23 Heated Rivalry Spots You Can Visit in Real Life

The ultimate Heated Rivalry Travel Guide for Toronto and Hamilton

By: Becca Rhodes

*Heated Rivalry (2025-Current),* television series, Crave.

Every Filming Location from Heated Rivalry

If you’ve found this travel guide, you are obviously deep in the psychosis. Loons, it’s our time to shine. Heated Rivalry has really become a cultural phenomenon, and not just in Canada (where the show was created and filmed), but has seen international success and prestige recognition. Even as I'm writing this, this week HR was named one of iMDB’s top 250 shows of all time.

Now, could I write a think piece about identity and the impact of queer stories on the media landscape, sure. Will I instead create the ultimate travel guide so you and your friends can go on your own gay hockey pilgrimage, absolutely.

We all just want to walk in the footsteps of Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storre) and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams).

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Heated Rivalry Filming Locations

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#1

Russian “I Love You” Tunnel

The Pink Tunnel

Shamrock Park, Ferguson Ave, Hamilton

S01E05

When Ilya goes back to Russia to attend his father’s funeral, he quickly becomes overwhelmed and calls Shane. This is the first time Ilya tells Shane that he loves him. This scene made Connor Storrie a star. The raw emotion of this monologue, and in Russian! It is an incredible feat.

Since the show has taken off, fans have really come together at this filming location. You can spot dozens of Heated Rivalry references amongst the graffiti.

#2

STRAW+BERRY Smoothie Shop

RELAY Coffee Roasters

27 King William St, Hamilton, ON, L8R 1A1

S01E03

This is the smoothie bar that Kip Grady works at when he meets Admiral star player, Scott Hunter. Scott comes into the store throughout the episodes to flirt with Kip and even sits at the window bar looking on to the street.

RELAY already had a cult following in Hamilton. But since the rise of the show it has seen unprecedented popularity. They now host fan meetups and have a special Hollander hot chocolate for the season.

#3

Scott’s Running Path

Scott’s Running Path

King William St, Hamilton, ON

S01E03

Scott’s running, or should I say lack of running form, has been all over the internet. He is seen running West on King William St from John St to RELAY.

#4

All the Things She Said Nightclub

Mansion

54 King St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1A6

S01E04

This is the “Montreal” club that Ilya visits when he wants to get over Shane, but little does he know Shane is already there with his girlfriend Rose. Mansion nightclub really looks exactly like in the show, complete with the chandelier and the pink lights.

#5

Ilya’s Hotel Room

Sheraton Hamilton Hotel

116 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V3

S01E01

This location was used for multiple hotel scenes throughout the first season. But specifically used for when Ilya is watching Shane on TV, and when he gets into a fight with his brother on the phone.

#6

Scott’s MVP Acceptance Speech

FirstOntario Concert Hall

1 Summers Ln, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y2

S01E02, S01E06

Every award show or onstage appearance in Heated Rivalry was filmed at the FirstOntario Concert Hall. Scott’s MVP acceptance speech, as well as when Ilya and Shane have their banter on stage while presenting an award for the Most Sportsmanlike Behaviour.

#7

Hollander Family Lunch Spot

Ciao Bella

26 Augusta St, Hamilton, ON L8N 1P7

S01E01, S01E04

This is a go-to spot for lunch for the Hollander family. In episode 1, Shane’s Momager Yuna is talking about brand deals. And in episode 4, Shane meets his family for lunch after he has the tuna melt with Ilya. His parents are talking about going to Wimbledon and trying to set Shane up with a Swedish Princess.

Ciao Bella is a new and trendy Italian spot in Hamilton. Even though it only opened Spet 2024, it has quickly become a favourite for locals. The restaurant design is beautiful, so even if you’re going with your non Heated Rivalry obsessed friends, they will still enjoy it. Get the truffle gnocchi, you wont regret it.

#8

Scott & Kip’s Mexican Takeout Spot

PALOMA (PERMADENTLY CLOSED)

21 Augusta St, Hamilton, ON L8N 1P6

S01E03

Unfortunately, Paloma has been permanently closed since season 1 was filmed. But you can still recognize the exterior shots. Plus it’s across the street from Ciao Bella, so if you’re visiting that, just take a little look.

#9

Shane’s Coming Out Dinner

Le Tambour Tavern

345 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 1H3

S01E04

Le Tambour is the backdrop for two very important scenes: When Shane meets Rose, and when they break up. Shane’s coming out scene has been sighted as a critical moment in queer pop culture. The way Rose responded in an accepting and supported way, I think has healed a lot of queer viewers.

We visited for brunch, and honestly, this was one of the best meals that I’ve had in Hamilton. This is the sister restaurant to Union on Ossington in Toronto, and when you walk in that is so clear. Similar upscale industrial vibes, beautiful architectural design elements and a Canadiana menu.

They also now have two specialty Heated Rivalry cocktails: the “Tall, Dark & Hollander” a dark and stormy but with pear and vanilla, and the “Meet me at the Cottage” which is an espresso martini. Both are delicious but I think the “Tall, Dark & Hollander” was my favorite only because it had a more unique taste.

#10

Scott’s Fundraiser Venue

LIUNA Station

360 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 4M7

S01E03

Scott dances with Kip’s friend, Elena, and she tells Scott that Kip is “sunshine”. This is where Scott realizes that his and Kip’s relationship has been hard on Kip.

#11

Ilya’s Running Route

Dundurn Castle

610 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3E7

S01E02

Ilya and Shane are texting during the off season from their respective home towns. Ilyia in Russia, Shane from Montreal. To find a neoclassical backdrop, production turned to Dundurn Castle in Hamilton. You see Ilya running along the back side of the castle, as well as through the columns of the front. The funniest part about this scene is that Ilya and Shane are sending longing texts to each other, but in real life both running scenes take place within 200m of each other.

