Ontario's official tourism promoter is betting that the sizzling popularity of a hockey-themed TV drama will translate into a tourism boom for locations in Hamilton and Toronto. Destination Ontario has added several sites featured in the Crave streaming series Heated Rivalry to its official list of notable film and television locations across the province.
From Screen to Scene: GTA Locations in the Spotlight
The move signals an anticipation that fans of the show will seek out the real-world backdrops where the fictional romance between rival hockey stars unfolds. The series, which airs on Crave in Canada and on HBO's Max service in the United States, has been renewed for a second season and its stars recently presented at the Golden Globe Awards.
Featured Hamilton establishments now promoted by Destination Ontario include the upscale Italian restaurant Ciao Bella in Corktown and Le Tambour Tavern on James Street North. In Toronto, Joni Restaurant in The Annex and the luxurious Lavelle rooftop lounge downtown are highlighted as key filming sites.
Historic Sites and Iconic Venues Draw Filmmakers
The show's production scope extended beyond restaurants to include significant landmarks and entertainment venues. Hamilton's historic Dundurn Castle, which overlooks Burlington Bay, served as a picturesque setting. The city's First Ontario Concert Hall and the visually distinctive "Pink Tunnel" on Ferguson Avenue were also used.
Filming locations stretched beyond the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) to include Guelph's Sleeman Centre—home of the OHL's Guelph Storm and future host of the 2027 Memorial Cup—as well as scenic cottage country in Muskoka.
"While Destination Ontario wasn't involved in the production of Heated Rivalry, we anticipate that some of the featured locations could see increased interest and visitation," said Destination Ontario communications manager Liisa Sefton. "Film- and TV-inspired travel continues to grow and audiences frequently seek out real-world locations they've seen on screen."
Riding the Wave of a Hit Series
The series, developed for television by Letterkenny co-creator Jacob Tierney and based on novels by Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid, has cultivated a passionate fanbase. Its popularity has already sparked themed nights at NHL games, as well as watch parties, trivia nights, and dance events across Canada.
By adding these locations to its roster, which already includes sites from major productions like The Shape of Water, It, Suits, and The Handmaid's Tale, Destination Ontario is strategically tapping into a proven tourism trend. The agency's action underscores the significant economic and cultural impact that film and television production can have on local communities, driving visitors to explore the authentic settings behind their favorite stories.
