The Umbrella Academy was mainly filmed in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, with additional shooting in Oshawa, Mississauga, and Burlington. Ontario locations stood in for the show's alternate New York and Dallas settings, while most interiors were built in studios. Only one key scene, the JFK sequence at Dealey Plaza, was shot in real Dallas, Texas.
Fans often assume The Umbrella Academy was made in New York or Texas, given its settings. In reality, all four seasons, which ran from 2019 to 2024, were filmed primarily in Ontario. Producers took advantage of Hamilton's preserved 1960s streetscape to recreate season 2's Dallas, and used Toronto's mix of Victorian and modern architecture for the series' New York.
The good news for travelers is that many of these locations are publicly viewable. One is an operating diner where fans can sit and eat, another is a historic estate open for tours, and several are free parks and streets in downtown Hamilton.
Filmed here: Exterior of the Umbrella Academy mansion in multiple seasons and episodes including 1x01
This Hamilton building served as the exterior of the Umbrella Academy mansion, appearing in multiple seasons and episodes including the series premiere. Fans can view it freely from the public street. There is no interior access: the building formerly operated as a restaurant and strip club. It sits in downtown Hamilton close to other filming sites, so it pairs well with a walking route through the city's core.
Location 02
Parkwood Estate
Ontario, Oshawa Ticketed
Filmed here: Klaus's estate and other interior scenes in seasons 2 and 3
Parkwood Estate in Oshawa stood in for Klaus's estate and hosted other interior scenes in seasons 2 and 3. Unlike most Umbrella Academy locations, this one welcomes visitors inside: it is a historic site open for tours and a popular stop for film fans. The estate has appeared in dozens of productions including X-Men. Check tour schedules in advance, as access is by ticketed visit rather than casual drop-in.
Location 03
Griddy's Doughnuts (1187 Queen Street West)
Ontario, Toronto Free to see
Filmed here: Griddy's Doughnuts cafe scenes in season 1
The Griddy's Doughnuts cafe scenes in season 1 were filmed at this address on Toronto's Queen Street West. Fans should not expect doughnuts today, as the space now houses a different business, but the exterior is viewable from the public sidewalk. The location sits in a lively Toronto neighborhood known for shops and restaurants, making it an easy add-on to a city stroll rather than a standalone destination.
Location 04
Lakeview Restaurant
Ontario, Toronto Free to see
Filmed here: Diner scene with Viktor and Marcus in season 3
This historic Toronto diner played host to the season 3 scene between Viktor and Marcus. Unlike most filming locations, it remains a working restaurant, so fans can order a meal and sit inside a genuine set location. The Lakeview has long operated around the clock in earlier eras of the city and remains a local institution. No ticket is needed; simply walk in during opening hours and enjoy the retro atmosphere.
Location 05
Gore Park
Ontario, Hamilton Free to see
Filmed here: Scenes in season 3 including Luther's escape
Gore Park in downtown Hamilton appeared in season 3, including the scene of Luther's escape. It is a public park with free access at all times, sitting just a short walk from the mansion exterior at 4 King Street East. Visitors can combine the two in a single Hamilton itinerary. The park is a central urban square rather than a large green space, so expect a quick photo stop rather than an afternoon visit.
Location 06
Liuna Station
Ontario, Hamilton Free to see
Filmed here: Various exterior and interior scenes across seasons
This grand historic train station in Hamilton was used for various exterior and interior scenes across multiple seasons. The public can access and photograph the exterior freely, and the building frequently hosts events, so interior access depends on what is scheduled. Its ornate early twentieth century architecture made it a flexible backdrop for the show's period settings. It lies north of downtown, within reasonable reach of Hamilton's other filming spots.
Location 07
Gage Park
Ontario, Hamilton Free to see
Filmed here: Park scenes in season 3
Gage Park provided park scenes in season 3. It is one of Hamilton's larger public parks, with free access and no tickets required, offering green space, paths, and a conservatory atmosphere for visitors. Compared with the downtown locations, it makes for a more relaxed stop, suitable for combining a filming-location photo with a proper walk. Its scale means finding the exact scene spots takes a little more exploration.
Location 08
Elgin Theatre
Ontario, Toronto Ticketed
Filmed here: Theatre scenes including Vanya's performances
Toronto's Elgin Theatre hosted the theatre scenes in the series, including Vanya's performances. It remains an active theatre, so access is ticketed: the best way to see inside is to attend a performance, and visitors should check the schedule for show availability and tour options. The ornate interior is one of the most impressive spaces linked to the show, and it sits in the heart of downtown Toronto near other city sights.
Where It Is Set Versus Where It Was Filmed
The story is primarily set in an alternate New York City, with season 2 relocating to Dallas, Texas. Filming, however, stayed almost entirely in Ontario, Canada. Season 2's Dallas was recreated in Hamilton, chosen for its authentic 1960s character, and only the grassy knoll JFK scene at Dealey Plaza was shot in the actual Dallas. This means fans touring Texas will find little of the show, while Ontario holds nearly everything.
Tours That Visit These Locations
No dedicated Umbrella Academy location tour currently operates, but film and TV buffs can cover related ground on a guided Toronto filming tour that passes downtown landmarks used across many productions.
Toronto Film And TV Walk
Toronto: Hollywood North Experience Film & TV Tour
This guided film and television tour through downtown Toronto visits landmarks such as David Pecaut Square, Union Station, and Nathan Phillips Square, giving screen-location fans a structured way to experience Hollywood North. It costs $34.36 and has 63 reviews. While not Umbrella Academy specific, it situates the show within Toronto's broader production scene.
Was The Umbrella Academy filmed in the United States?
Only partially. Although the series is set in the US, filming took place primarily in Ontario, Canada. The one notable exception is the JFK scene at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas, which was shot on location for season 2.
Can you go inside the Umbrella Academy mansion?
No. The mansion exterior is a real building at 4 King Street East in Hamilton, formerly a restaurant and strip club. Fans can photograph it from the public street, but there is no interior access.
Which Umbrella Academy location can you actually eat at?
The Lakeview Restaurant in Toronto, where the season 3 diner scene with Viktor and Marcus was filmed, is still operating. Fans can visit for a meal and sit inside the location.
Where was season 2's Dallas filmed?
Almost entirely in Hamilton, Ontario, which was chosen for its preserved 1960s character. Only the grassy knoll scene involving JFK was shot at the real Dealey Plaza in Dallas.
Is Parkwood Estate open to the public?
Yes. Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, which served as Klaus's estate in seasons 2 and 3, is a historic site open for ticketed tours. It has also appeared in dozens of other productions, including X-Men.
When did The Umbrella Academy run?
The series ran for four seasons from 2019 to 2024. Season 4 was released on August 8, 2024.
Ontario offers one of the more visitable filming footprints of any major streaming series, from a mansion facade on a public Hamilton street to a diner you can eat in and an estate you can tour. Base yourself in Toronto or Hamilton and most locations sit within an hour of each other.
