The Testaments' Filming Locations Revealed

The Handmaid's Tale sequel series shot scenes across Ontario, Canada to depict the oppressive world of Gilead.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:00pm

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An abstract close-up image featuring shards of shattered glass and glittering sequins, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to evoke the luxurious yet unsettling aesthetic of the dystopian world of Gilead.The Testaments' production team has crafted a visually striking depiction of Gilead's oppressive yet alluring world through its choice of filming locations across Ontario.Boston Today

The Testaments, the highly anticipated sequel series to The Handmaid's Tale, filmed its first season primarily in Ontario, Canada, using many of the same production locations as the original show. From a luxury mansion outside Toronto to a historic mansion in Oakville, the series brought Gilead to life across the province, with some scenes even shot at a former newspaper office.

Why it matters

As a follow-up to the critically acclaimed The Handmaid's Tale, The Testaments has generated significant anticipation among fans of the dystopian drama. Examining the real-world filming locations used to depict the oppressive world of Gilead provides insight into the production process and helps bring the series' setting to life for viewers.

The details

The Testaments filmed across various locations in Ontario, Canada, including the Cinespace Film Studios in Etobicoke, which also served as a production hub for The Handmaid's Tale. The series utilized real-world settings to represent Gilead, such as a consignment store on Dundas Street in Toronto for a scene featuring the character Daisy, and a skate park in Oshawa for another Daisy-centric sequence. Other Ontario locations featured in the show include Niagara, Cambridge, North Bay, Guelph, and Hamilton, with a notable mansion in the Escarpment House vacation rental just outside Toronto serving as the MacKenzie family home.

  • The Testaments filmed its first season in 2026.

The players

The Handmaid's Tale

The critically acclaimed Hulu series that serves as the basis and precursor for The Testaments.

Cinespace Film Studios

The production studio located in Etobicoke, Ontario that served as the primary filming location for both The Handmaid's Tale and The Testaments.

Daisy

A deuteragonist in The Testaments whose story begins in Toronto, where the show filmed several scenes.

Escarpment House

A luxury vacation rental property outside of Toronto that was used to depict the MacKenzie family's home in Gilead.

Chester Hall

A historic mansion in Oakville, Ontario that served as the location for the school where Agnes and Daisy are raised in The Testaments.

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What they’re saying

“It's not all pretty houses, however; even though these are some very pretty houses.”

— Leah Marilla Thomas, Author

The takeaway

The Testaments' production team has once again leveraged the Greater Toronto Area to bring the dystopian world of Gilead to life, building on the success of The Handmaid's Tale's filming locations in the region. By utilizing a mix of studio spaces, residential neighborhoods, and historic landmarks, the series has created a visually striking setting that helps transport viewers into the oppressive reality of the story.