The new television series ‘Anna Pigeon’, based on Nevada Barr’s acclaimed book series, transports viewers to the wild beauty of Glacier National Park, located in Montana. However, in a surprising twist, the production has chosen to film almost entirely in the Kananaskis Range of Alberta, Canada. This decision offers a unique backdrop for the narrative, which centres around a former theatre stage manager turned national park ranger.
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Starring Tracy Spiridakos in the title role, ‘Anna Pigeon’ takes viewers on a journey of healing and self-discovery, following its protagonist as she endeavours to escape the aftermath of a personal tragedy. As Anna navigates her new life in the wilderness, the natural surroundings play an integral role in the unfolding drama, arguably acting as a character in its own right.
Spiridakos has expressed her sheer awe for the breathtaking landscapes that accompany the series. Speaking to Rotten Tomatoes, she remarked on the daily wonder of filming, stating, “Every day we’d show up to set and all be like, ‘How is this real life?’ It was spectacular… stunning and so much fun.”
Though Glacier National Park is the designated setting for the series, the choice to film in Canada has raised questions. Morwyn Brebner, the show’s creator and showrunner, has not disclosed the rationale behind this decision. Nevertheless, she did embark on a visit to the national park prior to filming, seeking inspiration from its grandeur. In a conversation with TVBrittanyF.com, Brebner conveyed enthusiasm about the landscape scouting experience.
The filming locations in Alberta include several stunning sites, with Bragg Creek, Barrier Lake, and Calgary featuring prominently. These areas stood in for the Montana setting, with reports indicating that a significant portion of the first season captures the essence of Glacier National Park through Alberta’s natural beauty. The Calgary Herald highlighted the captivating stretches of wilderness near Bragg Creek as a representation of the national park in the storyline.
Other filming spots included Elbow Falls, Forgetmenot Pond, and Canyon Creek, all providing a scenic backdrop that enhances the series. Producer Leslie Cowan noted that their trek to Barrier Lake was particularly memorable, remarking on the overwhelming beauty that made it hard for observers to fathom the location’s reality. She stated, “They were going, ‘This doesn’t even look real,’ which is what people always say when they see Alberta on the screen: ‘Is that real? That mountain? That lake?’”
Spiridakos, who hails from Canada, expressed pride in working within her home country. Her delight in the filming locations is evident, as she shares an abundance of scenic photos taken during commutes to the set. The actress emphasised that the connection to nature is a crucial element of her character’s journey, stating it was “impossible” not to relate to the natural world around her.
For audiences eager to explore Anna’s journey, the show airs on Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on the USA Network, with all episodes available for streaming on their website. With its stunning visuals and compelling storytelling, ‘Anna Pigeon’ not only brings the rugged beauty of the national park to the screen but also invites viewers to experience the transformation of its central character amid the splendour of the Canadian outdoors.