interests as a traveler. Winters are known to be fairly frigid, so a Christmas trip isn’t recommended for those hailing from a warmer climate. Even still, the city has a wide array of outdoor activities that run year-round, including skiing and snowboarding excursions at the three nearby mountains. For the average visitor, the summer months of June through August should suffice. This period of time offers the mildest weather, plenty of nightlife and access to outdoor markets.

Transportation Options: Like many of Canada’s major cities, Vancouver offers a comprehensive public transit grid for visitors and natives alike. Buses, trains, taxis and more can be found all over the downtown area, providing you with plenty of opportunities to traverse the city on a budget. If you’re looking to really get around, you may want to rent a car, but it shouldn’t be strictly necessary. Of course, hardcore “Tron” fans may be tempted to rent a motorbike and zip through traffic. If you do so, just be sure to drive safely. You never know when complex AI creations and bad drivers will be out to get you.

As touted by the film’s marketing, “Tron: Ares” was filmed with IMAX lenses, making it ideal for theatergoers who prefer a fully immersive experience. Roughly half of the movie is presented in the ultra-wide 1.90:1 aspect ratio, which provides a ton of additional material for wrap-around viewing. The production utilized many famous Vancouver landmarks during filming, with one particularly heart-thumping sequence shot on the Cambie Bridge, per Hollywood North Buzz.

Other sequences were captured in Rain City’s bustling downtown, including those shot on the corner of West Cordova & Thurlow Street, as well as Burrard Street. One TikTok user even captured some behind-the-scenes footage of the production last year, when the crew was preparing a night shoot near the Vancouver British Columbia Temple.

Things to Do: Once you arrive in Vancouver, you’ll want to get your bearings with a tour from a local guide. Luckily, the city is absolutely teeming with tour options, giving you the chance to explore by bus, boat, walk, or even helicopter. After you’ve settled in and unpacked, you should be sure to reserve some time for a few of the city’s greatest tourist draws. These include the Vancouver Aquarium, Museum of Anthropology, VanDusen Botanical Garden or the picturesque Shannon Falls. Van City is also well known for its nightlife scene, so be sure to pop into a few local bars and clubs to get a pulse on the party.

Where to Eat: In between filming location stops, you’ll certainly want to grab a bite from one of the city’s finest eateries. Local favorites include upscale spots such as the Sandbar Seafood Restaurant, Osteria Savio Volpe or the Michelin star-rated Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie. Of course, if you fail to secure a reservation at any of these trendy restaurants, you shouldn’t encounter much trouble locating a local hole-in-the-wall. Vancouver is a thriving cultural hub, offering a diverse array of flavors and culinary styles, so don’t be afraid to get out there and experiment.

Where to Stay: Since Vancouver is known as a premier vacation destination, it can be difficult to score a reasonable rate at a solid hotel. Many of the hotel chains in the heart of the city are quite pricey, especially during peak season. Even still, you may be able to land an exceptional rate by utilizing credit card rewards or scanning for deals on Airbnb. If money isn’t in short supply, and you don’t mind balling out without a budget, you can always check for vacancies at the ritzy YWCA Hotel or the Exchange Hotel Vancouver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Daft Punk doing “Tron: Ares”?

Unfortunately, Daft Punk did not return to do the soundtrack for “Tron: Ares.” The group broke up back in 2021, partially due to rising concerns about artificial intelligence in the music industry. Instead, Nine Inch Nails musicians Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have handled the music for the latest film.

Will “Tron: Ares” have any returning characters?

Jeff Bridges reprises his role in “Tron: Ares,” after previously appearing in the franchise to portray Kevin Flynn. Flynn was the lead character of 2010’s “Tron: Legacy,” making him a significant presence in the franchise today. Although the film does not feature other “Legacy” characters, such as Sam Flynn or Quorra, they are mentioned by name, fueling fan speculation that they could be incorporated into the next “Tron” venture.

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