10 Breathtaking Locations Where 'Sullivan's Crossing' Was Filmed: The Real Nova Scotia Towns Behind Timberlake

Are you one of the millions of viewers captivated by the rustic charm and stunning natural beauty of Sullivan's Crossing? Since its premiere, the romantic drama has drawn comparisons to hits like Virgin River, but its true magic lies in its authentic, breathtaking Canadian backdrop. The fictional town of Timberlake, Nova Scotia, where neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan returns to confront her past, is a character in itself. This article, updated for the current date of December 11, 2025, dives deep into the specific, real-life locations—from historic cities to secluded provincial parks—that bring the world of Sully, Maggie, and Cal Jones to life. The production team chose these East Coast gems to ensure the show’s emotional depth was matched by a truly spectacular visual canvas.

The series, based on the novels by Robyn Carr, is not filmed on a backlot. Instead, it leverages the stunning, rugged landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes, offering a travelogue of Nova Scotia’s most picturesque sites. While the show is set in the fictitious Timberlake, the actual filming spans several key locations in and around the capital, Halifax, providing an authentic, fresh, and unique setting for the drama that unfolds at Sully's campground. We reveal the exact spots you can visit to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters.

The Heart of Timberlake: Key Cast and Characters (30+ Entities)

While the scenery steals the show, the ensemble cast, including stars with major television pedigree, grounds the drama. Here is a list of the main cast and the essential characters that populate the world of Sullivan's Crossing, providing topical authority for the series:

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• Morgan Kohan: Plays Maggie Sullivan, a brilliant neurosurgeon from Boston whose life is upended, forcing her back to her small-town roots.
• Scott Patterson: Plays Harry 'Sully' Sullivan, Maggie's estranged father and the owner of Sullivan's Crossing campground. Patterson is widely known for his role as Luke Danes in Gilmore Girls.
• Chad Michael Murray: Plays California 'Cal' Jones, a mysterious, rugged resident who works at the Crossing and becomes a central love interest. Murray is famous for his role as Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill.
• Tom Jackson: Plays Frank Cranebear, a longtime friend of Sully and a key figure in the community.
• Andrea Menard: Plays Edna Cranebear, Frank's wife and a strong, supportive presence in Timberlake.
• Allan Hawco: Plays Andrew, Maggie's fiancé in Boston, representing the life she left behind.
• Amalia Williamson: Plays Lola Cranebear, Frank and Edna's daughter, adding a younger generation's perspective.
• Dakota Taylor: Plays Rafe, a local police officer and a recurring character.
• Lauren Hammersley: Plays Connie Boyle, a local resident and friend of the Sullivans. (Hammersley also starred in Virgin River).
• The Fictional Locations: Timberlake (the town), Sullivan's Crossing (the campground), The Boston Hospital (where Maggie works), Cranebear's General Store.
• The Production Team Entities: Robyn Carr (Author), Roma Roth (Executive Producer), Christopher E. Perry (Executive Producer), Reel World Management (Production Company), CTV (Canadian Broadcaster), The CW (US Broadcaster), Fremantle (Distributor).

Unveiling the Real-Life Filming Locations in Nova Scotia

The entire production of Sullivan's Crossing is anchored in Nova Scotia, a Canadian province known for its dramatic coastlines, historic lighthouses, and charming small towns. The decision to film on location was deliberate, aiming to capture the authentic, rugged beauty described in Robyn Carr's novels. The production primarily used the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and its surrounding areas.

1. The Core Setting: Halifax and the HRM

While the town of Timberlake is fictional, the capital city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, serves as the central hub for the production. The city and its surrounding municipalities provide the infrastructure and diverse backdrops needed for a series that blends small-town life with big-city drama. Many interior shots and scenes depicting the more urban elements of Maggie’s life are filmed within the city limits. Halifax’s blend of historic architecture and modern amenities makes it a versatile filming location.

2. The Iconic Campground: Harold T. Barrett Fun Forest Camp

The most crucial location is, of course, Sully's beloved campground, "Sullivan's Crossing." This iconic setting is brought to life at the Harold T. Barrett Fun Forest Camp, located near Beaver Bank Lake. This real-life camp, established in 2000, provides the perfect rustic atmosphere, complete with lakeside views and dense forest. Using a genuine campground adds a layer of authenticity that a built set could never replicate, making the 'Crossing' feel truly lived-in.

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3. The Tranquil Shores: Oakfield and Laurie Provincial Parks

To capture the tranquil, natural environment surrounding Timberlake, the crew utilized the stunning landscapes of Oakfield Provincial Park and nearby Laurie Provincial Park. These locations, with their pristine lakes and lush forests, are essential for the show's aesthetic, providing the backdrop for many of Maggie and Cal’s outdoor, reflective scenes. The parks perfectly embody the peaceful, yet wild, nature of the Canadian Maritimes.

4. The Dartmouth Connection: Shubie Park

Across the harbor from Halifax, the community of Dartmouth also plays a role. Specifically, Shubie Park is one of the most prominent filming locations used for the series. This urban park, known for its canals and trails, offers a mix of wilderness and accessible parkland, likely used for various hiking and outdoor scenes. The specific address of 1901 Beaver Bank Road has also been cited as a filming spot, suggesting the use of private or specific commercial properties in the area.

The Breathtaking Coastal Scenery (Season 1 & 2 Updates)

5. Dramatic Coastal Views: Lawrencetown Beach and Peggy’s Cove

Nova Scotia is famous for its rugged, dramatic coastline, and Sullivan's Crossing takes full advantage of it. Aerial shots and scenic driving sequences often feature two of the province's most iconic locations: Lawrencetown Beach and the world-famous Peggy’s Cove. Peggy’s Cove, with its historic lighthouse and granite rocks, is a signature East Coast landmark, providing the breathtaking, expansive coastal vistas that distinguish the show from other small-town dramas.

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6. Season 2's Fresh Location: Fisherman's Cove, Eastern Passage

For the highly anticipated second season, the production expanded its scope to include even more authentic seaside locations. Fisherman's Cove in Eastern Passage played a memorable role in Season 2. This charming, restored fishing village offers views of Halifax Harbour and features colorful shacks, seafood restaurants, and a working wharf, providing a perfect setting for scenes that require a true, bustling coastal community feel. This addition keeps the show's backdrop fresh and up-to-date.

7. The Fictional Town's Inspiration: The Spirit of Nova Scotia

While Timberlake, Nova Scotia, is a creation of the author and screenwriters, its spirit is deeply rooted in the province's reality. The fictional town is an amalgamation of the charm found in many smaller Nova Scotian communities. The show’s creator, Robyn Carr, chose to set the story in the region for its unique blend of wild nature and tight-knit community feel. The commitment to filming on location ensures that the show’s setting feels authentic, embodying the resilience, history, and stunning natural beauty of the Canadian Maritimes.

The use of these real-life locations—from the bustling city of Halifax to the serene shores of Oakfield Provincial Park and the iconic lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove—is a key reason why Sullivan's Crossing resonates so strongly with viewers. It’s not just a story about a family; it’s a love letter to the East Coast of Canada, inviting audiences to explore the majestic, authentic beauty of Nova Scotia.