Why This Illinois-Set Hallmark Movie Was Filmed in Canada

A new Hallmark romance is tugging at heartstrings this weekend, but it’s also raising some eyebrows—and not because of the plot. The Stars Between Us offers up small-town Illinois charm, a nostalgic eclipse reunion, and all the cozy vibes you’d expect from the network.

But there’s one detail viewers just can’t ignore. While the story unfolds in Illinois, the entire movie was shot in Canada. For longtime Hallmark fans, that familiar switcheroo is both kind of funny and, honestly, a little perplexing.

Illinois in Name Only

On paper, The Stars Between Us sounds like a classic Midwestern romance. The plot centers on Kim, a young news reporter who reconnects with a mysterious stranger she met seven years ago during an eclipse.

She heads back to Illinois for another celestial event, not realizing fate might be lining things up again. It’s got all the ingredients: destiny, second chances, and a charming hometown backdrop.

It’s the sort of setting that feels tailor-made for scenic spots like White Pines, Starved Rock, or Galena. Illinois locals might’ve hoped to see those real-life landscapes on screen.

The Big Reveal

But here’s the twist. Despite the Illinois storyline, The Stars Between Us was actually filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Yep, Vancouver—the city that’s managed to play everything from New York to small-town America. Sure, the Pacific Northwest is gorgeous and versatile, but it’s definitely not the Prairie State.

For anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of familiar Illinois landmarks, that news is a bit of a letdown. The rolling bluffs, state parks, and historic small towns you’d expect just aren’t there.

Instead, it’s Hollywood magic at work: turning one place into another with camera tricks and clever set dressing.

Why Not Just Film in Illinois?

This is the question that keeps coming up. If the story’s set in Illinois, why not just shoot it there?

There are a few reasons, even if nobody spells them out. Vancouver’s been a production hotspot for ages, thanks to tax breaks, experienced crews, and built-in infrastructure.

It’s often cheaper and less complicated to film in Canada than in smaller American towns. Hallmark cranks out a ton of feel-good movies every year, so keeping costs down is a must.

• Tax incentives in British Columbia help cut production costs.
• Local crews know the drill and keep things moving fast.
• Established filming locations are already set up for quick shoots.
• Predictable weather makes scheduling easier.

Put those perks together, and Vancouver starts to look like the obvious pick. Even if the script calls for Illinois cornfields or a cozy downtown, Canada can usually fake it pretty well—and for a lot less money.

The Hallmark Illusion

Hallmark fans know this isn’t anything new. The network’s made a whole empire out of whisking viewers off to charming American towns that are, more often than not, Canadian doubles.

The magic is in the details. Storefront signs get swapped out, license plates change, and the dialogue drops in local landmarks.

Suddenly, you’re in Illinois, Colorado, or Vermont—without ever leaving British Columbia. Most of the time, nobody questions it. The cozy coffee shops, twinkling town squares, and tree-lined streets feel universal, don’t they?

Small-town America has a certain look, and Vancouver just nails it. Unless you’re hunting for inconsistencies, it’s easy to buy into the illusion.

The story usually wins out over geographic nitpicking. Still, if you’re from the state being portrayed, you might find yourself thinking: wouldn’t it have been nice to see the real thing for once?

Illinois Has Its Own Cinematic History

The funny thing is, Illinois has a pretty solid track record as a filming location. From classic comedies to holiday flicks, the state has shown it can deliver movie magic.

Take Woodstock, for example—the town that became famous in Groundhog Day, with its Victorian bed and breakfast now a point of pride for Illinois film fans.

Small Towns, Big Potential

Places like Galena, Starved Rock, and White Pines offer exactly the kind of warmth Hallmark movies love. Historic buildings, cozy inns, scenic trails, and friendly town squares are already there—no set dressing needed.

There’s a pretty strong argument for filming locally. Not only could it boost tourism, but it would also spotlight the real personality of these towns.

Imagine if eclipse-chasers actually flocked to Illinois after seeing The Stars Between Us. That kind of cross-promotion basically writes itself, doesn’t it?

Does It Really Matter?

In the end, Hallmark fans tune in for the warm fuzzies, not for a geography lesson. The emotional core of The Stars Between Us is all about destiny, timing, and rekindled connections.

Whether the backdrop is Illinois or Vancouver, it probably won’t change how viewers feel about Kim’s story. Still, there’s something kind of funny about a film that’s Illinois in spirit—and nowhere else. It just goes to show how much happens behind the scenes before anything ever hits the screen.

The Takeaway for Viewers

As you settle in to watch The Stars Between Us this weekend, keep this little secret in mind. The next time a character references Illinois skies or Midwestern roots, you’ll know that just beyond the frame lies the Canadian Pacific Northwest.

It doesn’t really take away from the romance, does it? If anything, it adds a bit of intrigue to the whole viewing experience.

Spotting these production tricks can actually be part of the fun. Hallmark’s gotten pretty good at whisking us away to idyllic towns full of hope and heart.

Are those towns really where the script says they are? Well, that’s almost beside the point.

Still, for Illinois viewers, there’s always that playful question: if you’re going to set a love story in the Prairie State, why not give the real Illinois a starring moment?