The Real Nova Scotia Locations Behind Sullivan's Crossing: Is Timberlake A Real Town?

The picturesque and emotionally resonant world of Sullivan's Crossing, which has captivated global audiences with its blend of family drama and stunning natural scenery, is—contrary to what many viewers might assume—not a real place. The series is set in the fictional town of Timberlake, Nova Scotia, but the breathtaking backdrop that makes the show so compelling is 100% authentic, filmed entirely across the beautiful and rugged landscapes of Canada’s East Coast as of the current December 2025 update.

The show's setting is a deliberate choice by showrunner Roma Roth to showcase the unique charm and visual splendor of Nova Scotia, differentiating it from other adaptations of author Robyn Carr's work, such as *Virgin River*. While the fictional town of Timberlake and the campground "Sullivan's Crossing" itself do not exist, the real-life communities and parks used for filming are accessible and well-documented, making the show's setting a fascinating blend of fantasy and reality.

The Cast of Characters: A Closer Look at the Sullivan's Crossing Ensemble

The series, which is based on the novel series by Robyn Carr, centers on a core group of characters whose lives intersect in the small, tight-knit community of Timberlake. The main cast is a collection of talented actors who bring the emotional weight and charm of the story to life, all while enjoying the scenic beauty of their Canadian filming location.

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• Morgan Kohan as Dr. Maggie Sullivan: A brilliant Boston neurosurgeon whose life is turned upside down by a legal crisis, forcing her to return to her estranged father’s campground in Timberlake, Nova Scotia.
• Scott Patterson as Harry ‘Sully’ Sullivan: Maggie’s estranged father and the owner of the rustic campground, Sullivan's Crossing. He is a complicated character with a past he'd rather keep buried. Patterson is best known for his role as Luke Danes on *Gilmore Girls*.
• Chad Michael Murray as California ‘Cal’ Jones: A mysterious and kind-hearted hiker and love interest who is staying at the campground. Murray is famous for his roles in *One Tree Hill* and *A Cinderella Story*.
• Tom Jackson as Frank Cranebear: A close friend of Sully’s and a respected member of the local Mi'kmaq community.
• Andrea Menard as Edna Cranebear: Frank’s wife, who is also a supportive figure in the community.
• Amalia Williamson as Lola Cranebear: Frank and Edna’s daughter, who develops a friendship with Maggie.
• Reid Price as Andrew: Maggie’s former fiancé from Boston.

Unmasking the Fictional Town of Timberlake, Nova Scotia

The central question for many viewers is whether they can pack a bag and visit the idyllic, restorative town where Maggie Sullivan finds her second chance. The answer is both no and yes.

The Fictional Name: Timberlake

The town of Timberlake is entirely a product of the show's narrative, created by author Robyn Carr for her book series. While Carr’s original novels were set in the Rocky Mountains, showrunner Roma Roth made the creative decision to relocate the story's setting to Nova Scotia for the television adaptation. This move was a conscious effort to give *Sullivan's Crossing* a distinct Canadian identity and a unique visual feel, separate from the show's spiritual sibling, *Virgin River*.

The Real-Life Inspiration: Halifax and Surrounding Areas

While Timberlake doesn't exist on a map, the feel of the town is perfectly captured by the real-life capital region of Nova Scotia: Halifax. Halifax is the hub for the show's production, providing a mix of urban and rugged coastal scenery. The showrunners have expertly blended various locations to create the illusion of one cohesive, charming small town. The cast, including Chad Michael Murray, has enthusiastically praised Halifax, calling it a "hidden gem" and "the best kept secret in Canada" for its kind people, cool downtown, and stunning natural beauty.

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A Detailed Map of Sullivan's Crossing's Real Filming Locations

For fans looking to experience the authentic beauty of the series, the true locations are scattered across the Halifax Regional Municipality and the wider Nova Scotia province. The production team utilized a wide range of scenic spots to capture the diversity of the East Coast.

The Campground and Natural Wonders

The rustic, nature-focused atmosphere of Sullivan's Crossing is achieved by filming in several beautiful parks and outdoor areas:

• Shubie Park (Dartmouth): A prominent filming location, this urban park likely provides many of the forest and lakeside scenes vital to the campground's setting.
• Beaver Bank: This community outside of Halifax is frequently cited as a key filming area, contributing to the rural, small-town feel of Timberlake.
• Oakfield Provincial Park: Another stunning natural area that provides the breathtaking outdoor backdrops and endless views of skies and rivers seen throughout the series.
• Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park: Used specifically for many of the aerial and scenic shots that establish the coastal beauty of the region.
• Peggy's Cove: The iconic lighthouse and village, a world-famous Nova Scotia landmark, are featured in the opening credits and establishing shots to set the scene.
• Hubley: Sully's gorgeous lakefront house, a central location in the series, is reportedly located on Five Islands Lake in Hubley.
• Terence Bay Lighthouse: The secluded cabin sequences featuring Sully and Frank were filmed near this scenic lighthouse.

The Town and Community Spots

The more urban and community-focused scenes are shot in specific locations within the city of Halifax and Dartmouth:

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• Eastern Passage (Fisherman's Cove): This historic fishing village, now a vibrant waterfront destination, doubles for the town's seaside areas. The Boondocks Restaurant, a real-life establishment, was used as the bar where Cal gets into a fight in Season 1.
• Agricola Street (North End, Halifax): Specific businesses in this area, such as the Agricola Street Brasserie and The Brown Hound Public House, have been used for restaurant and pub scenes.
• Dartmouth: Portland Street in Dartmouth was used for street scenes, including a coffee scene with Rafe and Rob.
• Mount Uniacke: The Fire House used in Seasons 2 and 3 is located in Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia.
• Halifax's South End: Rafe's house exterior is a heritage home on Inglis Street in this historic neighborhood.

The Robyn Carr Connection and The Nova Scotia Difference

The decision to set the show in Nova Scotia, a dramatic departure from the Rocky Mountain setting of Robyn Carr's books, was a major factor in the show's unique feel. Showrunner Roma Roth, who was born and raised in Canada, was passionate about creating a Canadian-set show that could reach a global audience, and the province provided the perfect atmosphere.

The East Coast of Canada, with its rugged coastline, dense forests, and welcoming culture, provides a distinct visual identity that helps *Sullivan's Crossing* stand out from the similar "small town drama" genre. The sense of a tight-knit, supportive community—a core theme of the show—is mirrored by the real-life warmth of the Nova Scotian people, a quality that the cast members have consistently noted and praised. The authenticity of the locations, from the historic streets of Halifax to the serene lakes of Beaver Bank and the iconic Peggy's Cove, grounds the fictional drama in a spectacular, tangible reality.

As the series continues to explore the complex relationship between Maggie and Sully and the developing romance with Cal, the breathtaking scenery of Nova Scotia will remain a silent, yet powerful, character in its own right, inviting fans to explore the "hidden gem" of Canada's East Coast.