A popular romantic drama series centered on two professional hockey players has unexpectedly sparked a major tourism boom in Canada. The show, known as "Heated Rivalry," has captivated audiences globally, leading to a significant surge in demand for cottage rentals and travel to scenic Canadian locations featured in the program.
Since the season one finale aired on December 26, searches for cottages in Ontario's Muskoka District have jumped by more than 110%. This region, located two hours north of Toronto, served as the primary backdrop for the series' most memorable cottage scenes, drawing fans eager to experience the picturesque setting firsthand.
Key Takeaways
- "Heated Rivalry" increased cottage searches in Muskoka by over 110%.
- Tourism officials expect a strong 2026 for the region due to the show.
- The series promotes an authentic image of Canada, attracting both local and international visitors.
- Filming locations beyond Muskoka, like Hamilton, also see increased fan interest.
Muskoka Sees Unprecedented Demand
The Muskoka District, often called "cottage country paradise," is experiencing an unusual spike in bookings. Val Hamilton, executive director of Muskoka Tourism, noted the shift. "Normally, January and February are quieter months," Hamilton stated, "but this year there's been a bit of a boom. We're expecting a really strong 2026."
This surge is largely driven by the show's massive appeal. The series, adapted from Rachel Reid's "Game Changer" novels, portrays a decade-long romance between two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Their on-screen moments, particularly those set at a lakeside cottage, have resonated deeply with viewers.
Fast Fact
Bookings for Canadian cottages have risen by 110% since the "Heated Rivalry" finale aired in December.
"Come to the Cottage" Campaign Launched
In response to the growing interest, Muskoka Tourism launched a "Come to the Cottage" campaign in December. Billboards promoting the region now appear across Toronto, directly appealing to fans of the show. The campaign helps prospective travelers plan their own cottage getaways.
The lush wilderness of the Muskoka Lakes District offers an ideal escape from city life. Visitors can enjoy skiing and cozy lodges in winter, swimming and paddling in summer, and vibrant Canadian foliage during autumn hikes. This diverse appeal makes Muskoka a year-round destination.
"When you see the beauty of the region, you immediately [want] to disconnect and be there."
— Val Hamilton, Executive Director of Muskoka Tourism
Authentic Canadian Depiction Resonates
A significant portion of the new interest comes from Canadians themselves. Many appreciate seeing their country portrayed authentically on screen, rather than as a generic stand-in for another location. Wayne Smith, director of the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research at Toronto Metropolitan University, highlighted this point.
"It is nice to see a true Canada depicted on the screen," Smith commented. He noted that Canada's scenery is often overshadowed by the United States in media, making the show's genuine portrayal a welcome change.
What is a 'Cottage' in Canada?
While in other countries, 'cottage' might suggest a small country dwelling, in Canada, the term refers to a 'holiday home.' These are often second or rented residences in rural or lakefront areas. Canadians typically use them to escape urban life with family and friends.
Beyond local appeal, the series is also attracting international visitors. Approximately 15% of new bookings originate from the United States and other countries. Stacy Simmons, an American fan, shared her excitement: "My friends and I are planning a trip to [a] cottage in Canada, hopefully before the hockey season ends [in April] so we can also take in a game while we are there."
The climactic cottage in the show, though said to be in Quebec, is actually the luxurious Barlochan Cottage in Muskoka. This modern lakeside property, with its floor-to-wall windows, offers 360-degree views of the lake and surrounding forest, making it an aspirational destination for many viewers.
Beyond Muskoka: Hamilton and Other Filming Locations
The impact of "Heated Rivalry" extends beyond Muskoka. Other locations featured in the series have also seen a wave of fan interest since the season finale. While the show is set in Toronto and Montreal, much of the filming took place in Hamilton, about an hour's drive from Toronto.
Devon Hogue of Tourism Hamilton confirmed the positive impact of this screen tourism. "It is not every day we see something like this, but it's good news for our city and our businesses," Hogue said. Tourism Hamilton has even created a location guide on its blog to help fans explore the city's featured spots.
Notable Hamilton Locations
- The Pink Tunnel: A graffiti-covered underpass where Rozanov confides in Hollander. This location has become a popular spot for fans.
- Straw+Berry Smoothie Shop: The fictional setting where hockey captain Scott Hunter meets barista Kip Grady. In reality, this is Relay Coffee Roasters.
Rachel Hofing, co-founder of Relay Coffee Roasters, described the unexpected popularity. "We had a lot of pressure from people saying, 'You need to be a smoothie shop,' but we're a coffee shop in real life," Hofing explained. Instead, the café has embraced the show's influence by creating "Heated Rivalry"-themed drinks, such as the "Extra banana latte" and "Hollander hot chocolate," which are extremely popular.
Sales of these themed items are strong, and a fan meetup organized by the café quickly sold out, prompting a second event. As fans eagerly await the recently announced second season, slated to air in 2027, visiting these real-life filming locations offers a unique way to connect with the series and its characters.
Did You Know?
Canada's acceptance of LGBTQ+ people may contribute to "Heated Rivalry's" global popularity. Experts suggest the show's positive message resonates with viewers in a global context where such representation is not always common.
The series also features other subtle nods to Canadian culture, such as the St-Viateur Bagel logo on a character's T-shirt, which has led to increased sales for the Montreal-based bagel shop. This widespread cultural and economic impact highlights the power of television to shape tourism and local businesses.
For international travelers, flying into Toronto Pearson (YYZ) provides easy access to Muskoka's main towns like Huntsville, Gravenhurst, and Bracebridge. While Hollander's specific cottage is not available for rent, several platforms like Unique Stays, CottageRental.com, and Ontario Cottage Rentals (OCR) offer a wide range of accommodation options, from comfortable lakefront properties to opulent cabins.
Dining options in Muskoka include Jack & Stella for dockside views and Cast Iron Restaurant for cozy, small-town folk atmosphere. Local breweries like Sawdust City Brewing Co. also attract visitors. The show has truly put Canadian cottage country, and other parts of Ontario, on the global map for tourism.