The Netflix drama Remarkably Bright Creatures, starring Sally Field and Alfred Molina, is set in the fictional Pacific Northwest town of Sowell Bay. However, the film wasn’t shot in Washington State. It was filmed entirely in British Columbia, Canada, with the charming waterfront community of Deep Cove standing in for Sowell Bay. This guide details every real-world filming location used in the 2026 movie.
Primary Filming Locations of Remarkably Bright Creatures
Deep Cove, North Vancouver – Main Filming Hub
The picturesque waterfront community of Deep Cove, tucked along the eastern edge of North Vancouver, served as the primary filming hub for Remarkably Bright Creatures. The area’s stunning bay, mountains, and main street were transformed into the fictional Sowell Bay. Gallant Avenue, the main street running through the village center, was dressed to become the heart of the town.
According to Netflix Tudum, production designer Jennifer Morden explained the choice: “When we decided to look for our town, we found that Deep Cove was a really good fit”. The Deep Cove Government Dock, a public dock where boats can tie up, served as the emotional climax of the movie, where Tova goes to reflect on her life. Author Shelby Van Pelt visited Deep Cove during filming and was amazed by the location. “It’s incredible to me that Deep Cove exists, because it’s so similar to how I pictured this fictional town when I was writing it,” she told Curiocity.
Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park – Interior Scenes
Once the camera moves inside the Sowell Bay Aquarium, the primary filming location shifts to the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park. While much of the interior was built on a soundstage, the production team used the real aquarium for specific setups and as an invaluable research tool.
Director Olivia Newman explained that a real giant Pacific octopus named Agnetha, who lives at the Vancouver Aquarium, served as the visual inspiration for the CG character Marcellus. “We took hours of footage of Agnetha in her tank, so that we could study octopus behavior, and create an exact replica of Agnetha. [We used] footage of Agnetha interchangeably in the movie, with our CGI,” Newman told Decider. Some of the shots of Tova cleaning the various fish tanks were also filmed at the real aquarium.
Whytecliff Park – Beach Scenes
Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver was used for beach and waterfront shooting. The park is known for its dramatic coastal cliffs and sandy shores, providing a perfect backdrop for key outdoor sequences. It’s a popular spot for scuba diving and wildlife viewing, and it is publicly accessible year-round.
Deep Cove Yacht Club – Exterior Aquarium Shots
The building that serves as the exterior of the Sowell Bay Aquarium is not an aquarium at all. It is the Deep Cove Yacht Club, located at 4420 Gallant Avenue in North Vancouver. The facade was digitally enhanced and modified to create the look of a marine facility, and production designer Morden noted that they “married that with the Vancouver Aquarium for some of our larger tank scenes”.
Secondary & Studio Locations
Lions Bay
The small residential community of Lions Bay, situated between Vancouver and Squamish, was used for additional exterior shots. This quiet village offered the small-town authenticity the story demanded.
Maple Ridge
The city of Maple Ridge also served as a minor filming location for a handful of scenes, as confirmed by multiple sources.
Studio Interiors (Undisclosed)
Interior home scenes, including Tova’s house, and portions of the aquarium set that required more flexibility around lighting and shooting times were built on soundstages in Vancouver. The production team even built a replica of Agnetha’s real tank from the Vancouver Aquarium on a soundstage for filming.
Why Vancouver for Sowell Bay?
Director Olivia Newman chose Vancouver and its surrounding areas for the region’s versatility and authentic Pacific Northwest aesthetic. The misty climate, accessible waterfront, and small-town charm perfectly matched the novel’s setting, which is based in Washington State. Tax incentives and established film infrastructure also made the production efficient.
Author Shelby Van Pelt agreed with the choice. “I heard early-ish on that we’re probably gonna film in Vancouver. And I was like, ‘That’s awesome. That’s perfect.’ It’s really a very similar backdrop. It’s gonna capture the vibe of the Pacific Northwest so well,” she told Curiocity.
Fan Visitation Guide
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall (May to September) for optimal weather and long daylight hours.
Parking: Most filming locations offer public parking within walking distance. Arrive early on weekends as Deep Cove can get crowded.
Photography: Public areas permit fan photography; please respect private property boundaries.
Getting There: Renting a car is recommended for flexibility to explore multiple filming locations. Vancouver’s public transit system also offers bus connections from downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Sowell Bay a real place?
No. Sowell Bay is a fictional town created by author Shelby Van Pelt for her 2022 novel. The film was shot entirely in and around Vancouver, British Columbia.
Where was the aquarium in Remarkably Bright Creatures filmed?
Exterior shots of the Sowell Bay Aquarium were filmed at the Deep Cove Yacht Club in North Vancouver. Interior aquarium scenes were partially filmed at the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park and partially on a built soundstage.
Was a real octopus used in the film?
Yes. A real giant Pacific octopus named Agnetha from the Vancouver Aquarium was filmed and used as the visual reference for the CGI octopus Marcellus, voiced by Alfred Molina.
Can you visit the Deep Cove Yacht Club?
Yes, it is a working marina open to the public. However, only the exterior was used for filming. The interior aquarium scenes were shot elsewhere.
Courtesy: Decider
