Heated Rivalry is one of the hottest shows on television right now – and Hamilton, Ontario, has a starring role.
The passionate love story follows two rival hockey players, one Canadian and one Russian, as they navigate a secret relationship. Shot across Ontario and Quebec, the series has developed a massive global fan base, with a second season in the works for spring 2027.
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favourites, Hamilton stands in for cities around the world throughout the show. Below, we’ve rounded up every Hamilton filming location from Heated Rivalry, so fans can explore the real-life spots featured on screen – perfect for a self-guided tour through the city.
Ciao Bella Restaurant
- Why Visit: This stylish and beautiful Italian restaurant on lively Augusta Street is known for its stunning interior and delicious Italian menu.
- Scene Setter: Catch the very pretty eatery in Episodes 1 and 4, where Canadian hockey player Shane Hollander and his parents meet for lunch.
Dundurn Castle
- Why Visit: This sprawling estate perched over Hamilton Harbour is a National Historic Site that offers a fascinating hands-on look at 19th-century life in the city.
- Scene Setter: The grand historic home makes an appearance in the opening scenes of Episodes 2 and 4, standing in as a palatial Moscow building where Ilya Rozanov goes for a run.
King William Street – “Restaurant Row”
- Why Visit: One of the city’s prettiest historic streets in the heart of downtown, King William Street is known as “Restaurant Row.” Lined with popular restaurants and cafés, it’s home to local favourites like The Mule, The French, Undefined, Berkeley North, and Relay Coffee.
- Scene Setter: For Episode 3, King William Street is reimagined as the downtown streets of New York City, where Scott goes for his gameday runs, as well as the street where Straw + Berry is located.
Relay Coffee
- Why Visit: This is one of the city’s most popular and well-loved coffee shops, right in the heart of downtown’s historic King William Street. They’re leaning into the show’s huge popularity with special drinks (like the Hollander Hot Chocolate), themed merchandise, walking tours, and fan meet-up nights.
- Scene Setter: Relay Coffee is rebranded as Straw + Berry, a New York City smoothie shop that sets the stage for Scott and Kip’s love story in much of Episode 3.
Winchester Arms
- Why Visit: This historic Dundas pub is a neighbourhood staple full of cozy character, serving up comfort pub fare.
- Scene Setter: The warmth of the local hangout is highlighted in Episode 3 scenes with Kip and his friends talking about his new crush, Scott, while watching him play on the TV screen.
LIUNA Station
- Why Visit: Before becoming one of Hamilton’s most iconic event venues, this beautiful neoclassical building was a bustling CN Rail hub, first opened in 1931.
- Scene Setter: The historic train station is the setting for several black-tie events in Episode 3, where Scott and Kip interact.
Le Tambour Tavern
- Why Visit: A downtown favourite known for its French-inspired menu, natural wines, and beautiful interior. Heated Rivalry fans can now order new cocktails inspired by the show, like “Tall Dark and Hollander,” a rum-based cocktail topped with ginger beer, for the ginger soda-loving rookie of the year, or a “Meet Me at the Cottage,” a riff on the espresso martini, perfect for cozy and romantic cottage days.
- Scene Setter: The restaurant stands in for a Montreal tavern in Episodes 4 and 5, where Shane meets actor Rose Landry.
Mansion
- Why Visit: This nightclub and event space in downtown’s Gore Park features multiple floors and VIP spaces for late-night dancing and drinks.
- Scene Setter: Mansion is transformed into a Montreal club called Ciel in Episode 4, where Shane and Ilya watch each other closely from across the crowded dance floor.
Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
- Why Visit: Guests at this downtown hotel can expect thoughtful service, modern accommodation, and excellent amenities, steps from leading downtown attractions and restaurants.
- Scene Setter: The 300+ room hotel appears in several hotel scenes in the series.
Trocadero Tavern
- Why Visit: This Hamilton institution, first opened in 1944, has been serving up classic Italian dishes for eight decades. More recently, it’s been closed for film shoots and special events thanks to its sought-after moody interior. Recently, you may have seen it in Umbrella Academy or The Handmaid’s Tale.
- Scene Setter: Trocadero provides the setting for a fraught family dinner in Russia following the death of Ilya’s father.
Pink Tunnel at Shamrock Park
- Why Visit: A bold, colourful pedestrian tunnel turned unexpected Hamilton photo-op in Hamilton’s downtown. Though recently painted over, legend says that if you listen closely, you can still hear Ilya’s phone call as you walk through.
- Scene Setter: The pink tunnel makes a cameo in Episode 5 for an emotional phone call when Ilya pours his heart out to Shane in his native Russian language.
McMaster University
- Why Visit: This top Canadian university boasts a sprawling and beautiful historic campus in West Hamilton and welcomes 30,000 students from around the world.
- Scene Setter: Campus gyms are featured in early episodes, including Burridge Gym, where Ilya and Shane first meet, and the Pulse Fitness Centre, used for training montages for both characters.
FirstOntario Concert Hall
- Why Visit: This landmark downtown stage hosts intimate concerts, comedy, and major performances year-round.
- Scene Setter: Featured across several episodes, including 1, 2, and 6, the performance stage reinforces Hamilton’s reputation as a city of music.