If you’re looking to retrace the steps of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov from “Heated Rivalry,” you won’t need a flight to Russia or a VIP pass to a Montreal arena. Instead, you’ll find the beating heart of this global phenomenon tucked away in the industrial soul of Hamilton, Ontario. Dubbed “The Hammer,” this city provided the moody, noir-esque backdrop that transformed Canadian streets into the snowy reaches of the East and the high-stakes shadows of the MLH.
While the “ice” was largely captured in the sleek Sleeman Centre in Guelph, the emotional core of the story lives in the alleyways of Hamilton and the rooftop lounges of Toronto. Join us as we step off the rink and into the shadows to uncover the filming locations that gave “Heated Rivalry” its haunting, atmospheric edge.
Where Were The Russian Scenes Filmed In ‘Heated Rivalry’?
Key Scenes: According to Justin Plus Lauren, Hamilton was a significant filming location for the series. It stood in for many international locations, including Boston, New York, and Russia.
Best Time to Visit: If you are planning a trip to Hamilton, the ideal time is September and October. This window offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor exploration, making it a fantastic season for hiking or sightseeing. Photographers will particularly enjoy this time of year, as the crisp air and vibrant autumn scenery provide a stunning natural backdrop for capturing beautiful shots.
Transportation Options: To get around Hamilton, travelers can use the HSR public bus system, GO Transit for more regional travel, or even book ride-sharing services.
Although “Heated Rivalry” transports viewers to the heart of Russia, the production never actually crossed the Atlantic. Instead, the show relied on the versatile landscape of Hamilton, Ontario, to recreate an authentic international atmosphere. Hamilton has emerged as a premier filming destination because its unique blend of historic estates, industrial sites, and European-style architecture can easily pass for overseas locales. CTV News reports that landmarks like Dundurn Castle and various heritage neighborhoods are transformed into convincing Russian settings through creative production design and clever camera work.
Even beyond its connection to the series, Hamilton is a destination well worth exploring for its own natural and cultural charm. Known as the “waterfall capital of the world,” the region features over 100 stunning waterfalls, scenic waterfront trails and a thriving arts scene.
Things to Do: For fans looking to fully immerse themselves in the world of “Heated Rivalry,” many of the show’s most recognizable filming locations are conveniently located near one another. According to travel experts Justin Plus Lauren, you can easily plan a day trip to visit iconic spots like the historic Dundurn Castle or the visually striking Pink Tunnel at Shamrock Park. To capture the series’ more energetic vibes, you might also stop by the popular Mansion nightclub.
Where to Eat: The series features many different eateries. Le Tambour Tavern, which is depicted as a bar in Montreal in episodes four and five, is actually a popular bar and restaurant in Hamilton. What visits this tavern even more special for fans is that they offer “Heated Rivalry” inspired drinks. There’s also Relay Coffee Roasters, the coffee shop that stood in as the NYC smoothie shop Straw + Berry in episode three.
Where to Stay: A perk of visiting Hamilton is that fans of the series can stay in an accommodation featured in the show. According to CTV News, the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel was featured several times as a hotel room background, particularly for the character Ilya.
Where Is The Cottage In ‘Heated Rivalry’ Located?
Key Scenes: As CTV News reports, the entire final episode was actually filmed along the Muskoka Lakes region. As travelers can discover for themselves, Shane’s Quebec getaway (that Ilya comes to) is actually Barlochan Cottage in Ontario.
Best Time to Visit: If you are planning a getaway to the Muskoka Lakes, the peak months of July and August offer the most rewarding experience. During this time, the region enjoys its warmest temperatures, creating idyllic conditions for those who want to spend their days swimming in the clear waters or exploring the lakes by boat. It is also a fantastic season for hikers to hit the trails, as the consistently pleasant weather makes it easy to enjoy the natural beauty of Ontario’s cottage country fully.
Transportation Options: Getting around the Muskoka region is a breeze, though most travelers find that having a personal vehicle offers the most freedom for exploring the winding lakefront roads. Of course, the most iconic way to experience the region’s “Big Three” lakes is by water; whether you are hopping on a private water taxi for a quick trip to a cottage or boarding a historic Muskoka steamship for a scenic tour, traveling by boat remains the most exciting way to soak in the stunning shoreline views.
The Muskoka Lakes serve as a pivotal backdrop for “Heated Rivalry,” offering a serene and intimate setting that stands in stark contrast to the show’s more high-energy urban locations. Known affectionately as “cottage country,” this region is celebrated for its lush forests and tranquil waters, providing the perfect sense of isolation for the series’ most emotional developments.
Since the series debuted, this stunning property has become a destination in its own right, with fans flocking to the area to capture its unique design and peaceful atmosphere. This surge in interest has highlighted Muskoka’s broader appeal, where visitors can mirror the characters’ experiences by slowing down and enjoying outdoor activities like kayaking or hiking through shaded trails. Whether you are seeking the exact dock from a favorite scene or simply want to experience the quiet luxury of the Ontario wilderness, a trip to Muskoka allows fans to step directly into the heart of the story’s most meaningful moments.
Things to Do: This Central Ontario getaway is known for its tranquil yet culturally rich ambiance. The Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery is a popular spot, but so is the Muskoka Lakes Museum.
Where to Eat: In this scenic nature destination, there are a few eateries considered local favorites. For a bite of popular local cuisine, check out Bass Lake Roadhouse or The Waubic, which both have incredible views.
Where to Stay: The iconic cottage from the series is Barlochan Cottage, which has recently become available to rent. This stunning 2,500-square-foot property is a great place to spend the summer (like Ilya did). And as super fans of the show will recognize, the cottage is just as striking as it is in the final episode, inside and out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the actors in “Heated Rivalry” have to learn Russian?
Although the series features Russian characters and dialogue, the cast wasn’t actually fluent in the language beforehand. The authenticity you see on screen, particularly with Connor Storrie’s performance as Russian hockey star Ilya Rozanov, was achieved through intense dialect coaching rather than actual fluency, as Entertainment Weekly reports.
Who owns the cottage from “Heated Rivalry”?
The cottage featured in the show is (narratively) owned by Shane Hollander, the star Montreal hockey player. But in real life, it is privately owned. It was originally designed by the Toronto-based firm Trevor McIvor Architect as a luxury lakeside retreat, per The Architect’s Newspaper.
Which “Heated Rivalry” cast members are Canadian?
“Heated Rivalry” features a predominantly Canadian cast. Hudson Williams (Shane Hollander) is from Kelowna, British Columbia. Additionally, François Arnaud (Scott Hunter) is a Montreal native and Sophie Nélisse (Rose Landry) was born in Windsor, Ontario.
