Heated Rivalry Filming Locations: Visit the Real Sites in Toronto & Hamilton

Searching for Heated Rivalry filming locations? You aren't alone.

If you’ve been glued to HBO Max or Crave watching the sparks fly between Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), you know that the TV adaptation of Rachel Reid’s bestselling books has taken the world by storm.

While the show takes us from Montreal to Russia to sunny Tampa, locals know the real MVP of the production is Ontario. Toronto and Hamilton played a huge role in creating the world of the Game Changers.

For fans looking to step into the scene, we have some exciting news: You can visit the real locations.

Confirmed: The "Heated Rivalry" Stop on Our Tour

During our latest Hollywood North walking tour, we officially confirmed that the SoHo Hotel on Wellington St. is a featured location in the show!

Fans will recognize the hotel from Episode 1, shortly after the MLH Draft. It serves as the backdrop for the famous exercise bike scene, giving us our first glimpse into Shane's intense training regimen (and the magnetic tension that starts it all).

On our tour, we visit the exterior of the SoHo Hotel. Standing right in front of the building gives you the perfect vantage point to imagine the scene where Shane and Ilya’s decades-long saga truly begins.

Bonus Trip: Hamilton Filming Locations

While we stick to the 6ix for our walking tours, true superfans know that Hamilton, Ontario (just an hour away) is the secret weapon behind the show’s international look.

If you're up for a self-guided road trip, Hamilton transformed into everything from Montreal to Moscow for the series. According to the sleuths over at Justin Plus Lauren, here are the must-see spots in "The Hammer":

• The Pink Tunnel (Shamrock Park): Yes, that tunnel. This is the real-life location of Ilya’s heart-wrenching phone call to Shane from "Russia" in Episode 5.

  
  

• Dundurn Castle: Believe it or not, this historic site doubled as Moscow for the scenes of Ilya jogging in the off-season.

Dundurn Castle. Source

• Mansion Nightclub: This King St. West spot was used for the "Montreal" club scenes where Shane meets Rose in Episode 4.

Downtown Hamilton (King Street). Source

For the full list of Hamilton locations (including the "Le Tambour Tavern" where Shane and Rose break up), check out Justin Plus Lauren’s incredible guide: Heated Rivalry Filming Locations in Hamilton.

Walk the Scenes with Storyboard Experiences

Whether you’re Team Shane, Team Ilya, or just here for the hockey, there is no better way to experience the magic of film than walking the streets where it happened.

Our guides are experts in spotting the details you might have missed on screen. Book your Hollywood North Experience today and come see where the rivalry heats up.

(Don't forget to wear your jerseys!)