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| Where Was Girls Like Girls Filmed? Inside the Beautiful Canadian Locations That Brought Hayley Kiyoko's Summer Romance to Life. (Credits: Focus Ent) |
When Hayley Kiyoko's highly anticipated coming-of-age romance Girls Like Girls arrives in cinemas on 19 June 2026, audiences will be transported to a dreamy small-town Oregon summer filled with first love, heartbreak and self-discovery. Yet despite the story unfolding in rural Oregon, the film's actual production took place hundreds of miles away in Kelowna, British Columbia, where rolling hills, lakeside scenery and quiet residential streets provided the perfect backdrop for the emotional drama. As fans begin searching for the real-world locations behind the film's most memorable moments, interest in Kelowna's cinematic transformation has surged.
Not every filming site used during production was publicly revealed while cameras were rolling. Like many modern productions, certain location details were intentionally kept under wraps to avoid unwanted disruptions from overly enthusiastic fans turning up during filming.
What has emerged since, however, paints a fascinating picture of how one Canadian city became the visual heart of one of 2026's most talked-about romantic dramas. The centrepiece of the production was undoubtedly Kelowna, a city known for its vineyards, lakefront views and long summer days.
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Throughout the film, audiences will notice streets lined with mature trees, suburban neighbourhoods bathed in golden sunlight and an atmosphere that feels remarkably close to the Pacific Northwest setting described in Kiyoko's original novel.
The city effectively doubles as rural Oregon, and frankly, it performs the role so convincingly that many viewers may never realise they have actually spent two hours looking at British Columbia.
One of the most significant filming areas was the collection of residential neighbourhoods across Kelowna, where many of Coley and Sonya's personal moments unfold. Several scenes, including emotional conversations and the film's pivotal reunion sequence, were captured among quiet suburban streets.
These neighbourhoods contribute heavily to the movie's intimate tone, creating a believable environment where everybody appears to know everyone else's business—a staple ingredient in almost every coming-of-age story ever written.
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Another standout location is the breathtaking Okanagan Lake waterfront. The vast lake and surrounding hillsides become a constant visual presence throughout the film, helping establish the warm, nostalgic feeling that defines the story.
The shimmering water and sun-soaked shoreline give Girls Like Girls its distinctive summer aesthetic. It's the sort of scenery that quietly reminds viewers why characters in romantic dramas always seem to spend their afternoons staring thoughtfully into the distance rather than answering text messages.
The production also made extensive use of the Okanagan Lake shoreline parks and beach areas, where several outdoor sequences were reportedly staged.
These stretches of waterfront add texture to the narrative and reinforce the sense of freedom experienced by the young characters as they navigate friendships, identity and first love. The natural beauty does much of the heavy lifting, saving the screenplay from having to constantly remind audiences that summer is supposed to feel magical.
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A key location in the film's dramatic final act is a private suburban residence in Kelowna, which served as the setting for the climactic pool party sequence. The property became one of the production's most important locations, hosting scenes filled with emotional confrontations, shifting friendships and romantic tension.
While viewers may focus on the unfolding drama, the house itself almost becomes a character, embodying the social pressures and expectations that drive much of the story's conflict.
Another location woven into the film's visual identity is Downtown Kelowna, where select exterior scenes help establish the small-town atmosphere.
The area combines independent shops, local cafés and walkable streets that fit seamlessly into the film's mid-2000s-inspired setting. Its relaxed character provides an effective contrast to the more emotionally intense moments unfolding elsewhere in the story.
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The production is also understood to have utilised areas around Knox Mountain Park, whose elevated viewpoints and natural landscapes complement the film's reflective moments.
The sweeping views across the city and lake add scale to a story that is otherwise deeply personal. It is the perfect location for characters contemplating life's biggest questions, or at least pretending to while staring dramatically at a horizon.
Several scenes were additionally filmed around Waterfront Park, one of Kelowna's most recognisable public spaces. The location's lakeside pathways and open green areas contribute to the film's relaxed visual rhythm.
It captures the feeling of endless summer days that seem to stretch forever—a sensation many adults remember fondly and then immediately ruin by checking work emails.
Perhaps the most personal filming location of all sits within the residential areas connected to Kiyoko's family history. The director has spoken about shooting portions of the movie only a few streets away from her grandparents' former home.
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That connection gives the project an added layer of authenticity and emotional resonance, transforming Girls Like Girls from a straightforward adaptation into something deeply personal for its creator.
Filming took place over an intensive 24-day schedule between July and August 2024. Originally, production explored alternatives including Winnipeg and Toronto before ultimately settling on Kelowna.
The decision proved to be more than practical. The city delivered the exact visual language the story required while allowing Kiyoko to reconnect with a place tied closely to her childhood memories.
Fan reaction to the filming locations has varied considerably online. Some viewers have praised Kelowna's picturesque scenery, arguing that the landscapes almost steal the show from the cast.
Others have expressed surprise that a story set in Oregon was filmed entirely in Canada, though many admit they could not tell the difference. Social media discussions have been particularly enthusiastic about the lakefront scenes, with several fans already adding Kelowna to future travel plans.
Meanwhile, some netizens joked that after watching the trailer, local tourism officials should probably prepare for an influx of visitors searching for Coley and Sonya despite them being fictional characters.
As interest in Girls Like Girls continues to grow ahead of its release, the spotlight on Kelowna, Okanagan Lake, Waterfront Park, Knox Mountain Park and the city's residential districts is only expected to intensify.
The film may tell a story about first love and self-discovery, but it also serves as a surprisingly effective showcase for one of British Columbia's most photogenic destinations. Have these locations earned a place on your travel bucket list, or is there another movie filming location you'd love to visit?