Where to Develop Film in Vancouver in 2023.

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Last Updated

June 29, 2023

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Vancouver is a city with a long history of appreciation for the arts. Whether you’re a student at Emily Carr or just in town for a visit, you may be wondering the best places for film developing.

Luckily, there are still some great photo labs that develop disposable cameras and film in Vancouver – you should have no problem finding a new favorite lab after checking out the list below. 

We’ve included which types of film are developed at each lab, as well as a map of their locations. 

• The LAB
• ABC Photo
• Rocket Reprographics
• Kerrisdale Cameras
• London Drugs
• Map of Where to Develop Film in Vancouver

Originally opening their doors in 1996, The LAB has been a longstanding choice for film photographers in Vancouver. You can expect quick service and a high level of quality when it comes to film developing.

The LAB is able to process just about any type of film you’re interested in shooting. 35mm, 120, and large format are all developed in house, whether it is C-41 color, black and white, or E-6 slide film.

While many labs have reduced the frequency of developing certain types of film, The LAB processes all types of film Monday thru Friday. If you’re lucky, you can often get your photos back in as little as three hours. 

You’ll have two sizes of scans available when you get your film back, and if you shoot a lot of black and white, you may be interested to know that they process in Ilford DD Developer. 

Serving the Vancouver community for over five decades, ABC Photo has a history of producing pro-quality work.

Originally catering to professional portrait and wedding photographers, it wasn’t until 9 years after opening that they began working with amateur photographers, as well. 

As a professional lab, it’s no surprise that ABC can help you develop whatever type of film you shoot. Black and white, color, and slide film are all processed. This goes for 35mm, 120 medium format, and large format. 

If you’re looking for more than just film developing, this is a great spot for high-end printing and photo-finishing, as well. 

Somewhat of a hidden gem on this list, you may not have heard of Rocket Reprographics. Even a quick scan of their website will show that their main focus is professional headshots for actors, musicians, etc. 

Luckily, Rocket Repro also operates a photo lab that develops film. 35mm and 120 are both processed, whether C-41 color or black and white. E-6 Slide film is accepted, but heads up, they only offer cross processing in C-41 chemistry.

And hey – if you decide to give up film photography to pursue a career in acting, you’ll already have a spot to get your headshots.

The oldest entry on this list, Kerrisdale has been around since 1961 and now operates a total of seven stores in the greater Vancouver and Victoria area.

35mm and 120 color film is processed on site at their main location on 41st Ave. If you visit one of the other locations, and drop off your color film, it will be sent to the main store, which (obviously) means there will be a longer wait to get your photos back. 

Black and white and E-6 slide film are accepted, although they don’t process these types themselves. Instead, they send both to The LAB for processing. 

Unlike the other places to develop film in Vancouver, Kerrisdale offers anything else photography related that you may need – new cameras and lenses, accessories, repairs, trade-ins, etc. 

London Drugs are a mainstay in Western Canada – why in Canada and not in…London? Not a clue. With 19 locations in the greater Vancouver area, you’ll most likely have a store in your vicinity, though. 

While drugstores in the United States have stopped developing film (more on that here), we love to see that London Drugs has continued offering the service.

London Drugs accepts any type of 35mm film or disposable camera for developing – C-41 color, black and white, and even slide film.

About 75% of their stores still process film on site and can usually return your film in an hour – the remaining send film to another store and it usually takes 2-3 days. Only one location (41st and Victoria) handles all of the slide film processing for the company. 

Map of Film Developing in Vancouver

Note: Dedicated photo labs are indicated by a red icon, London Drugs locations are blue.

Anywhere Else?

Did we miss any spots to develop film in Vancouver? If you know anywhere else, please let us know in the comments!