Plan a Heated Rivalry-inspired Ontario getaway
Lavelle, Toronto | Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max
Adapted from the romantic sports series Game Changers by Canadian author Rachel Reid, this runaway hit show charts a decade-long relationship between two of the biggest hockey stars in the fictional Major League Hockey (MLH) league.
Sparks fly on and off the ice as a very public on-ice rivalry conceals a secret passionate affair between Canadian and Ottawa-born character Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams), captain of the Montreal Metros and Russian Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie), captain of the Boston Raiders. Their careers rise and collide in scenes of intensity and intimacy, while a secondary storyline blossoms in the third episode between veteran hockey captain Scott Hunter and juice bar barista Kip Grady.
Shot extensively across Ontario—from downtown Toronto, Hamilton and Guelph to the lakeside landscapes of Muskoka—the province stands in for locations around the world and plays a starring role in shaping the characters and storylines. Step into the story and relive the drama, sport and chemistry by visiting a recognizable setting that framed the memorable Heated Rivalry moments.
Before you set out, get decked out with Heated Rivalry apparel and fan gear, including branded jerseys, t-shirts, sweaters and hats. Superfans can also purchase the iconic red and white fleece jacket that Shane wore in the second episode from Province of Canada, a Canadian company based in Toronto.
Toronto
The cosmopolitan city of Toronto serves as a unique and versatile canvas for filmmakers. Several spots across the city were featured in the first season of Heated Rivalry.
While not part of the show, it’s worth noting that Toronto is home to a vibrant gay community centred in Church-Wellesley Village and hosts Pride Toronto, a month-long celebration of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and the second-largest Pride event in the world. Home to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Marlies and the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto is also a passionate hockey town.
Visit Destination Toronto to plan your visit with entertainment, shopping (including retro sneakers), culinary and accommodations ideas, and get your Heated Rivalry fix at these key locations.
Lavelle
One of Toronto’s trendiest rooftop venues in the Entertainment District provided the glamorous Tampa Bay pool and bar backdrop in the fifth episode, featuring Shane and Ilya chatting over Corona beers before playing on the same team during the All-Star game weekend.
Visit Lavelle to take in the beautiful Toronto skyline views, dip in the pool and enjoy a cocktail (or Corona) in one of the cabanas.
Location: 627 King Street West, Toronto
Joni Restaurant
The elegant and sophisticated setting of Joni Restaurant in the Park Hyatt Hotel Toronto provided the Las Vegas ambience in the first episode of the series.
Make a brunch or lunch reservation or book a sitting for the seasonal five or eight-course chef’s tasting menu.
Location: 4 Avenue Road, Toronto
SoHo Hotel Toronto
SoHo Hotel Toronto is a modern, Canadian-owned, boutique-style luxury downtown property that was featured in several episodes, including Shane’s hotel room after the draft in the first episode.
Special offers invite you to indulge in a romantic, overnight stay and enjoy upscale amenities such as marble washrooms with heated floors and decadent linens, chilled sparkling wine and even a visit to unwind at AIRE Ancient Baths.
Location: 318 Wellington Street West, Toronto
Hamilton
Located on the western shore of Lake Ontario, the city of Hamilton sits along the Niagara Escarpment and is home to epic trails, conservation areas and over 100 waterfalls. The city’s industrial past lends itself well to cinema as its streets, architecture and historic sites are often used as a backdrop for filming. Heated Rivalry filmed several pivotal scenes in Hamilton, all of which you’ll want to visit.
In addition, explore more of Hamilton, including great places to eat. The memorable tuna melt sandwich scene was filmed in a private residence in the Dundas district of Hamilton, but you can have your own tuna melt moment at The Burnt Tongue or Rosales Diner.
Plan your getaway with the various events and celebrations hosted by Pride Hamilton in August.
Hamilton is well connected, with GO Transit providing regular service, while Hamilton Bike Share makes getting around the city easy and fun, including to these memorable Heated Rivalry locations.
Dundurn Castle National Historic Site
In the opening scene of the second and fourth episodes, Ilya jogs through Moscow, and in episode four, Shane is seen running with a team member in Montreal. These scenes were filmed at Hamilton’s historic Dundurn Castle, with its property and trails representing both locations.
Built for Sir Allan Napier MacNab, a prominent politician and businessman, this historic site offers a glimpse into the luxuries of early 19th-century estate life.
Location: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton
Ciao Bella Hamilton
In the first and fourth episodes, Shane dines with his parents, Yuna and David. Hamilton’s upscale Italian restaurant Ciao Bella is the setting for both scenes.
Enjoy an elegant meal and sip on Rookie Season, a bold espresso martini inspired by the restaurant’s appearance on Heated Rivalry.
Location: 26 Augusta Street, Hamilton
The Pink Tunnel at Shamrock Park
In episode five, Ilya delivers a heart-wrenching monologue over the phone in Russian to Shane after his father’s death.
This scene was shot in a gritty, pink-painted, graffiti-covered pedestrian tunnel in Shamrock Park, which has fast become a fan-favourite spot for photos.
