Where To Find The Real-Life Magic Of ‘Reminders Of Him’ In Alberta

Second chances and small-town secrets take center stage in “Reminders of Him”, the 2026 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. While the story is set in a quiet American town, the film finds its visual heart in Calgary and the nearby community of Nanton, two Alberta destinations that bring depth and authenticity to Kenna Rowan’s journey. From Calgary’s blend of urban calm and scenic river pathways to Nanton’s charming main streets and close-knit feel, the filming locations ground the story in places that feel lived-in and real.

For travelers and fans alike, these spots offer a chance to step into the emotional world of “Reminders of Him” and experience the setting that brought it to life.

How To Fall In Love With Calgary, Alberta

Key Scenes: Calgary served as the production hub for “Reminders of Him”, per A2Z Filming Location. Many of the film’s interior scenes, such as bar sequences and character-driven moments, were shot on sound stages and controlled sets throughout the city. 

Best Time to Visit: Summer is widely considered the best time to visit Calgary, thanks to its warm, sunny weather and packed events calendar. From June through August, the city comes alive with outdoor festivals, patio dining and easy access to nearby natural attractions. That said, winter offers its own appeal. Calgary’s proximity to the Canadian Rockies makes it an ideal base for skiing, snowboarding and other alpine activities, with world-class resorts just a short drive away. 

Transportation Options: The city’s main public transportation system, Calgary Transit, includes buses and the CTrain (light rail), which is especially convenient for getting through downtown and major neighborhoods. One bonus: the downtown core has a free CTrain fare zone, making short trips quick and budget-friendly. For more flexibility, taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and easy to use. Renting a car is also a popular option, particularly if you’re planning to explore beyond the city.

The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s “Reminders of Him” was shot across Southern Alberta from April to June 2025, utilizing the province’s diverse landscapes to stand in for the story’s fictional town.

Calgary is known for having one of the sunniest climates in Canada, with more than 300 days of sunshine each year. It also experiences dramatic temperature swings due to the nearby Rocky Mountains, including a unique weather event called a “Chinook,” during which warm winds can raise temperatures by 10–20°C in just a few hours. This mix of bright, reliable light and varied landscapes has helped make Calgary a popular filming location.

Things to Do: While most of the movie’s scenes filmed here were shot indoors on sets, visitors can still explore iconic attractions that capture Calgary’s character. A must-visit is the Calgary Stampede, a world-famous summer event featuring rodeos, concerts and a lively midway. For panoramic views of the city skyline, head up the Calgary Tower, where you can take in sweeping sights of downtown and even the distant Rocky Mountains on a clear day. Families and animal lovers will enjoy the Calgary Zoo, one of Canada’s top zoos, while history enthusiasts can step back in time at Heritage Park Historical Village, which recreates life in Western Canada from the late 1800s to early 1900s.

Where to Eat: Calgary has a diverse food scene with plenty of highly rated options. Standout spots include Ten Foot Henry, known for its vegetable-forward dishes and shareable plates, and Vero Bistro Moderne, which offers a more upscale, European-inspired dining experience. For a classic Alberta meal, SALTLIK Calgary is a popular choice for steak, while Bridgette Bar and Model Milk deliver trendy, modern Canadian cuisine in stylish settings. If you’re looking for something more casual or unique, The Coup is a go-to for vegetarian dishes.

Where to Stay: Downtown, Le Germain Hotel Calgary is a standout boutique option known for its modern design and proximity to major attractions like the Calgary Tower, while Hyatt Regency Calgary offers a more full-service experience with spacious rooms and easy access to the city core. For a scenic riverside stay, Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire is a popular choice, especially for its location near pathways and parks. If you’re looking for something stylish but slightly more affordable, Alt Hotel Calgary East Village provides a trendy, modern atmosphere in one of the city’s up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Nanton Is Another ‘Reminders Of Him’ Filming Location Worth Visiting

Key Scenes: According to Okotoks Online, in “Reminders of Him,” Nanton serves as the heart of the film’s small-town setting, where many of the story’s most important scenes take place. The town’s historic main street (particularly along 20th Avenue) appears in key exterior shots that establish the close-knit community Kenna returns to after prison. These locations are used for everyday interactions, including moments tied to Ledger’s bar and Kenna’s encounters with locals, reinforcing the constant sense of scrutiny she faces.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Nanton is during the summer, especially from early July to mid-August, when the weather is warm and ideal for exploring the town’s historic streets, local shops and nearby attractions. This is also when Nanton is most vibrant, with seasonal events, markets and a lively small-town atmosphere.

Transportation Options: Transportation options in Nanton are fairly limited since it’s a small rural town, so most visitors rely on a mix of driving and local services. The easiest way to get there is by car, especially from nearby cities like Calgary (about an hour’s drive). Once you’re in town, driving remains the most convenient way to get around. 

Nanton sits along the historic MacLeod Trail, one of the oldest north–south travel routes in Alberta, originally used by Indigenous peoples and later by settlers and traders. The town is also known for its unusually well-preserved early 1900s architecture, which gives its downtown a “frozen in time” feel that filmmakers often look for.

Things to Do: One of the most popular stops is the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, where you can see a real Lancaster bomber and learn about WWII aviation history. The town is also known for its historic Main Street, filled with antique shops, cafés and boutique stores that make it great for a relaxed walking visit. Another key attraction is the Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre, which showcases Alberta’s agricultural history and iconic prairie grain elevators. Visitors also enjoy the Nanton Candy Store, a nostalgic shop with a huge selection of sweets, and seasonal events like the summer Nanton Nite Rodeo and farmers’ market. For nature and outdoor time, Chain Lakes offers hiking, fishing and scenic views just outside town. 

Where to Eat: One of the top-rated spots is Sweet Queen Burgers, known for classic burgers, fries and a small-town diner feel. It consistently ranks as one of the highest-reviewed restaurants in town. Another favorite is Wild Thyme Cafe, which is popular for homemade-style meals, sandwiches, soups and comfort food in a cozy setting. For coffee, brunch and lighter meals, Georgie’s Cafe is also highly rated and often mentioned for its friendly service and fresh food.

Where to Stay: Places to stay include Changing Seasons Bed and Breakfast, a highly rated cozy B&B known for its warm hospitality and comfortable rooms, and Main Street Suites Nanton, a boutique-style stay right on the historic main street with modern, spacious suites. Another option is the Ranchland Inn Nanton, which is more of a simple motel but is one of the main traditional lodging options in town.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Reminders of Him” about?

Based on the 2022 novel by Colleen Hoover, the 2026 film adaptation follows Kenna Rowan (Maika Monroe) as she returns to her hometown after serving five years in prison for a tragic accident that claimed the life of her boyfriend, Scotty (Rudy Pankow).

What movie did Jennifer Lawrence film in Calgary, Canada?

Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson filmed “Die My Love” near Calgary, Alberta.