CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale will soon have the chance to step directly into the world of Gilead, as the City of Cambridge unveils Under His Eye: The Gilead Experience — a new walking tour and series of exclusive exhibits celebrating the city’s starring role in the acclaimed television series.
Running from October 22 to November 6, the self-guided tour offers visitors a chance to explore the filming sites that helped bring Margaret Atwood’s dystopian vision to life on screen. From the historic architecture of Queen’s Square to the scenic banks of the Grand River, the initiative highlights Cambridge’s unique blend of old-world charm and cinematic versatility.
The event also includes temporary exhibits at City Hall and the Cambridge Centre for the Arts, featuring original props and production items on loan from Take 5 Productions, the Toronto-based studio behind the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series.
A Celebration of Storytelling and Place
“I’m proud that the City of Cambridge and its community played such a significant role in bringing this globally recognized story to audiences,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “It was an honour to have Margaret Atwood’s powerful novel brought to life right here in our city. As a long-time admirer of her work, I’m especially proud to see Cambridge featured so prominently in this adaptation. The self-guided tour and exhibits will give fans, residents, and visitors the chance to experience first-hand the locations and creativity that brought Gilead to life. Living here and knowing the versatility and beauty of this city, it’s not hard to see why the film industry chooses it time and time again.”
Liggett emphasized that the tour is not only a celebration of The Handmaid’s Tale but also a testament to Cambridge’s growing reputation as a major destination for film and television production. Over the past decade, the city has served as a backdrop for multiple film and streaming projects, leveraging its distinctive streetscapes, heritage buildings, and riverfront to attract global attention.
Behind the Scenes of an Iconic Production
For the team behind The Handmaid’s Tale, filming in Cambridge proved to be both practical and inspiring. John Weber, President and CEO of Take 5 Productions and executive producer of the series, praised the city’s collaboration and support throughout production.
“From start to finish, filming here was an outstanding experience,” said Weber. “The City of Cambridge went above and beyond to make sure our team had everything we needed – from permits, to logistics, to on-the-ground support. Their responsiveness, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm made for an incredible partnership and the scenery in Cambridge created the perfect backdrop for this award-winning series.”
Visitors will be able to explore several key filming sites across downtown Cambridge and beyond, each accompanied by signage and QR codes providing production facts and scene context. The self-guided format allows participants to tour at their own pace, while accessing additional digital content through the city’s website.
Inside “Under His Eye: The Gilead Experience”
The City Hall campus and the Cambridge Centre for the Arts will host temporary exhibits displaying a curated selection of original props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes materials. These items, on loan from Take 5 Productions, offer a rare look into the craftsmanship and design work that helped transform Atwood’s pages into a globally recognized television phenomenon.
City officials note that while the walking tour is free and open to the public, some indoor exhibits will only be accessible during regular business hours. Visitors can pick up printed maps at City Hall or download them directly from cambridge.ca/Handmaids.
Film Tourism as Economic Catalyst
The initiative also underscores the economic and cultural impact of film tourism in smaller Canadian cities. As Ontario continues to attract major productions from Hollywood and international streaming platforms, communities like Cambridge have positioned themselves as key contributors to the province’s creative economy.
By showcasing its cinematic connections through Under His Eye: The Gilead Experience, Cambridge joins other Ontario cities such as Hamilton, Kingston, and Toronto in leveraging film heritage as both a cultural attraction and an engine for local business.
Quick Facts
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The Handmaid’s Tale has filmed multiple seasons in Cambridge, Ontario.
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The series has received widespread international acclaim, including Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
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Original props from the series will be displayed at City Hall until November 6, 2025.
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The self-guided tour format allows visitors to explore at their own pace, with maps available online or at City Hall.
As fans prepare to walk the same streets that defined one of television’s most haunting worlds, Cambridge’s latest initiative celebrates not just a story of resistance and resilience — but the power of place in storytelling itself.
For more information, visit cambridge.ca/Handmaids.
