Alberta's hidden gems shine in Reminders of Him film adaptation
A new film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel Reminders of Him has put two Alberta locations in the spotlight. Calgary and the small town of Nanton served as key filming sites for the 2026 release. The story, centred on second chances and hidden secrets, unfolds against the backdrop of these contrasting settings.
The production team chose Calgary for its urban charm and controlled studio spaces. Meanwhile, Nanton’s well-preserved early 1900s architecture provided the perfect small-town atmosphere for exterior scenes.
The film follows the novel’s plot, set in a quiet American town where past mistakes resurface. While the story is fictional, the locations are very real. Calgary’s modern yet relaxed vibe, combined with its scenic river pathways, offered a versatile urban setting. Many interior scenes were shot on sound stages across the city, taking advantage of its established production infrastructure.
For the small-town scenes, the crew turned to Nanton, a community about 90 minutes south of Calgary. Its historic main street, lined with buildings from the early 1900s, gave the film an authentic, timeless feel. The town’s warm summer weather also made it an ideal filming location, with long daylight hours and clear skies. Beyond filming, both locations are popular with visitors. Calgary’s summer months bring sunny skies and a packed events calendar, making it the best time to explore the city’s free downtown transit zone and outdoor spaces. Nanton, too, shines in summer, when tourists stroll its preserved streets and browse local shops. The town’s ‘frozen in time’ appearance adds to its charm, offering a glimpse into Alberta’s past. Calgary’s weather can be unpredictable, thanks to the nearby Rocky Mountains. A phenomenon called a *Chinook*—a warm, dry wind—can cause dramatic temperature swings, sometimes raising winter temperatures by 20°C in just hours. This quirk of nature adds another layer of character to the region, though it didn’t disrupt filming.
The 2026 film Reminders of Him will showcase Alberta’s diverse landscapes, from Calgary’s urban energy to Nanton’s nostalgic streets. Both locations provided the authenticity needed to bring the story to life. With filming complete, the towns now await the movie’s release—and the attention it may bring to their unique settings.
