Did you know that the majority of Heated Rivalry filming locations are set in Hamilton, Ontario? And you can walk pretty much from one location to the next?
Even though Heated Rivalry takes place in a variety of national and international locations like Ottawa, Montreal, Boston, New York City, Saskatchewan and Russia, Hamilton manages to be a substitute for these far-flung destinations.
I'm going to show you how to visit most of Heated Rivalry's shooting locations on this self-guided walking tour of Hamilton. I'll outline each filming location and which episode you'll see it featured in Heated Rivalry.
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The video is called HEATED RIVALRY Filming Locations in Hamilton, Ontario | Go Behind the Scenes on This Walking Tour!
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Heated Rivalry Filming Locations in Hamilton
Let's go for a self-guided walking tour of Hamilton's filming locations for Heated Rivalry. Aside from The Winchester Arms, Dundurn Castle and McMaster University, the majority of these places are within walking distance from one another in downtown Hamilton.
I started at the Pink Tunnel and pretty much followed the order that this blog post follows. However, you may wish to shake it up a bit if you take the GO train or public transportation into the city.
Pink Tunnel at Shamrock Park
The Pink Tunnel is a pedestrian walkway and cycling path in Shamrock Park. It runs beneath train tracks and it's painted a bright shade of pink.
In episode 5, Ilya is back in Russia after his father's funeral. Ilya stands in the tunnel and talks to Shane on the phone in this emotional scene.
The Pink Tunnel is covered in graffiti that's always changing, especially since the popularity of Heated Rivalry. Look for new graffiti that references Heated Rivalry, like "Stupid Canadian Wolf Bird" and "Tuna Melt hearts Ginger Ale".
Ciao Bella
Ciao Bella is an Italian restaurant on Augusta Street in Hamilton. Shane dines with his parents here in episode 1 and episode 4. It's a pretty classy restaurant, both in Heated Rivalry and in real life.
Paloma (now closed)
Right across the street from Ciao Bella, Paloma was the Mexican restaurant featured in episode 3. Kip and Scott were going to dine here before they decided to go back to Scott's apartment instead.
Unfortunately, Paloma is now permanently closed. You can still see some signage and decorations on the building, though I'm not sure how long it will last before another business reopens in that spot.
Relay Coffee Roasters
Relay Coffee Roasters is more popularly known as Straw + Berry in Heated Rivalry. This beloved Hamilton coffee shop transforms into a New York City smoothie shop in the show.
In episode 3, we're introduced to Kip who works at Straw + Berry. Scott becomes a regular at the smoothie shop before becoming Kip's boyfriend.
When Scott goes for a run in NYC, he's actually running on King William Street where Relay Coffee is located.
Relay Coffee doesn't serve any smoothies, but they do have a few Heated Rivalry themed menu items
- Hollander hot chocolate
- Extra Banana (a banana latte with whipped cream and blueberries, vegan whip is available)
- A special Heated Rivalry coffee blend to brew at home
The cafe is embracing its new customers that are Heated Rivalry fans, holding fan meet-up nights on select dates.
Mansion
Mansion is a nightclub on King Street West in Hamilton. It's known for having three different rooms with three different sounds.
It's the location for the nightclub in episode 4. This is the famous "All the Things She Said" club scene where Shane begins dating Rose Landry. Ilya and Shane gaze at each other from across the room on a night out in Montreal.
Le Tambour Tavern
Le Tambour Tavern isn't actually a bar in Montreal, it's a restaurant and bar in Hamilton. Located on James Street North, this is where Shane meets Rose in episode 4. It's also where they break up in episode 5.
You might be tempted to try the fries when you visit Le Tambour Tavern. They also have a pair of beverages named for Heated Rivalry: "Tall, Dark and Hollander" and "Meet Me at the Cottage".
If you are looking to sit in the same spot where Rose and Shane met in the show, aim to sit in the middle booth. And as for the spot where the pair broke up, sit at the table farthest to the back on the left side.
Liuna Station
Liuna Station is a beautiful building from its exterior. While the outside of the hall wasn't featured in Heated Rivalry, it's the site of the hockey fundraising event in episode 3. Scott brings Kip to the event.
While you won't be able to go inside, it's worth checking out the building as it's super close to Le Tambour Tavern.
Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
The Sheraton Hamilton Hotel is a popular, longstanding hotel in downtown Hamilton. I've definitely attended events and possibly even a wedding here in the past!
This hotel is featured several times throughout Heated Rivalry. It's mostly hotel rooms that are used in the show, which you won't be able to see unless you actually stay at the hotel.
FirstOntario Concert Hall
FirstOntario Concert Hall is showcased during episode 2 of Heated Rivalry. Shane and Ilya present an award on stage together at the MLH Awards. The bathroom scene from this episode is also filmed here.
You won't be able to see the interior of FirstOntario Concert Hall unless you're going to a performance here.
Dundurn Castle National Historic Site
Dundurn Castle National Historic Site was built in the 1830s and was once the lavish home of Sir Allan McNab. In Heated Rivalry, the audience believes that they're watching Ilya go for a jog around Moscow in the off-season.
In episode 4, Shane is seen going for a run with his teammate in Montreal, but they're actually running on the trails near Dundurn Castle.
