Banff Named Canada’s Number One Holiday-Movie Backdrop

The Writers Guild of Canada surveyed 1,000 Canadians on what makes the perfect holiday movie, and Banff came out as the number one small town in the country for a December film setting. The survey looked at everything from classic Christmas episodes to the storylines Canadians want to see on screen.

Why Banff Took the Top Spot

When asked which Canadian small town is the ideal backdrop for a holiday movie, Canadians chose Banff ahead of Quebec City, Whistler, and Jasper. Respondents leaned heavily toward athnature and nostalgia. Weer-related chaos, Christmas tree shopping, and creative maple syrup use were listed as the top elements that should be “legally required” in any Canadian holiday movie. For Banff residents, this tracks with what December looks like already. Snowbanks, frozen rivers, and a steady stream of visitors give the town an atmosphere that already feels scripted.

What Canadians Actually Want to Watch

One of the biggest surprises in the survey was Canada’s choice of holiday comfort movies. A slasher film, Black Christmas, topped the list of classic Canadian titles people plan to rewatch this season. Trailer Park Boys, Bob and Doug Mackenzie and Anne of Green Gables also made the cut.

When it comes to possible new holiday movies, Canadians had clear opinions. A political romance modeled after Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry, involving a retired prime minister falling for a touring pop star, landed firmly at the bottom. The most popular choice was an action comedy about an off-duty Canadian Armed Forces engineer using household tools to stop terrorists on Parliament Hill and save Christmas.

The TV Episodes Canadians Rewatch

Schitt’s Creek easily topped the list of greatest Christmas episodes from Canadian shows. Trailer Park Boys, Corner Gas and Letterkenny rounded out the top five. The results suggest viewers are leaning toward Canadian comedies with strong characters rather than traditional holiday specials.

The Banff Boost

For the Bow Valley, the survey is one more sign that Canadian audiences already view Banff as the definitive winter setting. The scenery and the built-in holiday atmosphere all combine into something people across the country imagine as the perfect December escape.