On filming, creator, director and co-showrunner Megan Park says, “We had the opportunity in this show to really showcase Muskoka for Muskoka, and what’s actually happening in that area.” Sterling Point’s production notes explain how this history includes the dispossession of Indigenous land, longtime cottage owners with generational ties to the region, and newer arrivals buying larger properties and building multimillion-dollar homes.
“With this show, from the beginning, it was always very specifically about Muskoka”, says executive producer Dani Gorin. “You have the juxtaposition with New York, where Annie comes from, and this wild, beautiful natural world, and those two environments were always meant to live in stark contrast. Megan spends time there, and she was also interested in exploring the class divide and the way the region is being gentrified.
“It was about photographing the place honestly — working with our director of photography, Kristen Correll, who collaborated with Megan on both of her features and knew how to shoot on the water. That takes patience and proficiency, but it allowed us to capture what it actually feels like to be there.”
Centred on a Canadian summer, the great outdoors steals the show throughout the series. However, there are some notable locations that residents and visitors may spot popping up across the eight episodes
Mortimer’s Marina, Lake Muskoka
Locals with a keen eye may spot this tranquil spot in the series. Mortimer’s Marina offers boat services, winter storage and an on-site café serving smoothies, coffees and ice creams throughout the summer.
Sparrow Lake Camp, Lake Muskoka
This site has operated as a summer camp since 1912 and remains a popular spot for holidaying children to this day. However, the site’s history dates back well before this, with Indigenous Canadians settling there centuries ago before the Massey family used the area as a holiday resort.
Sterling Point is available to watch on Prime Video now.