The chilling dystopian drama about a woman enslaved as a childbearing ‘handmaid’ in a theocratic America was filmed in Ontario, Canada – where Toronto and the towns of the region became the grim republic of Gilead.
Where was The Handmaid’s Tale filmed?
The Handmaid’s Tale was filmed in Toronto and across Ontario, Canada.
Every The Handmaid’s Tale location, explained
1
Gilead – Toronto
The republic’s world used Toronto and its studios.
2
The Commander’s house – Hamilton
Grand houses used Hamilton, Ontario.
3
The town – Cambridge
Town scenes used the old streets of Cambridge (Galt), Ontario.
4
Gilead – the setting
The story is set in Gilead, a dystopia in the former northeastern United States.
Planning a visit
Toronto and the towns of Ontario – the show’s real settings – are accessible parts of Canada.
The Handmaid's Tale Fun Facts
1
Filmed in Ontario The dystopia used Toronto, Hamilton and Cambridge, Canada.
2
Based on a novel It adapts Margaret Atwood’s classic book.
3
The red robes The handmaids’ red robes and white bonnets became iconic.
4
'Blessed be the fruit' The show’s ritual greetings entered popular culture.
5
Moss stars Elisabeth Moss leads as the handmaid Offred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was The Handmaid's Tale filmed?
In Toronto and across Ontario, Canada.
Is it set in Canada?
No – it’s set in Gilead, a dystopian United States, but filmed in Ontario.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Toronto and the Ontario towns are accessible.
Is it based on a book?
Yes – Margaret Atwood’s novel.
When did it start?
2017.