So, transport yourself to Russia for the day at another Heated Rivalry filming location, which is once again actually set in Hamilton.
McMaster University
As a McMaster University alumni myself, I loved learning that some scenes for Heated Rivalry were filmed at Mac!
In episode 1, Shane and Ilya meet for the very first time in Saskatchewan. Except it's not really Saskatchewan, it's the exterior doors of the Burridge Gym at McMaster University.
This ended up being a bit tricky to find. Here's how to find the doors.
Locate the Burridge Gymnasium on Google Maps. Then, locate the stands / bleachers of the field. Walk behind the bleachers.
Walk to the end of the bleachers closest to the buildings (Burridge Gym and Pulse Fitness Centre). Go down a flight of stairs and you will see those famous metal doors. I'll also mark the location on the map in this blog post.
McMaster's gym for students, The Pulse Fitness Centre was the location of the workout montage scene for Ilya and Shane in episode 4.
The Winchester Arms
Finally, let's travel to my hometown of Dundas, Ontario for another Heated Rivalry filming location. The Winchester Arms is a longstanding mainstay in Dundas. Since 1993, they've been serving British pub food and beer on tap.
In episode 3, this is the bar where Kip and his friends hang out and watch Scott's hockey games together. Kip and his friend Elena also have dinner here.
Speaking of Dundas, a private home at 66 Weirs Lane in Dundas was used throughout the series. It set the scene for Ilya's mansion and was featured prominently throughout episode 4.
The private gym of the home was used rather than an actual hotel gym in episode 1 where Ilya and Shane ride side-by-side on the stationary bikes.
Trocadero Tavern
Trocadero Tavern is another Russian location. In episode 5, Ilya's family gathers for a dinner following the death of his father.
I didn't make it out to the Trocadero Tavern this time around since it's a little out of the way from the other locations. Also, unlike the other restaurants and cafes on this list, it's not open to the public at the moment.
Their website currently states that the restaurant is closed indefinitely due to private rentals and movie shoots.
Map of Heated Rivalry Hamilton Filming Locations
I've listed these spots in a logical order that you can walk from one place to the next. First, I parked on Ferguson Ave S at Young Street where there's free two hour street parking. I visited the Pink Tunnel and the two restaurants on Augusta Street.
Next, I moved my car to King William Street near Relay Coffee. There's free two hour parking at the meters on weekends. I walked to the other downtown Hamilton locations from there.
It is possible to leave your car at the first spot and walk everywhere if you don't mind a lengthier stroll.
If you're arriving in Hamilton by public transportation, you may need to rearrange the order a little bit. Use my map to plan your journey.
You will need to drive (or take an Uber) to Dundurn Castle, McMaster University or Dundas for Kip's bar (The Winchester Arms). It's also easy to take a city bus to these locations, too.
Tip: If you're viewing this on desktop, click the little star next to the title. It will save this map to your Google maps for future reference. I believe if you fully open this map on mobile, it will automatically save to your Google maps account.
More Heated Rivalry Filming Locations in Ontario
Looking for more Heated Rivalry filming locations throughout Ontario? There are some scenes filmed in Toronto, Guelph, and Muskoka region.
- Sleeman Centre, Guelph: All scenes that take place at the hockey rink, whether it's their MLH games, All-Star games, the Olympics, or shots from the stands
- Park Hyatt Hotel, Toronto: The Presidential Suite is the location for Scott's apartment
- Park Hyatt Hotel's Joni Restaurant is featured in episode 1 as the setting for the party after the MLH awards in Las Vegas
- SoHo Hotel, Toronto: Shane's hotel room after the MLH draft
- Rooftop pool and bar at Lavelle, Toronto: The location for the hotel pool and bar in Tampa during the All-Star game
- 88 Rocmary Place, Vaughan: This real life mansion is the location of Ilya's home in Russia and the setting for the party thrown by Russian diplomats
- Barlochan Cottage, Muskoka: The entire final episode of the season is filmed here as Shane's summer cottage in Quebec
Short Video of Heated Rivalry Filming Locations in Hamilton
If you'd like to see a short video of these Hamilton Heated Rivalry locations, take a look at my short video on YouTube. If you'd prefer, I've also shared it to Instagram and TikTok!
Want more travel tips and inspiration? Follow me on Instagram! I share daily adventures, whether I'm at home in Ontario, Canada, or halfway across the world!
More Things to Do in Hamilton
I grew up in Hamilton and Dundas, so I know all the best spots! Here are some more amazing things to do in Hamilton, Ontario:
RR says
Thanks for this post! I used the very helpful map when I visited. Couldn't dine at any of the restaurants though, as I was only there during the day. Got my Relay latte though:-) and went to Moscow.
Lauren Yakiwchuk says
Glad you had a fab time in Hamilton! Relay coffee is a must, I was in there yesterday actually getting my banana latte :)
Nathalie C. says
Thank you for this great article! My teenager is a die-hard fan and I decided to surprise her on her birthday with a visit to Hamilton! She'll be over the moon!
Lauren Yakiwchuk says
That's such an amazing surprise! She is going to LOVE it! You're awesome! Let me know if you need any more non-HR related visitor's advice, I grew up in Hamilton and Dundas :)