Is Sullivan’s Crossing a Real Location? Insights on Filming and the Town

Sullivan’s Crossing has captured the hearts of fans with its depiction of a charming small town in Canada — but where is this popular show actually filmed?

Adapted from the book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing chronicles the journey of neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) as she faces legal issues and returns to her hometown in rural Nova Scotia to reconnect with her estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson).

As Maggie rekindles her affection for the area and its residents, she decides to stay. Fast forward three seasons, and Maggie is putting down roots in Sullivan’s Crossing alongside her love interest, Cal (Chad Michael Murray). However, some viewers may be surprised to learn that the town itself is fictional.

Is Sullivan’s Crossing a Real Place?

The fictional town (and campground) of Sullivan’s Crossing is actually represented by the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The series showcases locations like Oakfield Provincial Park, Shandon’s Diner, Beaver Bank, Shubie Park, and Eastern Passage as backdrops for important scenes, with additional footage from Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park and the village of Peggy’s Cove.

Where Is Sullivan’s Crossing Located in the Book Series?

In Carr’s novels, Sullivan’s Crossing is set in the Rocky Mountains. Showrunner Roma Roth opted to change the location after the success of Carr’s other book series — Virgin River — on Netflix.

“To ensure the show would feel unique compared to her [Carr’s] other adaptation, I decided to set it in Nova Scotia for Nova Scotia,” Roth told Variety in 2022 regarding the transition from the U.S. to Canada. “This required a slight divergence from the books. However, having been born and raised in Canada, it has always been my personal goal to create and write a Canadian content show that would reach a global audience.”

What Has the Cast Said About Filming in Canada?

Kohan, along with the rest of the cast, has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to film in Canada.

“Oh my God, I love this city,” she shared with Brit + Co in 2023. “The nice thing about it too is that it’s a city, and then just a little bit outside, you can find yourself on a trail in a small community. There are so many unique bits and pieces to choose from.”

Murray referred to the region as a “hidden gem,” stating in Parade in 2023, “It is the best-kept secret in Canada. This place is absolutely magical. We’re out there every day, and it’s such a breath of fresh air to film here. You’re surrounded by nature, and you can’t help but feel grounded. It’s spectacular and a place people need to visit.”

Meanwhile, Patterson shared his admiration for Halifax with Decider that same year, remarking, “This is a beautiful place. I mean, every day, if we’re not on the stage, we’re out in nature. And even surrounding the soundstage are amazing views of nature.”

He added, “It can be tough being away from my family for a month at a time or whatever it is. But if you’re going to be away, this is a pretty nice place to work and be.”

Sullivan’s Crossing is currently available for streaming on Netflix.