It’s no secret that Toronto has served as the backdrop for countless films and TV shows over the years, from iconic scenes in Mean Girls to cosplaying as New York City in Suits.
However, you might not know that just 40 minutes northeast of downtown, a charming village located within the city of Markham has also captured the hearts of Hollywood and shown up on the silver screen.
Unionville oozes small town charm, and is known for its picturesque streets and historic buildings. Established in the 1790s, the village’s timeless quality makes it adaptable for various settings—from small-town America to historical period pieces, and with its proximity to Toronto, has become an ideal location for film production.
Main Street lies at the heart of its cinematic appeal, lined with 19th-century buildings, quaint shops, cozy cafés, and heritage homes.
Some notable productions which have filmed in Unionville include A Simple Favor, Schitt’s Creek, and The Love Guru, as well as many Hallmark and Lifetime movies. Unionville is also often transformed into a festive Christmas village for rom-coms during the holiday season.
Unionville is arguably most recognizable as the fictional town of Stars Hollow in the Gilmore Girls pilot episode, which featured Main Street and several shops in the show.
While the rest of the show was mainly filmed in California, the producers loved the village so much that aerial and street footage of Main Street appeared many times throughout the series. Though iconic settings like Luke’s Diner and the town sign for Stars Hollow are no longer in place, fans of the show continue to visit the town and recreate their favourite scenes.
There is even a self-guided tour you can embark on to immerse yourself in the Gilmore Girls magic!
Besides its Hollywood allure, there are so many more reasons to make a daytrip to Unionville.
Walk along Main Street and pop into one of many unique boutiques, cafés, or restaurants. You can find stores carrying everything from home decor and clothing to gifts and accessories. Grab a sweet treat after and stroll along Toogood Pond Park, a scenic spot for nature walks, birdwatching, and seasonal skating.
The Varley Art Gallery is also a fantastic pit stop, named after Group of Seven artist Frederick Varley. Here you’ll find Canadian art and rotating special exhibitions.
Finally, Unionville also hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Unionville Festival every June or Olde Tyme Christmas Parade during the holidays.
Whether you’re a film buff, a history lover, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway near Toronto, you’ll want to add Unionville to your list! Its movie-worthy aesthetic, rich history, and welcoming community make it a standout location both on and off screen.