This Quaint Canadian Island Is The Main Filming Location For Prime Video’s ‘Every Year After’

Prime Video’s “Every Year After” has quickly become one of the most talked-about romance series of 2026, bringing Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel “Every Summer After” to life for a new audience. Starring Sadie Soverall as Percy Fraser and Matt Cornett as Sam Florek, the series follows two childhood friends whose first love, heartbreak and eventual reunion unfold across multiple summers.

The show’s emotional storytelling, nostalgic lake town atmosphere and stunning scenery have sparked a wave of interest among travelers interested in entertainment tourism, “Every Year After” offers the perfect combination of romance, waterfront accommodations, charming small-town vibes and Canadian adventure. While viewers may recognize the fictional setting of Barry’s Bay, the real filming locations tell a slightly different story. From picturesque island communities to vibrant urban backdrops, the series showcases some of British Columbia’s most beautiful destinations.

Before planning your own set-jetting getaway, it helps to understand how the show’s fictional world connects to the real places where cameras were rolling.

Is Barry’s Bay A Real Place?

Yes, Barry’s Bay is a real town tucked into Ontario’s cottage country. Author Carley Fortune spent much of her childhood there, drawing on her fond memories of lake life, summer friendships and local family-run businesses to shape the cozy setting of her novel, as People reports.

If you tune into the Prime Video adaptation, however, you will notice a distinct change in scenery. According to Decider, showrunner Amy B. Harris and her production team chose to relocate the story to British Columbia after finding locations that better fit their visual vision. Rather than trying to pass off the West Coast as Ontario, the show fully embraced its breathtaking new backdrop.

For travel-minded fans, this shift creates two unique real-world adventures. You can visit the authentic Barry’s Bay in Ontario to experience the warm, lake-town atmosphere that inspired the original book, or head to British Columbia – starting with key filming spots like Bowen Island – to take in the sweeping mountain views and coastal waters featured on screen. Whichever destination you choose, both offer a wonderful way to step into the world of the story.

Bowen Island Belongs On Your Canadian Travel Bucket List

Key Scenes: Many of the dock, waterfront, tavern, marina and lakeside moments between Percy and Sam were filmed around Bowen Island, as HerCampus reports. Locations like the Snug Cove area, Union Steamship Marina Resort, Doc Morgan’s Pub and nearby shoreline locations played a big part in the series. Minaty Bay was used for several swimming scenes, too, per Decider.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall on Bowen Island offers the warmest temperatures, ferry-friendly weather and the closest experience to the sun-soaked atmosphere featured in the series. 

Transportation Options: Visitors can reach Bowen Island via a roughly 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Once on the island, travelers can explore by car, bicycle, local transit or on foot. The area is highly walkable after ferry travel, but non-central areas are a bit hilly, so that’s something to consider. 

Production chose Bowen Island for filming “Every Year After” because of its picturesque waterfront views, small-town atmosphere and easy access to the mainland. In the area, the historic Union Steamship Marina Resort served as a backdrop for multiple scenes. Additionally, Doc Morgan’s Pub and Restaurant was transformed into the beloved Tavern that appears on-screen. Other filming sites included Tippy’s Cookhouse, the Lagoon Causeway, Snug Cove and surrounding waterfront areas. 

Outdoor swimming scenes were filmed at Minaty Bay, known for its cold, refreshing waters that cast members frequently mentioned in interviews. Sadie Soverall even shared with Decider, “I think for me, anything swimming I was really excited to do. I mean, I think in the actual doing of it, it was an interesting challenge because we were at Minaty Bay. It was a beautiful, glacier-fed lake. So it was cold.”

Things to Do: A visit to Bowen Island can easily become a full-day or weekend getaway. If visitors start in Snug Cove, they can stroll the waterfront and spot several filming locations from the series. Nature lovers can explore local hiking trails, enjoy kayaking excursions or take in views of Howe Sound during a tour. The Lagoon Causeway offers peaceful walking opportunities, while Dorman Point Trail provides beautiful coastal scenery. Fans of the show may enjoy simply wandering through the island’s charming village atmosphere and imagining Percy and Sam’s story unfolding around them.

Where to Eat: For the ultimate “Every Year After” experience, start with Doc Morgan’s Pub and Restaurant, which appears prominently in the series. Nearby, Tippy’s Cookhouse also served as a filming backdrop. It offers a casual waterfront dining experience for guests. Travelers can also explore cafés and eateries around Snug Cove and the Union Steamship Marina area. These spots make it easy to spend an afternoon enjoying local seafood, coffee and scenic views while following in the footsteps of the cast.

Where to Stay: Fans hoping to immerse themselves in the setting should consider accommodations near the marina and waterfront district. The Union Steamship Marina Resort is especially appealing because it appears in the series and places guests within walking distance of several filming locations. Visitors can also find vacation rentals, boutique inns and waterfront cottages throughout the island that capture the cozy lakeside-and-coastal atmosphere that makes “Every Year After” so memorable.

Vancouver Is Another Must-See ‘Every Year After’ Filming Location

Key Scenes: Production used Vancouver area locations for some city-based scenes, as Global News reports. Interior shots and studio work took place at North Shore Studios in North Vancouver.

Best Time to Visit: Generally, between June and September is the best time to visit Canada’s west coast. It offers the warmest temperatures, longer daylight hours and the best conditions for sightseeing. 

Transportation Options: Vancouver International Airport offers service to major North American cities, making it a good option for travelers. But once visitors get to Vancouver, they can use public transit. The best options are rideshares, rental cars, ferries and the city’s extensive walking and cycling infrastructure.

Vancouver’s versatility makes it one of North America’s busiest filming destinations, as travelers may discover. “Every Year After” joins a long list of productions that have used the region’s mix of urban environments, waterfront landscapes and mountain views. Among them are “Riverdale,” “Deadpool,” “Supernatural,” “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” and “The X-Files.”

Things to Do: Popular options include visiting the waterfront, exploring diverse neighborhoods and enjoying local beaches. But travelers can also take day trips to nearby Grouse Mountain and other coastal communities. Additionally, Bowen Island is easily accessible from Vancouver.

Where to Eat: Locals and travelers know Vancouver for its multicultural food scene. It offers everything from fresh seafood to globally inspired cuisine. Travelers interested in entertainment tourism can enjoy waterfront dining like Miku before heading toward Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island. Some other popular dining options in Van City include The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant and Cardero’s Restaurant & Live Bait Marine Pub. 

Where to Stay: Accommodations in downtown Vancouver offer easy access to major attractions. The Pan Pacific Vancouver and The St. Regis Hotel are great options for travelers. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barry’s Bay known for?

Locals know Barry’s Bay as a gateway to Ontario cottage country. It sits near Kamaniskeg Lake in the Ottawa Valley region. The town is popular for summer recreation, waterfront cottages, boating, fishing and outdoor activities. It is also notable as the childhood summer destination that inspired Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel “Every Summer After,” which later became the basis for “Every Year After.”

Will there be a season two of “Every Year After”?

Yes, season two is set to adapt Carley Fortune’s follow-up novel, “One Golden Summer,” which focuses on Sam’s brother, Charlie, and his romance with a photographer named Alice.