Directed by Norma Bailey from the screenplay of Nicole Baxter, The Way to You is a 2026 Hallmark rom-com film that follows the story of two New Yorkers who help each other after a subway blackout.
Although the film is set in New York City, the movie was primarily filmed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Principal photography began on October 8, 2025, under the working title Finding My Connection, and wrapped after a little over two weeks later that same month.
Winnipeg is a longtime favorite for Hallmark productions thanks to its flexible cityscape, experienced crews, and ability to double for major U.S. cities, including New York.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Winnipeg served as the main filming hub for The Way to You. Several streets and neighborhoods across the city were carefully redressed to resemble Manhattan. Storefront signs were swapped out, parked cars were adjusted with New York-style number plates, and familiar urban details helped sell the illusion of the Big Apple.
Many of the exterior walking-and-talking scenes between Emma and Conrad were filmed on real Winnipeg streets, standing in for New York’s busy sidewalks. Interior scenes, including cafés and small businesses were shot inside real establishments temporarily taken over by the production.
Subway and Park Scenes
The subway scenes of The Way to You, which play a key role in the story, were reportedly filmed on constructed sets inside a local film studio. These controlled environments allowed the crew to recreate a New York subway car and station, including the pivotal power outage that sparks the story.
In addition, several outdoor scenes were filmed in a Winnipeg park, which doubled as Central Park. With clever camera angles and set dressing, the production captured the feel of NYC’s most iconic green space.
Winnipeg has previously hosted numerous Hallmark and mainstream productions, including A Suite Holiday Romance, Crashing Through the Snow, A Carol for Two, Across the Universe, The Constant Gardener, and Falcon Beach – making it a familiar backdrop for romance lovers.
The Way to You Cast
Kim Matula as Emma
Matula is starring in the lead role of Emma in the The Way to You film. Her credits include in ‘The Finnish Line’ as Anya Kivela, ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ as Hope Logan, Ghosts of Christmas Always, UnREAL, Dawn Patrol, Saturday Night, and Queen Sized.
Aaron O’Connell as Conrad
Aaron O’Connell stars as Conrad, Emma’s accidental partner in a citywide search for “the One.” O’Connell has appeared in several Hallmark favorites, including With Love, Christmas, 12 Gifts of Christmas, and Candy Coated Christmas. Outside of Hallmark, he’s known for roles in The Haves and the Have Nots, NCIS, and Heels.
Other cast member includes:
- Sarah Luby as Hazel
- Jacob Blair as Aaron
- Chelsea Brown as Simone
- Fay Kelman as Georgia
- Cherrel Bergen as Sales Attendant
- Lam An as Art Lover
- Scott Angus as Brett
- Simon Arblaster as Mystery man
- Carolina Campos as Veronica
- Ken Steen as Pedestrian
Behind The Scenes
Filming in Winnipeg allowed the production to efficiently recreate New York City while keeping everything logistically tight.
Local crews were heavily involved, and real locations helped give the movie an authentic, lived-in atmosphere despite being shot outside the U.S.
The subway sets were especially important, as many of the film’s emotional turning points stem from that first missed connection underground.
Where to Watch The Way to You?
The Way to You premieres on January 31 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel, and and streams on Hallmark+ on the next day of its premiere. Moreover, the film will reair on the following dates:
- Wednesday, Feb 11 at 8/7c
- Saturday, Feb 21 at 10/9c
- Sunday, March 8 at 12/11c
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