Every Year After, Prime Video's new romance series, has captivated audiences with its heart-wrenching tale of childhood friends finding love again after a decade-long falling out. But what's truly fascinating is not just the story, but the locations that bring it to life. The show, based on Carley Fortune's best-selling novel, Every Summer After, is set in a rural lakeside town in Barry's Bay, Ontario, where Fortune herself grew up. However, the filming locations took a slightly different path, offering a unique twist on the original setting.
One of the key locations is Bowen Island, a popular filming spot for shows like Riverdale and Supernatural. Bowen Island Tourism reports that several local establishments were used in the series, including Union Steamship Marina Resort, Doc Morgan's Pub and Restaurant, Tippy's Cookhouse, and the Lagoon Causeway. These locations helped recreate the magic of Barry's Bay, offering a sense of authenticity that is crucial to the story's charm.
Another significant location is Minaty Bay, which was primarily used for outdoor swimming scenes. The cold, glacier-fed waters of Minaty Bay presented an interesting challenge for the cast, as Sadie Soverall, who plays Percy Fraser, noted in an interview with Decider. Soverall's excitement about swimming in the cold waters highlights the dedication of the cast to bringing the story to life.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the effort to maintain the Canadian authenticity of the novel. While the show wasn't filmed in Barry's Bay, it still managed to capture the essence of the rural lakeside setting. This attention to detail is what makes Every Year After so captivating, as it transports viewers to a place that feels both familiar and new.
In my opinion, the choice to film in multiple Canadian locations, particularly British Columbia, adds a layer of depth to the show. It allows viewers to imagine themselves in the story, exploring the very places where the characters find solace and love. This is what makes Every Year After so compelling, as it invites us to reflect on our own relationships and the power of second chances.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the use of local establishments in Bowen Island. It not only adds to the show's authenticity but also highlights the importance of community and shared experiences in the story. This is what makes Every Year After so relatable, as it speaks to the universal human need for connection and understanding.
What this really suggests is that Every Year After is not just a romance series, but a celebration of Canadian culture and the power of storytelling. It invites us to reflect on our own lives and the relationships that shape us, offering a glimpse into the magic of second chances and the beauty of finding love again.