A surge in demand for Canadian cottage holidays is reshaping travel trends in Ontario after the breakout 2025 television hit Heated Rivalry turned Muskoka’s tranquil lakefront into one of the most coveted destinations of 2026.
The steamy drama, centered on the complicated romance between rival professional hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, has not only captured global audiences but also delivered an unexpected windfall for Canada’s tourism sector. Since the season one finale aired on 26 December, online searches for cottages in Ontario’s Muskoka District have jumped by more than 110%, according to regional tourism officials.
Adapted from Canadian author Rachel Reid’s Game Changer novels, the series unfolds largely across Ontario and Quebec, showcasing sweeping boreal forests, glittering lakes and rugged Canadian Shield landscapes. The show’s climactic scenes — in which Hollander brings Rozanov to a secluded lakeside retreat where the pair reconcile amid sunrise views and still waters — appear to have struck a chord with viewers seeking their own slice of cottage-country serenity.
Val Hamilton, executive director of Muskoka Tourism, said the spike in interest has been noticeable during what are typically slower winter months. “January and February are usually quieter for us, but this year there’s been a significant uptick,” she said, adding that early indicators point toward a particularly strong summer season in 2026.
Much of the interest is domestic, driven by Canadians eager to see their landscapes depicted authentically rather than as stand-ins for other countries. Wayne Smith of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research noted that Canada is often overshadowed by its southern neighbor in film and television. He said the series’ distinctly Canadian setting resonates with viewers proud to see their country portrayed on its own terms.
Still, international travelers are also fueling the trend. Tourism officials estimate that about 15% of new bookings are coming from the United States and other countries, with many fans inspired by the show’s romantic lakeside imagery. Some American viewers have already begun organizing trips timed to coincide with the hockey season so they can pair a cottage stay with a live game.
To capitalize on the enthusiasm, Muskoka Tourism launched a “Come to the Cottage” advertising campaign in Toronto shortly after the finale aired, encouraging fans to recreate the show’s idyllic getaway. The property used as Hollander’s cottage — depicted as being in Quebec but filmed in Muskoka — is the Barlochan Cottage, a striking modern lakeside home known for panoramic views and sleek rustic design. The property is scheduled to become available for rent in March 2026.
Muskoka, which promotes itself as a “cottage country paradise,” boasts more than 1,600 lakes and is renowned for rocky shorelines, summer paddling, winter skiing and vivid autumn foliage. In Canada, the term “cottage” refers not to a modest rural dwelling but to a holiday home — often a lakeside escape where families and friends disconnect from city life.
Beyond Muskoka, other filming locations have also seen renewed attention. Though set in Toronto and Montreal, much of the production took place in Hamilton, about an hour from Toronto. Tourism Hamilton has since published a location guide after fans began seeking out recognizable spots from the show.
Industry observers say the tourism boom reflects more than just scenic appeal. They point to Canada’s longstanding reputation for LGBTQ+ inclusivity as another factor behind the show’s widespread popularity. As global audiences continue to embrace the romance of Hollander and Rozanov, Canada’s cottage country appears poised to enjoy a very real and lasting spotlight.
