Muskoka now has a starring role in a popular Prime Video drama series, generating a lot of buzz for the region both on and off the screen.
Sterling Point, which aired this August, began filming in Muskoka in the summer of 2025, with production taking place at various locations throughout Muskoka Lakes, including Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph.
Canadian actor Jacob Whiteduck-Lavoie, who stars as one of the show’s main characters, Ellis, had never visited Muskoka before joining the production, but said he quickly understood why the area would become such an important part of the series.
“The only thing that I knew about Muskoka is that it was breath-taking…this is like peak-Canada. Just by looking at the pictures, I just knew we were going to have the time of our lives,” he said. “I think Muskoka is the main character of the show…It brings so much on screen.”
That impression only grew once filming began as Whiteduck-Lavoie and the cast got to experience the Muskoka lakes, landscapes, and laidback summer lifestyle. Whiteduck-Lavoie said he even got to take boating lessons and seaplane rides for the show and spend his time off forming memories with his castmates by the water.
“It did not feel like we were working at all when we were up in Muskoka, it just felt like summer camp,” he said. “It’s like that feeling when you’re at summer camp and every day is just the best day ever, that’s kind of how it felt. It was just like a group of friends on the water, on boats…I’m so excited to go back.”
Whiteduck-Lavoie said a major highlight for him was getting to witness the reactions of castmates Bo Bragason and Daniel Quinn Toye, both from the United Kingdom, who were experiencing Canada for the first time.
“They were seeing these views and this scenery for the first time, and they were floored. It was so cool to see their reactions.”
Sterling Point has been renewed for a second season, which is expected to be released next year. Whiteduck-Lavoie said he is eager to see his character grow and face new challenges in the show.
“I don’t want his life to be easy in season two…I want heartbreak, I want his world to be shattered,” he said. “As an actor, you want to be challenged, so I’m always craving and looking for new challenges. I want people to really get to know Ellis on a deeper level. I want a bit more grit.”
Val Hamilton, executive director of Muskoka Tourism, said the show nicely captures the essence of Muskoka summer, but hopes season two will showcase the region’s fall season.
“I think the number one thing I’d want people to know after they’ve watched the show is that we are a four-season destination,” Hamilton said. “I’m really hoping that season two will shine a light on our fall colours and our fall experiences.”
Hamilton adds the show’s success represents an opportunity to introduce the region to audiences beyond Canada, and that the exposure generated by the series could have a lasting impact on tourism across the region.
“I think the international draw to Muskoka is now going to be on full display,” she said. “It means a lot to our whole region. We really hope that people are going to see this show and it’s going to inspire them to visit Muskoka,” she said. “I’m really excited for what’s to come. I had a feeling the show could be big, and it’s certainly become bigger than I ever imagined.”
