The Reluctant Traveler Finds a Warm Welcome in BC
The latest season of The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy wrapped with a heartfelt finale set in Vancouver, placing BC front and centre for millions of Apple TV+ viewers worldwide.
The award-winning Canadian actor and self-declared travel skeptic stepped out of his comfort zone and into BC’s spectacular scenery, local flavour, and warm hospitality—offering a powerful invitation to audiences around the world.
Behind the Scenes: How BC Became the Season’s Final Stop
This opportunity came together quickly through a collaboration between the BC Film Commission at Creative BC, Destination BC, Destination Vancouver, and Twofour, the UK-based producers of the series.
Destination BC’s Travel Media team played a central role in bringing the production to life, from initial interest to filming wrap.
Here’s how the work unfolded:
- Early engagement: The BC Film Commission at Creative BC brought the opportunity forward. Destination BC quickly joined the conversation and looped in Destination Vancouver.
- Scouting support: Together, the teams assisted with a hands-on scouting trip to film-friendly spots that matched the series tone and vision.
- Fast turnaround: With filming dates approaching fast, Destination BC mobilized quickly to meet tight timelines while delivering value for partners.
- Seamless facilitation: The team hired a trusted fixer and worked with partners to ease permit processes and reduce or waive fees, removing roadblocks and demonstrating the value of filming here.
- Support on the ground: Businesses and spokespeople featured in the episode received help navigating the process and understanding the long-term opportunity.
The result? A smooth production experience and a season finale that highlights the essence of the region, from mountain views to lively neighbourhoods to memorable hospitality.
BC Stories on Screen
The episode features scenes across Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Burnaby, with stops at:
- Wedgewood Hotel and Spa
- Granville Island
- Gastown
- Grouse Mountain
- Harbour Air
The final scene – Eugene Levy and Michael Bublé performing “Fly Me to the Moon” at the Bacchus Restaurant – perfectly reflects the energy, warmth, and pride of the community.
Partners involved in supporting the episode include:
- The BC Film Commission at Creative BC
- Destination Vancouver
- Wedgewood Hotel and Spa
- Granville Island
- Grouse Mountain
- Harbour Air
- City of North Vancouver
- Gastown Business Improvement Society
- City of Burnaby
- District of North Vancouver
- District of West Vancouver
- Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
- City of Vancouver
Producers called out the high level of collaboration in BC, sharing that working with a DMO team like this was a new and appreciated experience. As one assistant producer noted:
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you on this… from working with the truly amazing [fixer] to providing editorial ideas and great access, it’s been a massively positive experience.”
Reaching New People and Inspiring New Trips
Television continues to be a powerful tool in travel inspiration. For BC, it helps us reach global travellers who may not yet be familiar with the depth of experiences we offer.
This episode alone has earned wide attention and sparked major media coverage, with an estimated 56.6 million combined publication-wide audience, including features in:
Projects like The Reluctant Traveler help reinforce BC as a world-class filming destination – and an unforgettable place to visit.
To learn more about Destination BC’s travel media program and how we support high-impact media opportunities, visit: destinationbc.ca/what-we-do/marketing/travel-media.
To learn more about The Reluctant Traveler and watch the episode, visit Apple TV+.