Location: 149 Ferguson Avenue South, Hamilton
RELAY Coffee Roasters
In the third episode, Scott Hunter meets smoothie barista Kip Grady at the Straw + Berry and his scoring slump is finally broken. Much to fans’ delight, he eventually comes out and publicly confesses his love for Kip.
In reality, the smoothie bar is RELAY Coffee Roasters, a local Hamilton cafe serving organic and Fair-Trade certified coffee, tea, baked goods and fun menu items like the waffle sandwich. Fans can also enjoy the Hollander Hot Chocolate, which pays homage to the hockey captain of the Montreal Metros.
Location: 27 King William Street, Hamilton
LIUNA Station
Episode three also features Scott and Kip at a formal fundraising event. This scene was filmed at LIUNA Station, a former neoclassical-style CN rail hub that has been restored into an elegant event venue.
Location: 360 James Street North, Hamilton
Mansion
In a steamy scene from episode four, Ilya and Shane lock eyes in a Montreal nightclub after their teams compete.
This intense interaction was filmed in an upscale Hamilton nightclub that opens its doors Thursday to Saturday with pumping beats from local and international DJs. Find upcoming events at the club.
Location: 54 King Street East, Hamilton
Le Tambour Tavern
Shane and actress Rose Landry meet for dinner in episode four and mutually part ways in episode five.
Both of these scenes are filmed at this popular Hamilton tavern on the corner of James Street North and Murray Street. Le Tambour Tavern offers an extensive menu, from brunch to delicious main-course meals and signature Heated Rivalry cocktails, such as Meet Me at the Cottage and Tall, Dark and Hollander.
Le Tambour Tavern is also a stop on Hamilton’s popular Art Crawl.
Location: 345 James Street North, Hamilton
FirstOntario Concert Hall
This Hamilton venue provided the setting for a number of Heated Rivalry scenes. These include Shane and Ilya presenting an MLH Award together in the second episode and Scott Hunter giving his MVP speech in the sixth episode. It was also the spot for the “wow, genetic” bathroom scene, turning boring into sexy.
FirstOntario Concert Hall is the place to experience cultural concerts, ballet performances and other cultural events.
Location: 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton
Winchester Arms
In episodes three and six, Kip and his friends hang out at a local queer-welcoming sports bar called the Kingfisher and watch Scott Hunter’s hockey matches on TV.
These scenes were filmed at the Winchester Arms in Dundas, a British-themed pub not far from downtown Hamilton.
Location: 120 King Street West, Dundas
Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
This downtown Hamilton hotel was used in several scenes during the show, including the scene when Ilya watches Shane on TV from his hotel room.
Book your stay, settle in and rewatch your favourite Hollander and Rozanov moments.
Location: 116 King Street West, Hamilton
Guelph
Approximately 100 kilometres west of Toronto, Guelph is a city known for its historic limestone architecture, growing food and drink scene and youthful energy.
Not only was Guelph the location for pivotal Heated Rivalry rink and locker room scenes, but a University of Guelph student and hockey player was also the on-ice body double for Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander.
GO Transit provides regular rail service to Guelph. Plan a stay at the downtown Western Hotel Suites, close to the Sleeman Centre and visit The Bookshelf, Guelph’s independent bookstore, where Rachel Reid’s hockey romance books are flying off the shelves. Take a culinary walking tour to explore the flavours of this welcoming city and join the summer Pride celebrations in June.
Sleeman Centre
The Sleeman Centre, a sports and entertainment venue in downtown Guelph, was used to film many of the Heated Rivalry hockey scenes, including MLH games, the All-Star game, the Olympics and the iconic on-ice kiss between Scott Hunter and Kip Grady in episode five.
The Sleeman Centre is home to the Guelph Storm ice hockey team, so you can witness real-life ice hockey action as the Guelph Storm compete in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) from September to March.
Hockey stakes rise even higher during the Memorial Cup, a Canadian hockey championship that brings together four rival teams, including the OHL winners, the two regional winners from across the country and the tournament’s host team. The Guelph Storm will be the host hockey team of the 2027 Memorial Cup at the Sleeman Centre.
Location: 50 Woolwich Street, Guelph
Muskoka
“I’m coming to the cottage!” Viewers held their breath, then collectively exhaled as the final episode delivered raw emotion, life-changing choices and a deeply satisfying triumph of love. A private cottage served as the backdrop for the final scenes of Heated Rivalry.
Ontario’s Muskoka region is indeed one of the best places to fall in love. Just a few hours north of Toronto, the sounds of the city give way to the hum of forests, lakes and wildlife, including the haunting Canadian wolf bird. Listen to loons and more at cottages, resorts, cabins and parks across this stunning region.
Get ready to come to the cottage in Muskoka.
Ottawa
While not featured as a location in the first season of Heated Rivalry, Ottawa is noted as the birthplace of Shane Hollander and thus plays an important role in the show.
Catch an Ottawa Senators NHL game, take in culture and history at national museums and explore a diverse food and drink scene. In August, the city hosts Capital Pride.
Visit Ottawa Tourism to plan your getaway to Shane’s birth city.
Whether it’s a day trip or an overnight getaway, take a Heated Rivalry-inspired trip and revisit your favourite moments from the series in Ontario.
Last updated: February 4, 2026