Two F.B.I. Agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained, while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.
Richmond City Hall, 6911, Number 3 Road, Brighouse Village, City Centre, Richmond, Metro Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, V6Y 2C1, Canada
North Vancouver City Hall, 141, West 14th Street, Central Lonsdale, Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver, Metro Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, V7M 1H9, Canada
Victoria City Hall - siΚem tawenβewtxw, 1, Centennial Square, Chinatown, Downtown, Victoria, Capital Regional District, British Columbia, V8W 1P6, Canada
Ashcroft Village Office, 601, Bancroft Street, Ashcroft, Thompson-Nicola Regional District, British Columbia, V0K 1A0, Canada
McIntosh Avenue, Town Centre, Maple Ridge, Metro Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, V2X 3J5, Canada
FVRL: City of Langley Library, 20399, Douglas Crescent, City of Langley, Metro Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, V3A 4B3, Canada
New Westminster City Hall, Sixth Street, Downtown, New Westminster, Metro Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, V3L 5B3, Canada
JO Pass Trail, Tulare County, California, United States of America
South Slave Region, Northwest Territories, Canada
Scene: (2601 Lougheed Hwy)
Decatur County, Kansas, United States of America
For its first five seasons, The X-Files gave its paranormal mysteries a signature mood of rain, fog and dark evergreen forest – because it was filmed in Vancouver. When the production later moved to sunny Los Angeles, fans noticed the atmosphere change with the weather.
Where was The X-Files filmed?
The X-Files was filmed in Vancouver and British Columbia for its first five seasons, then in Los Angeles for seasons six to nine.
Every X-Files location, explained
1
Vancouver – the early seasons
The show’s eerie early years used Vancouver and the towns of the Fraser Valley – Chilliwack, Burnaby, Port Coquitlam – whose damp forests set the tone.
2
The Pacific Northwest mood
British Columbia’s rain and evergreen wilderness gave the paranormal cases their distinctive gloom.
3
Los Angeles – the later seasons
From season six, the production moved to Los Angeles, based at Century City.
4
Across the two cities
City halls and civic buildings in both regions stood in for the show’s many American towns and agencies.
Planning a visit
Vancouver and the misty Fraser Valley remain the spiritual home of the show’s classic era – the rainy Pacific Northwest that made the paranormal feel real.
The X-Files Fun Facts
1
Vancouver set the mood The show’s first five seasons were filmed in rainy Vancouver, giving it its signature gloom.
2
The move to LA changed the light When production shifted to sunny Los Angeles, fans noticed the atmosphere brighten.
3
Duchovny wanted sunshine The relocation was partly to accommodate star David Duchovny, who wanted to be based in LA.
4
Vancouver became 'Hollywood North' The show helped establish Vancouver as a major TV production hub.
5
'The truth is out there' Its tagline became one of television’s most quoted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did they film in Vancouver?
Its rainy, forested Pacific Northwest setting gave the show its eerie atmosphere.
Why did the show move to LA?
Partly to accommodate star David Duchovny, who wanted to be based in Los Angeles.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are accessible and remain popular with fans.
