The Canadian province of Ontario is currently experiencing a surge of visitors to the filming locations of the queer hit series "Heated Rivalry." The HBO Max production, based on the book series by Rachel Reid and focusing on the passionate relationship between two hockey players, was largely filmed in Ontario. Fans from around the world are now intentionally traveling to the original settings between Toronto, Hamilton, Guelph, and the Muskoka Lakes to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters – finding a colorful mix of urban life, photo opportunities with series flair, and genuine Canadian natural beauty.

The most important things at a glance.

• The series "Heated Rivalry" was mainly filmed in Ontario, Canada.
• Particularly sought-after filming locations are Hamilton, Toronto, Guelph, and the Muskoka Lakes.
• The famous cottage from the final episode can actually be booked by fans as a vacation home.
• Individual indoor and outdoor scenes were also created in Montreal, Quebec.

Hamilton: Canada's Transformable Film City

Hamilton is one of the most versatile filming locations of the series. Noteworthy locations like the historic Liuna Station, where glamorous gala scenes took place, and the Pink Tunnel, a graffiti art piece, are favorites for fans to photograph. Even restaurant visits provide fans with an opportunity for an outing – one can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Ciao Bella, known from a key scene. The impressive Dundurn Castle with its expansive park served as the backdrop for a running scene set in Moscow, even though the storyline is situated thousands of kilometers away. In the streets of Hamilton, cafes and taverns transformed into various metropolises around the world.

Toronto and Muskoka: Global City Meets Nature Paradise

Toronto often takes on the role of major US cities in "Heated Rivalry": the elegant Joni Restaurant acts as a Las Vegas venue, while the rooftop bar Lavelle quickly becomes a meeting point in Tampa Bay. The city has been dubbed "Hollywood North" for years and offers its urban backdrop as the perfect canvas for international productions. Further north, in Muskoka, nature lovers and romantics can find the famous Barlochan Cottage. After filming wrapped, this luxurious home was offered on Airbnb – and quickly booked out. The region surrounding the Muskoka Lakes symbolizes Canada’s longing for seclusion, lakes, and forests.

Hockey hearts beat in Guelph

For a real hockey atmosphere, the city of Guelph, just an hour's drive from Toronto, is the place to be. At the Sleeman Centre, home of the Guelph Storm in the Ontario Hockey League, numerous emotional game scenes have taken place. The atmosphere of this legendary junior league can be experienced up close by attending live games.

Important questions on the topic

Can I really rent the cottage from "Heated Rivalry"?Yes, the original cottage from the series in Muskoka is listed on Airbnb and was quickly booked out.

What other series were filmed in Ontario?Productions like "The Handmaid’s Tale," "Suits," "The Umbrella Academy," or "Anne with an E" used Ontario as a backdrop.

Are there guided location tours?In Toronto, special film tours such as the "Hollywood North Experience Tour" are offered for those interested.

The fascination for "Heated Rivalry" goes far beyond the streaming experience: filming locations are becoming new pilgrimage sites away from classic tourist streams. Those planning a trip to Ontario can walk in the visual footsteps of the series – and experience alongside other fans how a television production transforms into a vibrant travel destination.