<P> Principal photography for the series takes place in Vancouver , British Columbia . The village of Steveston in the adjacent city of Richmond doubles as Storybrooke for the series , with props and exterior sets disguising the existing businesses and buildings . During filming , all brightly - colored objects ( flowers , etc . ) are hidden to reinforce the story village 's spell - subdued character . Certain sets are additionally filmed in separate studios , including the interior of Mr. Gold 's pawn shop and the clock tower , which are not found in Steveston . </P>
<P> Principal photography for the series takes place in Vancouver , British Columbia . The village of Steveston in the adjacent city of Richmond doubles as Storybrooke for the series , with props and exterior sets disguising the existing businesses and buildings . During filming , all brightly - colored objects ( flowers , etc . ) are hidden to reinforce the story village 's spell - subdued character . Certain sets are additionally filmed in separate studios , including the interior of Mr. Gold 's pawn shop and the clock tower , which are not found in Steveston . </P>
where did they film once upon a time
where did they film once upon a time
Vancouver , British Columbia
Vancouver , British Columbia