CBS’s action-drama Tracker, starring Justin Hartley as survivalist and reward seeker Colter Shaw, has captivated audiences with its mix of mystery, adrenaline, and raw emotion. But beyond its gripping plots, one question keeps coming up among fans: Where exactly is “Tracker” filmed?
Though Colter’s adventures take him across the United States — from dusty deserts to misty forests — the series’ real-life locations might surprise you. Let’s uncover where Tracker brings its wide-ranging world to life, and how these places shape the tone and feel of one of TV’s biggest new hits.
🌲 The Real Location: Filming in British Columbia, Canada
While Tracker is set across various U.S. states, the show is primarily filmed in British Columbia, Canada, with the majority of production taking place in and around Vancouver.
This region has long been a go-to spot for American network dramas thanks to its diverse landscapes, film-friendly infrastructure, and tax incentives. The area can easily double for nearly any U.S. environment — from mountain trails to small towns and rugged wilderness.
According to CBS insiders, Vancouver was chosen because it offered “everything the story needed — forest, city, coastline, and space for high-intensity action.”
“The Pacific Northwest just has that natural mystique,” Justin Hartley said in a behind-the-scenes interview. “It feels like Colter belongs here — you can almost sense the danger and the beauty in the same shot.”
🏞️ Why Vancouver Fits the Mood of ‘Tracker’
Colter Shaw is a man constantly on the move — tracking missing people, fugitives, or secrets across the country. Vancouver’s versatility allows the production to capture a sense of travel and adventure without ever leaving the province.
Each episode takes viewers somewhere new: a sunlit canyon, a fog-covered riverbank, or a quiet rural town with hidden darkness. Yet all of these “locations” are built from the same core filming areas in British Columbia.
Popular filming spots include:
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Squamish, with its breathtaking cliffs and forests — perfect for outdoor survival scenes.
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Maple Ridge and Langley, which double for small American towns.
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Downtown Vancouver, used for urban chases and city scenes.
The creative team works closely with local crews to give each location its own regional authenticity, whether Colter is supposed to be in California, Colorado, or the Midwest.
🎬 How Production Captures America’s Heartland
What makes Tracker visually striking is how it feels like a road trip through America’s hidden corners — even though most of it is filmed in one Canadian province.
The cinematography relies heavily on natural light, wide landscapes, and drone footage to give a sense of scale. Producers also incorporate local architecture and signage to make each “new state” believable.
“We never want it to feel like the same place twice,” says executive producer Ken Olin. “Even though we shoot within a few hundred miles, we make sure every episode looks and feels like a different chapter in Colter’s journey.”
🧭 The Symbolism Behind the Locations
The constant change of setting isn’t just practical — it’s symbolic. Colter Shaw’s story is one of motion, solitude, and search. Each new location mirrors his emotional state: the forests when he’s hiding, deserts when he’s lost, and towns when he’s seeking connection.
The show’s production designer, Lisa Soper, explains that the landscapes are meant to feel like characters themselves:
“Nature challenges Colter, but it also saves him. The wilderness reflects what he’s running from — and what he’s trying to find.”
🏕️ Fans Can Visit Some of the Show’s Real Locations
The best part for fans? Many of the Tracker filming sites are open to the public. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the same trails featured in the show, especially around Squamish and Whistler, where the production films many of Colter’s survival scenes.
Some small-town sets used for the show are based in Fort Langley, a picturesque village with cafes, wooden buildings, and that perfect “middle-of-nowhere” vibe seen in several episodes.
Tourism offices in British Columbia have even started offering self-guided filming tours for fans who want to trace the show’s steps — from forest scenes to urban sequences.
🔥 Behind the Scenes: Why Justin Hartley Loves the Outdoors
For Justin Hartley, who also serves as an executive producer, the filming locations are more than just scenery — they’re essential to his performance.
“When you’re out there in the wild, it changes how you move, how you breathe, how you react,” Hartley shared. “You can’t fake that sense of isolation. When Colter is alone in the woods, I’m really out there — and you feel it.”
This dedication to authenticity helps Tracker stand out in an era when many shows rely on green screens and studio sets. Each rugged location adds texture and realism to Colter’s character — a man always caught between civilization and the wild.
🌅 A Landscape as Mysterious as the Man Himself
In many ways, Tracker’s filming locations are a perfect reflection of Colter Shaw himself — beautiful, dangerous, and full of secrets. Every mountain path and backroad feels like a metaphor for his search for truth and closure.
By grounding the series in real, natural settings, the show captures an emotional realism that keeps viewers invested week after week.
As Hartley put it best:
“Colter’s always searching — for answers, for people, for peace. And being surrounded by nature makes that search feel real. Every tree, every shadow, every breath of cold air reminds you that this world is alive — and so is he.”
✨ Final Thoughts
So while Tracker may travel across America in story, its heart — and its most breathtaking shots — belong to Canada’s Pacific Northwest.
The show’s success proves that great storytelling doesn’t depend on big cities or studio backlots. Sometimes, all it takes is a compelling character, a mystery to solve, and a landscape wild enough to mirror the human spirit.
That’s the magic behind Tracker — and the reason every episode feels like both a mystery and a journey home.
