The appeal of Heated Rivalry on Crave goes far beyond what happens on the ice. The series leans heavily on atmosphere, using real Ontario locations to ground its intensity, emotion, and off-ice moments in places that feel lived-in and cinematic.
For fans looking to connect the story to real life, these filming locations offer a chance to experience the settings that shaped some of the show’s most memorable scenes.
Here’s where the cameras rolled.
Joni Restaurant, Toronto
A sleek dining room with a polished but relaxed energy, Joni Restaurant appears onscreen as a glamorous out-of-town restaurant during the “Rookies” episode. The space’s warm wood tones, refined plating, and live-music nights make it an easy stand-in for a high-end destination.
Offscreen, Joni is known for seasonal Canadian dishes and tasting menus that feel indulgent without being intimidating.
Address: 4 Avenue Road, Toronto
Muskoka Lakes Cottage Country
In the series finale, the quiet and emotional escape is not filmed in Quebec. Instead, the setting shifts to Ontario’s Cottage Country. The waterfront setting captures the intimacy of a private escape, with Muskoka’s winter landscape offering a natural pause. It remains one of Ontario’s most romantic regions for cabins, boutique resorts, and slow weekends.
Photo Credits: discovermuskoka.ca
Le Tambour Tavern, Hamilton
Several quieter, character-driven conversations unfold at Le Tambour Tavern, where understated interiors and thoughtful food create space for dialogue and reflection. The setting feels intimate without being overly staged, allowing the focus to stay on the characters.
Address: 345 James Street North, Hamilton
FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton
A key awards-night scene takes place inside FirstOntario Concert Hall, where the characters share a public moment that contrasts sharply with their private dynamic. The grand stage and formal layout give the scene its sense of scale. The venue regularly hosts concerts and special events, making it a familiar cultural anchor in downtown Hamilton.
Address: 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton
Photo Credits: @firstontarioconcerthall
Ciao Bella, Hamilton
Featured in multiple early episodes, Ciao Bella provides the backdrop for a family dinner scene that adds emotional context to the story. Its classic Italian menu and softly lit dining room help convey warmth, tradition, and tension all at once.
In real life, however, the restaurant is known for refined Italian cooking and a comfortable, old-world atmosphere. Because of this, it naturally suits longer, conversation-driven dinners.
Address: 26 Augusta Street, Hamilton
Dundurn Castle, Hamilton
One of the show’s most visually striking moments uses Dundurn Castle as a stand-in for an overseas location. The historic estate’s neoclassical architecture and expansive grounds give the scene a sense of formality and distance.
As a visitor destination, Dundurn Castle remains one of Hamilton’s most impressive landmarks, ideal for daytime exploring or pairing with nearby walking routes.
Address: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton
One of the strengths of Heated Rivalry is how seamlessly its story blends into real places. These Ontario filming locations show how restaurants, historic landmarks, and natural escapes can become part of a narrative — and part of your own plans too.
For viewers who love seeing stories come to life in real spaces, these locations make it easy to step beyond the screen and into some of Ontario’s most atmosphere-rich destinations.
