The 2022 Firestarter remake shot almost entirely around Hamilton, Ontario. Here is every confirmed location and how to visit.
Firestarter (2022) was mainly filmed in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, with additional shooting in Burlington, Ancaster, Dundas and Flamborough. Principal photography ran from May 25 to July 16, 2021. Locations include a former elementary school on Bowman Street, Morgan Firestone Arena, Dundas Valley Conservation Area and public streets across the region.
The 2022 remake of Firestarter, itself a redo of the 1984 film directed by Mark L. Lester, tells a story set in the United States, but nearly all of it was shot in southern Ontario. Production based itself in Hamilton and spread out across neighbouring municipalities during a shoot that ran from late May to mid July 2021.
That concentration is good news for visitors. Most of the filming locations sit within a short drive of one another, and several are public streets, parks and arenas that can be visited without special access.
| Location | Where | What was filmed | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 235 Bowman Street (Lewiston Elementary School) | Hamilton | Lewiston Elementary School scenes | Outside only |
| Aeon Bayfront Studios | Hamilton | Interior studio scenes | Private property |
| Morgan Firestone Arena | Ancaster | Arena/base camp scenes | Free to see |
| Dundas Valley Conservation Area | Dundas | Outdoor/nature scenes | Free to see |
| Plains Road East | Burlington | Plaza scenes | Free to see |
| Valens Road and Safari Road | Flamborough | Farm scenes | Outside only |
| Victoria Avenue North and Shaw Street | Hamilton | Street scenes | Free to see |
| Ancaster | Ancaster | Various residential and outdoor scenes | Free to see |
8 locations. The map loads when it scrolls into view.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Ontario, Hamilton Outside only
Filmed here: Lewiston Elementary School scenes
This former school building stood in for Lewiston Elementary School in the film. Today it houses the Yeshiva of Hamilton, so the interior is off limits, but the exterior can be viewed from the public street. It is a straightforward stop for anyone mapping the film's school scenes, and the surrounding Hamilton neighbourhood gives the visit some context.
Ontario, Hamilton Private property
Filmed here: Interior studio scenes
Interior scenes were shot at Aeon Bayfront Studios in Hamilton, a working production facility. Its main stage measures 27,000 square feet with 50-foot ceilings, which made it suitable for controlled fire effects and set builds. The studio is private and not open to the public, so the only realistic option is appreciating it from the outside or simply noting it as the production's home base.
Ontario, Ancaster Free to see
Filmed here: Arena/base camp scenes
Located in Ancaster within Robert E. Wade Ancaster Community Park, this public arena hosted arena and base camp scenes. Because it functions as a community venue, visitors can generally access it during events and public programming. It is one of the easier locations on this list to actually walk inside, and the surrounding park makes it a pleasant stop when pairing several Ancaster sites.
Ontario, Dundas Free to see
Filmed here: Outdoor/nature scenes
The outdoor and nature scenes were filmed across this conservation area in Dundas, which offers an extensive trail network through forested terrain. It remains fully open to the public, though entry fees may apply. Of all the Firestarter locations, this is arguably the most rewarding to visit on its own merits, since the landscape that appears on screen is the same one hikers experience today.
Ontario, Burlington Free to see
Filmed here: Plaza scenes
The plaza scenes were shot along Plains Road East in Burlington's Aldershot area. This is a regular public road, so access is simple and viewing is essentially drive-by or a short walk along the sidewalk. There is no formal site to enter, but travellers retracing the film's Ontario geography will find it an easy addition between Hamilton and Burlington stops.
Ontario, Flamborough Outside only
Filmed here: Farm scenes
The farm scenes were captured on rural roads in Flamborough, near the intersection of Valens Road and Safari Road. The roads themselves are public and drivable, but the nearby farmland is private property, so visitors should stick to the roadway. The countryside here has a distinctly agricultural character that comes through in the finished film.
Ontario, Hamilton Free to see
Filmed here: Street scenes
Street scenes were filmed around this public intersection in Hamilton. It is easily accessible, with no barriers or restricted access, making it one of the simplest locations to check off. Because it sits within Hamilton's urban grid, it can be combined naturally with a visit to other city stops such as the Bowman Street school building.
Ontario, Ancaster Free to see
Filmed here: Various residential and outdoor scenes
Beyond specific sites, Ancaster hosted various residential and outdoor scenes thanks to its historic town character and many public streets. Visitors can wander the older parts of town and get a feel for the neighbourhoods that appear in the film. Combined with Morgan Firestone Arena nearby, Ancaster makes sense as a single outing within a broader Firestarter location itinerary.
The story of Firestarter takes place in the United States, primarily in New England and fictional locations created for the plot. The production never recreated those settings in America, however. Instead, Hamilton and its surrounding Ontario municipalities stood in for them, a common arrangement given the region's production infrastructure and financial incentives.
Aeon Bayfront Studios in Hamilton served as the production's interior hub. The facility's 27,000-square-foot main stage, with 50-foot ceilings, accommodated the film's set builds and controlled effects work. As a private studio, it does not offer public tours, but it anchors Hamilton's role as the shoot's headquarters.
There is no dedicated Firestarter location tour in the Hamilton area. Travellers who enjoy on-location sightseeing can still get a taste of film tourism on a guided movie and TV walk elsewhere; the option below includes a stop in a Historic District and covers screen filming history more broadly.
Wilmywood Movie and TV Location Walk Tour
A guided walking tour for movie and television fans, with a stop in a Historic District among its route. It is a general film heritage walk rather than a Firestarter-specific outing, but it suits travellers who like seeing where screen stories come to life.
The film was shot in and around Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, with locations in Hamilton, Burlington, Ancaster, Dundas and Flamborough. Principal photography ran from May 25 to July 16, 2021.
Yes, partially. The building at 235 Bowman Street in Hamilton, used for Lewiston Elementary School scenes, can be viewed from the street. It now houses the Yeshiva of Hamilton, so the interior is not open to visitors.
No. Aeon Bayfront Studios in Hamilton is a private production facility and does not admit visitors. Interior scenes were shot there on a 27,000-square-foot main stage.
Most of them. Public streets such as Victoria Avenue North and Shaw Street, Plains Road East in Burlington, and the roads of Ancaster cost nothing. Dundas Valley Conservation Area may charge an entry fee.
No. The story is set in the United States, mainly New England and fictional locations. Ontario doubled for those settings during filming.
Yes. The 2022 film is a remake of the 1984 version directed by Mark L. Lester, itself adapted from Stephen King's novel.
Firestarter's Ontario footprint makes for a compact location trip. Most stops cluster around Hamilton, with Dundas, Ancaster, Burlington and Flamborough all within easy driving distance. Plan on a half day for the city sites and a separate visit to Dundas Valley if the trails appeal.
Before You Go
The tours travellers book most for Firestarter.
