Gilmore Girls reruns and crisp autumn days are practically made for each other – and you can get a taste of Stars Hollow right here in Ontario.
Just a 40-minute drive northeast of downtown Toronto, the charming village of Unionville in Markham has been drawing Gilmore Girls fans for more than two decades. With its heritage storefronts, quaint streets, and colourful fall foliage, there may be no better time to visit than autumn.
While the familiar Stars Hollow set was eventually constructed in California, Unionville had a starring role in the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls. The opening establishing shots featuring the town’s picturesque streets and church steeple were filmed right here on Unionville’s Main Street.
The village’s storybook architecture and small-town atmosphere helped inspire the look and feel of Stars Hollow, making it a must-visit destination for fans hoping to step into the world of Rory and Lorelai.
You can also easily turn your visit into your own Gilmore Girls adventure with the self-guided Gilmore Girls walking tour from the City of Markham. Along the way, fans can spot several locations featured in the pilot, including Luke’s Diner at 156 Main Street, Stars Hollow Church at 150 Main Street, Taylor’s Soda Shoppe at 170 Main Street, the Town Gazebo at the Millennium Bandstand, and Kim’s Antiques at 151 Main Street.
Unionville’s Hollywood history extends well beyond Gilmore Girls, too. The picturesque village has appeared in productions including A Simple Favor, Schitt’s Creek, and The Love Guru, as well as numerous Hallmark and Lifetime movies.
When winter arrives, Unionville takes on an entirely different kind of movie magic, transforming into a snow-covered Christmas village that looks like it was pulled straight from a holiday rom-com.
Of course, you don’t have to be a Gilmore Girls superfan to enjoy a day in Unionville. After checking out the filming locations, spend some time browsing the independent boutiques along Main Street, grab a coffee or sweet treat at a local café, and take a leisurely stroll through Toogood Pond Park, where the fall scenery is particularly beautiful.
With the leaves beginning to turn and the village taking on its signature autumn glow, now is the perfect time to channel your inner Rory and Lorelai and plan a cozy fall day trip to Ontario’s very own Stars Hollow.
