SUPER CHANNEL BLOG

As spring turns into summer and travel restrictions remain, a virtual adventure of Chesapeake Shores’ filming locations seems to be the perfect way for Chessies to plan their next vacation, post-pandemic. Just prior to the Season 4 Premiere last August, a couple of us enjoyed the beautiful ocean views and sandy shores as we rented a car and sought out many of the places where this beloved show was filmed.

Chesapeake Shores, home to the O’Brien family, is a fictional town created by author Sherryl Woods, and is situated in the state of Maryland. The TV series is loosely based on these books, and while Maryland is on the east coast of the States, the filming actually takes place along the west coast in Canada.

The series is filmed on beautiful Vancouver Island, in the province of British Columbia, and is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. With travel restrictions in place and filming on hold, it felt like the perfect time to take a virtual adventure to the Island.

Over the next few weeks, join along as multiple filming locations sail into the spotlight. But take note, this might just inspire your next vacation.

Throughout the seasons of When Calls the Heart there have been many examples of the characters exploring their hearts and discerning their calling: Elizabeth as a writer and teacher, Julie as an artist, Bill as a judge, and even young Robert becoming a Mountie. While set in fiction, these stories easily connect with the audience and act as a reminder that life sometimes goes off script, offering wonderful unexpected opportunities in the process.

As a key member of the storytelling team, Derek Thompson knows this well. One screenwriting course redirected his path into the world of scripts, writing wonderful events from the beloved “homestead” episode in season two to the comical bachelor/bachelorette episode in season seven. His creativity, character development and heart have brought something special to Hope Valley, a gift which has also been applied to the characters from Brookfield. With season eight officially announced, Derek warmly shared more about the life of a writer and the stories that keep Hearties connected.

Gabriel Kinslow was the first person to appear in When Hope Calls, as he loped along the luscious green landscape aboard his beautiful black horse, Apollo. This moment not only introduced the character of Constable Kinslow, but also provided an opportunity to view the entire town of Brookfield from afar. His first action after riding into town was offering to help Lillian carry the heavy feed bag. The red serge itself captured attention, but this initial act of service also proved that Gabriel truly has the heart of a Mountie.

Ryan-James Hatanaka is not only respected as a talented actor and athlete, he is also admired for his dedication to this role, on screen and off. RJ regularly charms the Hearties with insight on his character and gratitude for the fans while live tweeting. He also left a lasting impression when he flew overnight from Hungary to Canada, to ensure he attended the Hearties Family Reunion in October. RJ is a wonderful asset to the cast of When Hope Calls and he kindly shared more about his role as a Mountie, his interests off screen and the heart behind it all.

Behind the iconic glasses is the soft-spoken and sweet natured Signed, Sealed, Delivered character, Rita Haywith. This delightful detective brings balance to the POstables team with her innocence and optimism, impacting the stories and people they encounter. While sometimes misunderstood, Rita is a reminder that accepting others for their differences and celebrating each other’s unique gifts can often bring unexpected blessings.

Rita’s positivity, beautiful heart and desire to make a difference are all attributes that can also be used to describe the Canadian actress who portrays her. From her online interactions to her interviews, Crystal Lowe is respected for her strength, positivity, perseverance, and encouragement of others. In this latest interview, Crystal keeps us posted on returning to the role of Rita and the stories that continue to connect the fans from around the world.

The classroom in Hope Valley has not been the same since the arrival of Allie Grant. Her mischievous ways and endless energy have brought new life to the school and the town. Hidden behind Allie’s cheerfulness and big smile is a difficult past that has slowly been revealed throughout the season. The young talent behind the endless expressions and range of emotion is Canadian actress, Jaeda Lily Miller.

With many credits to her name, Jaeda was quickly recognized and warmly welcomed by fans when her character was introduced. This animated young lady has brought hope, humour and healing through the stories of Allie, and Hearties look forward to seeing what will come next as this season progresses.

Little did Nathan Grant know the big boots he would be filling when he became the new Mountie in Hope Valley. Seeing that red serge sent waves of emotion through the small-knit community and a time of adjustment would be needed for him and for all. His quiet demeanor and oath to protect quickly eased the minds and hearts of those on screen and off.

Kevin McGarry has a large presence on Super Channel Heart & Home. From his role on When Calls the Heart and When Hope Calls, to fan favourite movies such as Autumn Stables and A Very Corgi Christmas, Kevin’s talent is well known to Canadians. He kindly shared more about stepping into season five, his interactions with the fans, and working for Hallmark.

There was no way to miss the big smile of Grace Bennett as the wagon of carolers rolled into Hope Valley. She hopped off the wagon with a bounce in her step and instantly presented as bubbly and sweet. The joy that Grace brought to Hope Valley and to the children in her presence would not end there, as a whole new life would be featured in the town of Brookfield.

Jocelyn Hudon might have been a new face for the Hearties, but she is no stranger to being on camera. Not only is she a delight as an actress, but she has also brought a lot of life to social media, whether commenting on her favourite TV show or posting pictures of her adorable Goldendoodle Rupert. Even with a busy schedule, Jocelyn shone light upon her character and gave us many more reasons why this Canadian talent will continue to grace our screens.

In our busy digital world, there remains an undeniable emotional connection to receiving a hand-written letter in the mail. Delivering a piece of someone’s story is all part of the job for Shane McInerney, as she works with her team to reunite lost letters with their intended recipients, often creating pivotal moments in other people’s lives.

Kristin Booth has been sharing in these heartfelt stories from the first time she stepped into Shane’s shoes. From the delivery of the letters to the delivery of her lines, Kristin’s talent in portraying Shane has deeply resonated with the #POstables, the fans of Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Kristin graciously shared more about her character, and the show that leaves viewers wanting more.

Hope Valley is a place where everyone knows your name and story; that is, except for Hickam. There was quite a stir among the Hearties the first time Hickam was referred to as Mike. While he did not have the same on-screen exposure as others in the town, there was no denying that fans had been paying attention to him all along. Social media lit up and found this new name puzzling. Regardless of which name is preferred one thing has remained consistent, Hope Valley would not be the same without him. His subtle presence and unfailing support have aided the community on many occasions and in a multitude of ways.

Ben Rosenbaum has been part of the When Calls the Heart family since the first season. His entertaining tweets and online interactions are thoroughly enjoyed by fans around the world. Ben’s sense of humour and kindness are two qualities often noted by Hearties after meeting him. With Hickam returning in season seven, Ben graciously took the time to share insight into his endearing character and his life beyond the set.