#12

Shane’s Running Route

Dundurn Castle Park

610 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3E7

S01E02

Shane’s running route is along the east side of the Dundurn Castle grounds. He is running south along the fenced edges, you can specifically pick out the blue shed and backyard of 107 Inchbury St, Hamilton.

#13

Ilya & Shane’s First Meeting

Back Alley of David Braley Athletic Centre

McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4E7

S01 E01

This is the inciting moment! The first moment of their love story! Ilya and Shane meet in “Saskatchewan” ahead of their Rookie year. This meet up really happens behind the McMaster University gym in Hamilton. Fans who have visited this spot have noted that the red paint chips still have the same pattern as in the show.

Warning if you’re trying to find this location, it is hard to get to, especially in the snow. It was easier to go through the Athletic Centre out to the Roy Joyce Stadium, down the sidestairs, and you’ll find these doors between the David Braley Athletic Centre and the Alumni Field.

#14

Ilya & Shane Working Out

McMaster Performance Gym

McMaster University, Forsyth Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1

S01E04

Ok, yes, the show is about hockey players, there’s bound to be a bunch of workout scenes. But the workout scenes in Heated Rivalry are very memorable. The McMaster Gyms are used for all the workout scenes in S01E04, like Shane using the bench press. There has been some back and forth between if these scenes were shot in the Pulse Fitness Centre, or in the smaller McMaster Performance Gym. From my research, I personally believe it's the Performance Gym.

#15

Kip’s Sports Bar

Winchester Arms

120 King St W, Dundas, ON L9H 2W5

S041E03

Throughout S01EP03 we see Kip going to his local “gay bar” that he turns into a sort of sports bar. This is also the bar that Kip has his birthday party at, and Scott is staring longingly through the window.

#16

Ilya’s House

Weirs House

66 Weirs Ln, Dundas, ON L9H 5E3

S01 E05

Design by smpl Design Studio, and heavily inspired by Mies van der Rohe. This 8200 sqft custom home was recently put on the market for $4.7 million. In the show, the production team added in their own touches to make this contemporary house feel more like Ilya would actually live in it. Especially the art piece over the couch that is meant to reflect both Ilya and Shane’s jerseys combining together in this geometric pattern.

Please keep in mind that this is a private residence, and you should be mindful of trespassing.

This is also where they filmed the iconic water-sharing workout scene! Ilya and Shane race against each other on their stationary bikes, exhausted they sit down in front of the mirror and share a water bottle.

#17

Scott & Kip’s On Ice Kiss

Sleeman Centre

50 Woolwich St, Guelph, ON N1H 3T9

S01E01 - S01EP05

In Heated Rivalry, every scene that takes place on ice was filmed at the Sleemen Centre: the Prospect Cup, Sochi Olympics, the All-Star Games and of course the iconic on-ice kiss between Scott & Kip. When you watch the behind the scenes footage, you can tell that they didn't actually have a full stadium of viewers. But on screen, it looks like a real NHL stadium.

#18

Russian Party

Versailles of Vaughan

90 Rocmary Place, Kleinburg, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, L4L 8Z1

S01E05

This $14 million estate is known as Versailles of Vaughn. It’s architectural design draws inspiration from the opulence and grandeur of the Palace of Versailles in France. All of the Russian Party scenes, as well as Ilya’s father’s home take place here. This is also where Ilya reconnects with his old fling, Sasha.

#19

Rookie of the Year Party

Joni Restaurant at Park Hyatt

4 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2E8

S01E01

When Shane wins rookie of the year, and walks down those giant beautiful stairs at Joni, I knew right away that it was the Park Hyatt. At the party, you also see Scott doing shots with Shane and their team.

Joni is an upscale Canadiana restaurant on the ground floor of the Park Hyatt. This hotel is famous for its celebrity guests like Angelia Jolie, Drew Barrymore and Zendaya. Although the chef’s tasting menu is the most popular option, you can also order a la cart.

#20

Scott’s Apartment

Park Hyatt Presedential Suite

4 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2E8

S01E03

We see the apartment of a MLH Captain, Scott Hunter. But eagle-eyed fans didn't think this looked like a New York penthouse at all, and they were right. This is the presidential suite at the Park Hyatt, which goes for on average $6000-$7000 a night.

#21

Ilya and Shane Share Water

SoHo Hotel Toronto

8 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3T4

S01E01

A quick shot of Shane in his hotel room, but I’ve actually stayed at this hotel before. So I recognized it as the Deluxe Suite.

#22

Shane’s Cottage

Barlochan Cottage

Muskoka, ON

S01E06

Designed by Trevor McIvor Architect, the cottage is a Scandinavian style structure that combines nordic and canadian design elements. There was a lot of confusion online about what exactly is a "Canadian" cottage. Think of it like a second, summer home. And for wealthy athletes, this is exactly what I would expect for a cottage.

Please keep in mind that this is a private residence, and you should be mindful of trespassing.

(The Real Heated Rivalry Cottage Video)

#23

Tampa Hotel Pool Bar

Lavelle

627 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5

S01E05

Lavelle has one of the most recognizable rooftops in Toronto. During the day it has an iconic Brazilian-Japanese style menu, and beautiful views of the CN tower. At night, it becomes a club. Also, my cosusin got engaed here.

Ilya and Shane are sitting at the bar when Ilya asks if Shane is still with Rose. Then Shane watches Ilya play with the kids in the pool.