Curious to know more about the hit series “The Mayor of Kingstown?” Returning to our television screens for its third season, “The Mayor of Kingstown” tells the tale of an ex-cop who lives in a community where the prison-industrial complex is the main driver of the local economy.
The second season of “The Mayor of Kingstown” premiered in late January 2023, and fans are looking forward to the third season, which is scheduled to premiere in June 2024. The show was largely produced in Kingston, Ontario, even though the fictional town of Kingstown, Michigan, serves as the setting for the television series. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and its environs served as the filming location for the second and third seasons.
Let’s dive into the many places that fans will undoubtedly remember, including Kingston and beyond.
Kingston (Ontario, Canada)
Key Scenes: The Mayor Of Kingstown Prison scenes
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) for warm weather and outdoor activities or Fall (September to October)
Transportation Options: driving, public transit, or tour buses.
Filming took place at the former Kingston Penitentiary, often known as Kingston Pen in Canada, for both the interior and exterior sequences depicted in the series’ enormous prison. This town is home to the show’s co-creator and actor Hugh Dillon who played the part of Ian Ferguson.
Things to Do: Explore the charming small-town ambiance, visit local parks, and check out the historic buildings in nearby Kingston, Ontario.
Where to Eat: Enjoy local cuisine at Chez Piggy, a popular restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food.
Where to Stay: The Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront offers comfortable accommodations with beautiful views of Lake Ontario.
Hamilton (Ontario, Canada)
Key Scenes: Industrial areas, urban landscapes, and some action scenes.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Transportation: Easily reachable by car via Highway 403; GO Transit trains and buses connect Hamilton to Toronto and surrounding areas.
Glenview East, Hamilton’s 290 Queenston Road, is the address of the McLusky office. Google Maps street views from June 2021 still display the way the film crew decorated the outside of this building, which was once a Bank of Montreal branch. The Red Carriage diner, located on Toronto’s Dundas Street, was the Lakeview Restaurant, where Mike caught up with a few guards. The Boondock Saints, Hairspray, and The Shape of Water are just a few of the shows that have included this recognizable eatery.
Sam’s Tavern, located at 632 Barton Street E in Hamilton’s Gibson district, is the Gaelic Pub. The address of the McLusky residence in Brantford is 31 William Street. The Serbian-Canadian Community Center in Hamilton, Ontario, serves as the outside of the police station in the seventh episode in Season 2.
Additionally, 10 Keith Street in Hamilton is the address of the home that the police raided in episode 3. The dockside sequences were shot in the vicinity of Hamilton Harbor’s Heddle Shipyards. Please be mindful of the property owners if you are paying a visit to their private residence.
Things to Do: Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, hike the scenic trails of the Bruce Trail, or explore the art galleries and museums in downtown Hamilton.
Where to Eat: Enjoy a meal at The French, a highly rated bistro known for its elegant atmosphere and gourmet dishes.
Where to Stay: The Sheraton Hamilton Hotel provides modern amenities and is conveniently located near many attractions.
Brantford (Ontario, Canada)
Key Scenes: Historic buildings, local streets, and various community settings.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) for warm weather and outdoor festivals or Fall (September to October).
Transportation: Accessible by car via Highway 403; regional buses and VIA Rail trains connect to major cities like Toronto and London.
The opening sequence of the second episode of Season 1, “The End Begins,” was shot at Burlington’s historic Bayview Cemetery. Actually called Triggers and Bows, the Big Mountain Arrow and Bow shop is a hunting supply store on the outskirts of Burford, fifteen minutes west of Brantford. The crash happened near the crossroads of Grey Street and Clarence Street in Brantford, where the automobile chase was recorded. In the conclusion of the episode, there is a hotel scene with Emma Laird’s character Iris, which was filmed in The Ritz-Carlton in downtown Toronto.
Things to Do: Explore the Bell Homestead National Historic Site, stroll along the Grand River, or visit the Brantford Farmers’ Market.
Where to Eat: The Olde School Restaurant is a local favorite, offering a unique dining experience with a touch of history.
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Brantford Conference Centre offers comfortable lodging with excellent service and amenities.
Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania, United States)
Key Scenes: Urban environments, distinctive skyline shots, and various neighborhood scenes.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to November).
Transportation: Well-connected by car via Interstates 76, 79, and 376; Pittsburgh International Airport offers flights from various locations; Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses provide additional travel options.
Kingstown is in a chaotic state in Season 2 following the riots. The Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark, situated in Swissvale along the Monongahela River, served as the backdrop for the filming of the temporary jail. This reminder of Pittsburgh’s steel industry from the 20th century is now a museum, a gathering place, and even a place for weddings and meetings.
There are also pictures of the Elizabeth Bridge and the Lane Bane Bridge in Brownsville. Lake Erie was used to film the boat sequences. Mario’s Cell Phone Repair, Bunny’s new hiding place, is situated at 706 Braddock Avenue in Braddock. Don’s Diner, located at 1729 Eckert Street in Pittsburgh, is the bar where Mike met Ian and a few other police officers, nestled beneath a bridge. Cavo Night Club, which is situated in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, is Milo’s club in Season 2.
Futhermore, Mike’s Whiskey Store is a small business at 3224 Brighton Road in Brighton Heights, Pittsburgh. Just across the street is O’Brien’s bar, where Mike orders a glass of whiskey as Kyle and Robert play pool. In the fifth episode of Season 2, “Kill Box,” the former Western Penitentiary in Marshall-Shadeland, Pittsburgh, serves as the Anchor Bay Correctional Facility.
The third season of Mayor of Kingstown is speculated to have been filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In Season 3, a new face of the Russian mob establishes a shop in the city, a drug battle rages both inside and outside prison walls, and a string of explosions shakes Kingstown and its residents.
Things to Do: Explore the Andy Warhol Museum, take a ride on the Duquesne Incline for panoramic city views, or visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Where to Eat: Enjoy a meal at Primanti Bros., a famous Pittsburgh eatery known for its unique sandwiches.
Where to Stay: The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh offers luxury accommodations with stylish decor and excellent service.