Nine Movies You Didn't Know Were Filmed in Ottawa

Canada's capital city is often overlooked as a movie filming location. However, its distinct and picturesque settings have quietly played a part in some of Hollywood's most memorable productions. Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore nine films you didn't know were shot in Ottawa:

1. Batman & Robin (1997)

When you think of Batman's Gotham City, Ottawa probably doesn't come to mind. Throughout the movie, Batman and Robin try to keep their relationship together even as they must stop Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from freezing Gotham City. The movie includes several scenes shot with Mr. Freeze in winter on the Rideau Canal.

2.  The Sum of All Fears (2002)

This action movie set in the Jack Ryan film universe features Ben Affleck as a young Jack Ryan, and also stars Morgan Freeman, James Cromwell, and Liev Schreiber. While much of the story takes place in Washington DC and Baltimore, most of it was filmed in Canada. Several scenes of the movie were filmed at the Diefenbunker.

3. Too Young to Marry (2007)

Starring a pre-vampire Nina Dobrev, the movie was a straight-to-TV romcom set in a small Connecticut town but filmed in our wonderful city. As the title states,  it centres around a teenage couple getting married way too early.

4. Mr. Nobody (2009)

This fantasy drama, a recipient of eleven distinguished awards, was filmed in various locations worldwide, including Ottawa. It features Jared Leto in the leading role, portraying a 118-year-old man named Nemo. Set in the year 2092, the narrative unfolds as Nemo recounts his life's journey to a journalist.

5. Sacrifice (2011)

Cuba Gooding Jr. and Christian Slater star in this fast-paced action flick about an undercover cop involved in a drug ring left with the responsibility of a defector's five year old sister. Notable Ottawa locations include the legendary Byward Market and St. Brigid's Church on Murray Street.

6. House at the End of the Street (2012)

This horror flick featuring Jennifer Lawrence was actually filmed in Ottawa. Although it's set in Woodshire in midwest America, scenes from the movie were shot at Algonquin College and Metcalfe. If you take a closer look, the "American" locations have Bilingual signs.

7. Penthouse North (2013)

This thriller is set in New York, but was filmed in downtown Ottawa. Starring Michael Keaton, it tells the story of a reclusive New York journalist who encounters a smooth criminal. While you're watching try to look out for the Wine Rack on Elgin Street, which was shut down for a few hours as the crew came into film.

8. The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015)

Starring Emma Roberts and Kiernan Shipka, this horror flick was filmed in Ottawa for our especially chilling winters. Premiering at TIFF in 2015, the story focuses on two girls stranded at a prestigious prep school after their parents suspiciously fail to pick them up from winter break.

9. Bandit (2022)

Featuring Mel Gibson, this movie is based on the story of The Flying Bandit as it focuses on a charming criminal who escapes a Michigan prison and assumes a new identity in Canada. He goes on to rob a record 59 banks and jewelry stores while being hunted by a police task force.