Where Is Bates Motel Tv Show Filmed

So, Where's the Bates Motel, Anyway?

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell about the Bates Motel, that creepy little place from the TV show. You know, the one where Norman and his mom live. Now, you might think it's tucked away in some eerie, isolated corner of the world, right? Well, buckle up, 'cause the truth is gonna surprise you. And no, it's not in the Upside Down. Yet.

First things first, let's address the elephant in the room. Or should I say, the motel in the woods? The Bates Motel TV show, both the original and the reboot, was not filmed in the actual woods of White Pine Bay, Oregon. I know, I know, it's a shocker. But hey, Hollywood magic, am I right?

Welcome to Vancouver, Population: Film Crews

That's right, folks. The Bates Motel we all know and love (or love to hate) was filmed in the not-so-creepy city of Vancouver, British Columbia. Now, before you start imagining Norman and Norma strolling down the streets of Gastown, let me stop you right there. The show was primarily filmed on a soundstage, with a few location shoots here and there.

But why Vancouver, you ask? Well, aside from the fact that it's basically Hollywood North, the city's mild climate and diverse landscapes make it a filming hotspot. Plus, the Canadian dollar is like the nice, welcoming mom who lets you stay for free. Okay, maybe not that nice, but you get the idea.

Meet the Motel's Twin: The Alistair's Motel

Now, let's talk about the motel itself. The one you see on screen is actually a set built on a soundstage. But here's where it gets interesting. The exterior shots of the motel? Those were filmed at a real motel in Vancouver. It's called the Alistair's Motel, and it's as charming as its name suggests. Okay, maybe not that charming, but it's certainly not as creepy as the Bates Motel.

Bates Motel Set Universal Studios Hollywood Tribute

Here's a fun fact for you: The Alistair's Motel has been in several films and TV shows. It's like the Hollywood extra that's been in every movie you've ever seen. You might recognize it from shows like "The X-Files" or movies like "The Cabin in the Woods". See, it's not just the Bates Motel that's full of surprises.

And the House? Well, That's a Whole Other Story

You might be wondering about the iconic house where Norman and Norma live. The one with the peeling wallpaper and the stuffed birds. Yeah, that one. Well, that's actually a set too. But here's where things get a little weird. The house was built on the same soundstage as the motel. But get this, the house was built upside down.

Yep, you heard me right. The crew built the house upside down so they could film the basement scenes without having to flip the camera. I mean, can you imagine trying to film a scene where Norman's talking to his mom's corpse while the camera's upside down? Yeah, me neither. But hey, that's Hollywood for you.

Image gallery for Bates Motel (TV Series) - FilmAffinity

So, Should You Go Visit?

Now, you might be thinking, "Hey, I want to go visit the Bates Motel! Can I book a room?" Well, I hate to break it to you, but the Bates Motel isn't a real place. You can't just show up and expect Norman to serve you breakfast. Although, if you did, I'd love to see the look on his face.

But if you're in Vancouver and you want to see the Alistair's Motel, go for it! Just don't be surprised if it's not as creepy as you expected. And who knows, maybe you'll run into a film crew. Just don't expect them to let you join in on the fun. They're usually pretty busy, you know, making TV magic happen.

So there you have it, folks. The Bates Motel might not be in the creepy woods of Oregon, but it's still a fascinating place. And who knows, maybe one day they'll film an episode in the Upside Down. A guy can dream, can't he?