Get ready to live out your own cozy drama! The iconic Muskoka cottage that played a pivotal role in the steamy romance of 'Heated Rivalry' is reportedly set to become a rental opportunity on Airbnb. This news comes as the show's popularity continues to soar, drawing significant attention to the beautiful Muskoka region.
Val Hamilton, the executive director of Muskoka Tourism, expressed her optimism, stating, "We are hopeful the cottage featured in the show will soon be available to rent." This sentiment highlights a growing trend: people are eager to step into the picturesque world of cottage life that they've seen on screen. The Crave series, 'Heated Rivalry,' has been a massive hit, not just in Canada but also across the United States, sparking a desire for authentic experiences in Muskoka.
For those unfamiliar with the show, 'Heated Rivalry' is inspired by Rachel Reid's best-selling novel. It tells the compelling story of two rival professional hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, who find themselves entangled in a secret romantic relationship amidst their demanding careers. The season finale, aptly titled 'The Cottage,' features a crucial retreat for the couple to a secluded lakeside property, which was filmed right here in Muskoka.
While the specific cottage, Barlochan Cottage on Lake Muskoka, is a private residence and not currently listed for rent, the impact of its appearance is undeniable. Muskoka Tourism has observed a substantial surge in interest in the entire cottage country area, thanks to the show's captivating finale. But here's where it gets interesting...
Muskoka Tourism has strategically leveraged this newfound fame. Hamilton mentioned a successful campaign called ‘Come to the Cottage,’ complete with billboards across Toronto. This initiative has generated over 11 million impressions in the Greater Toronto Area alone, leading to a significant increase in website traffic, social media buzz, and even coverage from prestigious outlets like The New York Times. "The excitement around 'Heated Rivalry' is not slowing down," Hamilton reiterated. "What we are seeing is a strong desire for people to experience cottage life for themselves."
This success has further validated Muskoka Tourism's broader strategy of embracing screen tourism. They actively monitor productions filmed in the region and are already anticipating the launch of 'Sterling Point,' a new Amazon Prime series entirely shot in Muskoka, slated for release later this year. And this is the part most people miss...
Beyond the economic boost for tourism, the show has also shone a light on Muskoka's commitment to 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion. Shawn Forth, secretary of Muskoka Pride, noted, "It’s exciting to see that a Canadian show with prominent 2SLGBTQ+ representation has been watched and enjoyed by so many viewers in both Canada, the U.S., and around the world." He added, "It’s even more exciting that the final episode was filmed in Muskoka, as it reflects the efforts of municipalities and organizations like Muskoka Pride over the last decade to increase 2SLGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in the region." It's inspiring to know that approximately 40 percent of attendees at the annual Muskoka Pride Festival are tourists, with the vast majority reporting overwhelmingly positive experiences. As Hamilton aptly puts it, she hopes visitors find a place to stay that "feels truly magical."
What are your thoughts on how popular media can influence tourism and community initiatives? Do you think this trend of screen tourism is a positive development for regions like Muskoka? Share your opinions in the comments below!
