Netflix hits The Umbrella Academy and Locke & Key have something in common, and it’s not just supernatural powers. Both were filmed in Hamilton, a city that has quietly transformed itself into one of Canada’s most in-demand production hubs. So where does Hollywood love to hang out when it’s not on the sunny shores of California? Increasingly, the answer is Hamilton.
Once defined primarily by its steel-producing heritage, Hamilton has successfully rebranded itself as a cornerstone of “Hollywood North.” While competitive tax incentives and proximity to Toronto first drew productions westward, the city now boasts a deeply established production ecosystem, skilled local crews, and architecturally rich streetscapes that continue to attract major global streaming series and feature films.
Heated Rivalry in Hamilton
Most recently, the hit series Heated Rivalry joined the growing list of productions filmed in Hamilton. According to Tourism Hamilton, several recognizable scenes were shot at local landmarks that viewers may instantly spot. Five of the most recognizable filming spots include Dundurn Castle, LIUNA Station, Relay Coffee, the Pink Tunnel in Shamrock Park, and Ciao Bella.
Gore Park and the Downtown Core
Gore Park and the surrounding Downtown Core remain the cinematic heart of the city. These streets have appeared in numerous high-profile productions, most notably as settings in The Umbrella Academy.
One standout location is 54 King St. E., originally built as a Bank of Nova Scotia before later operating as the Royal Trust Company, a real estate office, and even nightclubs. On screen, it has served as an institutional backdrop in superhero lore.
The ability of these spaces to seamlessly transition between time periods is what makes Hamilton invaluable to filmmakers — modern storefronts sit beneath façades that have remained largely unchanged for over a century.
The Scottish Rite Club
Constructed in 1884, the Scottish Rite Club is one of Hamilton’s most sought-after historic filming sites. Originally built for a nineteenth-century tobacco tycoon, the building’s façade creates an atmosphere that directors cannot replicate on a soundstage.
The venue has appeared in productions such as The Handmaid’s Tale, Crimson Peak, and It Chapter Two, and continues to host major productions into 2026. Its architectural gravitas makes it ideal for everything from supernatural thrillers to historical dramas.
Murdoch Mysteries and Liuna Station
Hamilton’s long-standing relationship with Canadian television is perhaps best illustrated by Murdoch Mysteries, now in its nineteenth season as of 2026. For over two decades, the series has used Hamilton streets and landmarks to recreate 1900s-era Toronto.
A favourite filming locale is Liuna Station. Originally built between 1929 and 1931 as a CN Railway station, its Art Deco detailing makes it one of the most versatile production sites in the country. On screen, it has doubled as:
- Union Station in Murdoch Mysteries
- A luxury hotel lobby in Frankie Drake Mysteries
- A bank in The Umbrella Academy
- An old train station in Good Witch
- A supernatural battleground in X-Men
Beyond its on-screen presence, Liuna Station is now a premier event venue and a symbol of adaptive reuse done right.
A Modern Production Boom
While heritage buildings laid the foundation, Hamilton’s modern production surge has been driven by big-budget streaming series.
Recent years have seen major productions such as:
- The Boys
- Reacher
- Trap
Film spending peaked at $72 million in 2022 and, while moderating slightly in subsequent years, the industry remains a key economic driver. The presence of these productions supports local crews, catering companies, equipment suppliers, and hospitality businesses.
Culture Beyond the Cameras
Hamilton’s cultural identity extends well beyond film sets. The city is home to McMaster University, a globally recognized research institution driving innovation in health sciences, technology, and space research. In sports, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats remain a pillar of community pride, with home games at Hamilton Stadium continuing to energize local neighbourhoods.
In 2026, Hamilton further solidified its “City of Music” reputation. The 55th Annual Juno Awards returned to the city, while the newly renovated TD Coliseum prepares to host global icons following its $300-million transformation. Annual events such as Supercrawl and the Hamilton Fringe Festival continue to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Hamilton Real Estate: From Peak to Balance
Hamilton’s real estate market experienced dramatic growth during the pandemic years, with prices rising 96% in five years and peaking in February 2022 at a benchmark of $1.068 million in the Hamilton-Burlington region. Since then, the market has undergone a significant correction and stabilization.
In January 2026, the average sales price for all residential properties in the Hamilton service area was $731,047, representing a 4.3% decrease year-over-year, while the median sales price came in at $664,000. Sales activity slowed compared to 2025, and while fewer new listings came to market, the overall supply of homes increased slightly. Homes are staying on the market a little longer, reflecting a shift toward a more balanced market, and affordability has improved enough to offer modest relief to prospective buyers.
Not all property types have adjusted in the same way. Detached single-family homes, which saw the steepest run-up during the boom, have experienced a more noticeable correction, making them more accessible to families seeking space. On the other hand, townhouses and condos have held up better in terms of price, though the growing supply in this segment gives buyers a wider selection in the city’s more affordable housing tiers.
A City That’s No Longer Just a Suburb
With a stabilized housing market and a wide range of neighbourhoods, Hamilton has become a city where people can find both value and community. Homes are more accessible than during the pandemic boom, yet the city’s appeal remains as strong as ever.
Explore the city where film sets, culture, and real estate intersect. Start your search with Zoocasa today.
This article was originally published on October 4, 2022, and was last updated on March 7, 2026.
