Amazon Prime subscribers are likely already familiar with the hit superhero satire series “The Boys.” The show, which premiered back in 2019, has become one of the most popular on the entire platform, culminating in a massive viral response to May’s series finale. Fans of the show will note that “The Boys” takes place in an extremely dangerous world, and one you likely wouldn’t want to experience firsthand. Even still, some of the landscapes and environments showcased in the series are quite beautiful, especially during the gruesome outdoor sequences where Homelander and company take on Billy Butcher and his band of Supe-slayers. If you’re interested in visiting filming locations for “The Boys,” you’ll have to pack your bags and head for beautiful Toronto, Ontario.
Even though “The Boys” is meant to take place in several locales across the United States (primarily New York City), the show actually films just over the border in Toronto. This is largely due to the city’s spectacular tax incentives for Hollywood productions and lower production costs than those in NYC or Los Angeles. For anyone booking a trip to the 6ix, we’ll highlight several must-see filming locations for “The Boys” and offer key insights into the best restaurants, hotels, and tourist experiences the 6ix has to offer. Just be sure to tread carefully during your trip, since you could be walking among dangerous superheroes without even knowing it.
Did ‘The Boys’ Film At Canada’s Wonderland?
Key Scenes: If you’ve ever spent any time in the greater Toronto area, you may be familiar with the 330-acre amusement park known as Canada’s Wonderland. This Six Flags location is in Vaughan, Ontario, roughly 45 minutes north of Toronto proper by car.
Best Time to Visit: If you’re looking to visit Ontario for yourself, you’re best advised to make the pilgrimage during the late spring or early summer. Canada’s Wonderland is open every day from late May through Labor Day weekend, so you should have ample opportunity to hop on a few roller coasters during this time period. Of course, the park remains open on an abridged weekend-only schedule during the fall into the early winter, but that time of year can be prohibitively chilly, especially for those traveling from warmer southern climates.
Transportation Options: Those looking to crash in Vaughan and spend a day or two exploring Canada’s Wonderland should find it easy to get to the park via public transportation. The TTC Line 1 subway runs directly from the Vaughan Metropolitan Center in the middle of town, leading directly to the York Region Transit Route 20 Jane bus, which will drop you off right at the front gates of the park. This route is not only great for visitors but also perfect for locals who want to avoid the frustrating process of finding and paying for on-site parking.
Those who have experienced the thrills of Canada’s Wonderland will note that the park makes an appearance in “The Boys” during the third season of the show. The theme park stood in for the fictional “VoughtLand” park, where Homelander takes his son Ryan during his birthday celebration. While numerous portions of Canada’s Wonderland were used to bring VoughtLand to life, Atlas of Wonders reports that the Medieval Faire section is the most prominent in the show, with few changes made to disguise the real-life park.
Things to Do: The number one thing to check out in the Vaughan area will be Canada’s Wonderland, whether you’re a fan of “The Boys” or not. The park includes rides, games and live events, along with plenty of opportunities to sit down for a quick bite or go shopping for souvenirs. Besides the amusement park, Vaughan is also home to plenty of exciting excursions, including the Kortright Centre for Conservation, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, the Reptilia Zoo and Education Centre, and the Vaughan Mills shopping mall. The region is just outside Toronto for those looking to explore the big city, and close enough to Niagara Falls for a day trip.
Where to Eat: When you’re not completely stuffed with cotton candy and fried foods, you’ll find plenty of delightful sit-down joints in Vaughan to sate your appetite. A few local favorites include Belsito Trattoria, Romano’s Restaurant and Marcello’s Pizzeria. If money isn’t an object for you, and you’re looking for a fine dining experience, you can also check out The Octagon Restaurant or The Doctor’s House for a truly upscale meal.
Where to Stay: Since Vaughan is a well-known tourist destination, you’re sure to find plenty of deals on chain hotels throughout the city. The Marriott, Homewood Suites and Holiday Inn Express are popular names for visitors looking to save on cash. If you’re looking for more of a full-service stay, you’ll want to stop by the Liberty Suites Hotel or the Monte Carlo Inn Vaughan Suites.
