Prime Video’s breakout romance drama, “Off Campus,” has officially captured the hearts of streaming audiences everywhere. Based on Elle Kennedy’s bestselling hockey romance novels, the series stars Ella Bright as music student Hannah Wells and Belmont Cameli as hockey captain Garrett Graham. Together, the duo navigates the highs and lows of love, ambition and college life at the fictional Briar University. Beyond the compelling drama, it is the show’s gorgeous, dreamy aesthetic that has fans rushing online to uncover the real-life locations behind the campus backdrop.
While the series is set in Massachusetts, the lush campuses, stunning waterfronts and vibrant city streets are actually filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia. This Pacific Northwest setting perfectly shapes Briar University’s romantic atmosphere, beautifully framing everything from high-energy hockey arenas to cozy, late-night study sessions. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the locations behind “Off Campus.”
Is ‘Off Campus’ Set In Canada?
“Off Campus” is not set in Canada. Instead, the series takes place at the fictional Briar University in Massachusetts, continuing the setting established in Elle Kennedy’s original novels. However, nearly the entire production was filmed in and around Vancouver, with the University of British Columbia serving as the primary stand-in for Briar. Production reportedly began in June 2025 under the working title “Lillian Way” and continued through the fall, per El-Balad.
The choice to film in beautiful British Columbia makes sense because Vancouver has become one of North America’s busiest production hubs thanks to its cinematic scenery, tax incentives and versatile architecture. The city can easily double as an American college town while also offering dramatic mountain and waterfront views.
You Can Walk The Halls Of Briar University At UBC
Key Scenes: To bring the fictional Briar University to life, the show’s production heavily relied on classic college backdrops, including hockey arenas, library exteriors, classrooms and fraternity houses. If these settings look familiar, it’s because the series was primarily filmed at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall offers the best weather around Vancouver. During this time of year, gardens are in bloom and the weather is comfortable for walking tours around campus.
Transportation Options: Visitors can reach UBC from downtown Vancouver relatively easily. There are plenty of options, including TransLink buses, rideshare services, rental cars or guided city tours. If travelers want to go beyond the campus area, it is best to rent a car or depend on rideshare or public transportation.
The sprawling campus perfectly captured a polished collegiate atmosphere, beautifully blending Gothic-inspired architecture and modern academic buildings with forested trails and stunning waterfront views. According to Daily Hive, production heavily utilized the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre (home to UBC’s actual hockey teams) to double as the home arena for the Briar Hawks throughout the series.
Even if you aren’t a student, the campus makes for a fantastic day trip. Visitors can spend a leisurely afternoon scouting out recognizable filming locations while also enjoying the area’s rich cultural attractions. UBC’s acclaimed Museum of Anthropology is a must-visit, showcasing an incredible collection of Indigenous art and history from across the Pacific Northwest. Afterward, the nearby beaches and wooded paths provide the perfect, relaxing escape to wind down a busy day of sightseeing.
Things to Do: Nearby Wreck Beach offers scenic ocean views and sunset photography opportunities. Pacific Spirit Regional Park provides forest trails ideal for nature lovers. Visitors can also explore the Museum of Anthropology for exhibitions on Indigenous art and history. A day trip to Richmond is another worthwhile extension for food lovers looking to explore the region’s acclaimed Asian dining scene.
Where to Eat: Visitors near UBC can enjoy several highly rated restaurants popular with students. And as it typically goes, the area may be a bit more affordable since it is a college city. A popular option is the Point Grill, which is known for casual seafood and waterfront dining. Then Mercante remains a reliable campus favorite for pizza and quick meals between sightseeing stops.
Where to Stay: Travelers wanting quick access to filming locations may enjoy staying at Gage Suites at UBC or West Coast Suites at UBC. Visitors seeking luxury accommodations closer to the city center may prefer hotels in downtown Vancouver, such as the Pan Pacific Vancouver.
Tips For Navigating Metro Vancouver Filming Locations
Key Scenes: Production also ventured well beyond the university gates, utilizing various “off-campus” locations throughout Greater Vancouver. According to Elite Daily, the wider Metro Vancouver area provided the ideal backdrop for the show’s vibrant urban nightlife, busy downtown moments and residential student housing.
Best Time to Visit: The absolute best time to visit Vancouver is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is beautifully warm and dry. Of course, if you’re a winter sports enthusiast, arriving between December and March grants you prime access to world-class skiing just a short drive away in the nearby mountains.
Transportation Options: Metro Vancouver is pretty well connected. The SkyTrain, buses, rental cars, ferries and rideshare apps make it easy to navigate filming locations in the area.
During the 2025 shoot, production crews were frequently spotted throughout downtown Vancouver and its surrounding neighborhoods. According to Elite Daily, eagle-eyed fans will easily recognize several key backdrops from the show during a visit. For instance, the stylish Douglas Hotel doubled as Dean’s New York City apartment (the setting for his and Allie’s memorable hookup). Meanwhile, Malone’s Bar, where Hannah works, was brought to life at The Heatley, located at 696 E Hastings Street. The iconic Pacific Coliseum also served as a prominent filming hub for the series’ hockey sequences.
Beyond the specific sets, Metro Vancouver itself is a massive draw for visitors. Black travelers, in particular, will find an incredibly welcoming and vibrant blend of waterfront beauty, a buzzing nightlife scene and lively music festivals. Trendy neighborhoods like Gastown and Yaletown perfectly mirror the upscale, urban energy featured in many of the show’s scenes. When you combine that city flair with the stunning, nearby mountain landscapes, it is easy to see why Vancouver remains a top destination for major streaming productions year after year.
Things to Do: Fans visiting Metro Vancouver can explore Stanley Park, bike the scenic seawall or take a ferry to North Vancouver for mountain views and outdoor adventures. Travelers may also enjoy visiting Granville Island for shopping, artisan markets and live entertainment. Those wanting to extend the entertainment-tourism experience can take day trips to Victoria or Whistler, both of which are popular filming destinations in British Columbia.
Where to Eat: Vancouver’s food scene is one of Canada’s strongest draws. Visitors can enjoy upscale dining in Yaletown or check out The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant. Those searching for nightlife similar to the show’s social scenes may enjoy Gastown cocktail lounges or live music venues across downtown Vancouver.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Waterfront and JW Marriott Parq Vancouver place visitors close to nightlife, transportation and major tourist attractions. Travelers looking for more budget-friendly accommodations can also find boutique hotels and short-term rentals throughout Metro Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Briar University in “Off Campus”?
Briar University is fictional and does not exist in real life. In the books and television series, Briar University is portrayed as a Massachusetts college known for its elite hockey program. However, the television adaptation was filmed primarily at the University of British Columbia in Canada. The first season is available on Amazon Prime Video.
In what order should you read the “Off Campus” series?
The recommended reading order for the “Off Campus” series is: “The Deal,” “The Mistake,” “The Score,” “The Goal” and “The Legacy.” The first season of the Prime Video adaptation is based primarily on “The Deal.”
