The Last of Us Real Life Locations: Jackson, Boston & More
Game Settings, Real-World References & HBO Production Locations (U.S. + Canada)
About
The Last of Us franchise paints a haunting post-apocalyptic America through fictionalized versions of recognizable real-world U.S. cities and regions. The games adapt urban geography, regional atmosphere, and architectural character into story settings, while the HBO series uses Canadian production locations to stand in for U.S. settings.
This guide highlights real-world places whose names, geography, or atmosphere form the backdrop for the story route, plus key HBO filming spots (mostly Canada) for fans doing cross-border pilgrimages. Game-world cities are fictionalized and adapted versions rather than direct recreations.
Updates as of 2026: With Season 2 released, Vancouver/BC now dominates for Seattle and expanded Jackson scenes. Real Jackson, Wyoming continues to see major tourism from fans seeking the "miracle town."
Full Pilgrimage Guide
Curated videos and routes — click a card to watch and plan your trip.
Spotlight Location Guide
Jackson, Wyoming — Real-world counterpart to the Jackson settlement
The game's Jackson settlement draws heavily on the real town of Jackson, Wyoming, including recognizable features such as Town Square and its distinctive antler arches. A major fan pilgrimage spot.
Best Time to Visit
Winter for game-accurate snow.
Access
Public town square / National Park.
Photography Tips
- • Walk under the antler arches.
- • Visit Grand Teton National Park nearby.
- • Experience the small-town mountain atmosphere.
Boston, Massachusetts — Quarantine Zone setting
Part I / Season 1 Opening. The militarized QZ is a fictionalized cityscape drawing on recognizable Boston-area features such as the North End, Faneuil Hall, and Custom House Tower; brownstones and brick streets inform the game aesthetic.
Best Time to Visit
Spring or Fall.
Access
Public streets and parks.
Photography Tips
- • Walk the North End for brownstone vibes.
- • Visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
- • See the Custom House Tower.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — Post-apocalyptic city setting
Part I Mid-Game. Pittsburgh is represented as a fictionalized, post-apocalyptic version of the city, with visual echoes of iconic yellow bridges (Fort Duquesne, Roberto Clemente) and industrial character.
Best Time to Visit
Summer or Fall.
Access
Public bridges and riverfronts.
Photography Tips
- • Walk across the yellow bridges.
- • Visit Point State Park.
- • Capture the industrial skyline.
Salt Lake City, Utah — Final section setting
Part I Climax. The game's final section is set in the Salt Lake City area, with a fictional hospital and surrounding environment adapted for the game rather than serving as a direct recreation of a single real-world site such as the University of Utah.
Best Time to Visit
Spring.
Access
Public areas.
Photography Tips
- • Enjoy the Wasatch mountain scenery around Salt Lake City.
- • See the Salt Lake Temple (exterior).
Alberta, Canada (HBO Season 1 production locations)
The HBO series used Canadian production locations including Calgary (standing in for the Boston QZ), Canmore (standing in for Jackson), and Edmonton.
Best Time to Visit
Summer for travel, Winter for snow scenes.
Access
Public towns and cities.
Photography Tips
- • Canmore is the TV show's Jackson stand-in.
- • Calgary was used as the Boston QZ production location.
Suggested Itineraries
East-to-West Classic Journey
HardThe ultimate pilgrimage following Joel and Ellie's route. Boston (QZ) -> Pittsburgh (Hunters) -> Jackson (Settlement) -> Salt Lake City (Hospital).
Transportation
Car Rental / Flights
Locations
- • Boston
- • Pittsburgh
- • Jackson
- • Salt Lake City
Jackson, Wyoming Deep Dive
EasyFly into Jackson Hole. Explore the Town Square, antler arches, and nearby Grand Teton National Park. Best in winter for game vibes.
Transportation
Car Rental
Locations
- • Jackson Town Square
- • Grand Teton NP
HBO Filming Road Trip (Canada)
ModerateExplore the filming locations in Alberta. Calgary (Boston), Canmore (Jackson), and Edmonton.
Transportation
Car Rental
Locations
- • Calgary
- • Canmore
- • Edmonton
Tips & Etiquette
Timing
Winter for Jackson (snow). Spring/Fall for cities.
Photo Tip
Golden hour for overgrown ruins aesthetic.
Budget
National Parks Pass for Grand Teton. Free city walking.
Fan Events
Jackson Hole tourism often embraces TLOU fans.
Spread the word to your friends and community.