Toronto Was The Primary Filming Location For ‘The Boys’
Key Scenes: Though “The Boys” takes place in and around New York, the vast majority of the series is shot in Toronto, Ontario. The city is disguised to look like the Big Apple in numerous ways, though eagle-eyed viewers will surely make note of several prominent backdrops, landmarks and Toronto local businesses.
Best Time To Visit: If you’re planning a trip to Toronto, you’ll probably want to check out the city during late spring, especially in May and June. This period of time offers mild weather, sparse crowds and plenty of sightseeing opportunities. The 6ix is a beautiful locale year-round, though you might find yourself frozen stiff if you venture north during the dead of winter.
Transportation Options: Toronto is known for its excellent public transit grid, which allows visitors and locals alike to traverse the city in style. Those looking to stay local can enjoy navigating Toronto via buses, trains, cabs and streetcars. Of course, if you’re looking to poke around the outskirts of the greater Toronto area and see all the filming locations for “The Boys,” you may need to rent a vehicle or rely on rideshare apps.
As PrimeTimer reports, Vought International company headquarters, where much of the show takes place, is digitally imposed over Toronto’s historic Roy Thomson Hall, in the heart of the entertainment district. The massive, looming structure is commonly referred to as the Seven Tower throughout the series. Thomson Hall was also used for several interior shots, including those captured in the building’s main lobby on the first floor.
Other Toronto businesses and landmarks used in the production of “The Boys” include the Royal Bank Plaza, Kensington Market, Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field, and a variety of churches, including Saint Luke’s United Church on Sherbourne and Carlton Street. Yonge-Dundas Square doubles as New York’s Times Square throughout the show, while locations including the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the Toronto Centre for the Arts and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce are digitally altered to mimic common American institutions.
Things to Do: When you’re not busy tracking down businesses, beaches, and public buildings where Homelander laser-beamed his enemies into a pile of ash, you’ll find that Toronto is fully loaded with exceptional adventures for the whole family. Landmarks such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the CN Tower are must-see destinations, while harbor cruises and day-trips to Niagara Falls are available for those with a penchant for aquatic excursions. Numerous walking tours are available for first-time visitors looking to get a grasp of the city, while Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the Museum of Illusions and the Hockey Hall of Fame make for perfect indoor stops along the way. Outdoorsy types will surely want to check out the scenic Scarborough Bluffs before skipping town as well, to get one of the most stunning views in all of Ontario.
Where to Eat: Since Toronto is such a vibrant cultural epicenter, you should have no trouble locating plenty of options for food while you’re visiting. Toronto Life points out that super-fans of “The Boys” can even stop at a few screen-used restaurants, including the George Street Diner, The Chase rooftop restaurant and the Windies Restaurant and Sports Bar in Scarborough. Other local favorites include Harriet’s Rooftop, Black + Blue, and the Michelin star-rated Madrina Bar Y Tapas.
Where to Stay: Several hotels across the 6ix have also been highlighted during the runtime of “The Boys,” including the New Plaza Motel and the Omni King Edward, on Colborne Street. Upscale stays can also be found at Victoria’s Mansion Guest House or the InterContinental Toronto, as long as you’re not strapped for cash during your stay. Even if you struggle to secure a reservation at one of these high-end hotels, you should be able to cash in on some credit card points at a local chain, including the Hilton Garden Inn, the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest-rated episode of “The Boys”?
The lowest-rated episode of “The Boys” is the series finale, “Blood and Bone,” which scored just a 5.6/10 on IMDb.
Who is the highest-paid actor on “The Boys”?
Karl Urban is reportedly the highest-paid actor on “The Boys,” earning over $400,000 per episode. This figure reflects his commitment to the series both as a flagship performer and as a producer making moves behind the scenes. Depending on the syndication deal in place for the series, Urban may also receive a back-end percentage of the show’s profits, further enriching him as new fans discover “The Boys” down the line.
