In the world of mystery films, “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street” stands out as a gripping tale that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This Lifetime movie, part of the intriguing Maple Street trilogy, follows a young woman’s journey as she moves to a new town and becomes embroiled in a web of deceit.
As Katie, our protagonist, settles into her new life and becomes engaged to a recently divorced neighbor, she finds herself at the center of local suspicions. The plot thickens as she begins to uncover numerous falsehoods, including shocking revelations about her fiancé’s ex-wife.
But beyond the captivating storyline, what truly brings this mystery to life is its stunning backdrop. Let’s pull back the curtain and explore the real-world locations that gave “Lies and Ex Wives” its visual impact and atmospheric allure.
The Heart of the Okanagan Valley: Kelowna, British Columbia
Why Kelowna?
Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Kelowna serves as the primary filming location for “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street.” This choice is far from arbitrary. Kelowna’s diverse landscape, with its mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty, provides the perfect canvas for bringing Maple Street to life.
Kelowna isn’t new to the silver screen. In fact, this picturesque city has been a favorite among filmmakers for years, earning it the nickname “Hollywood North.”
“Kelowna offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities, making it ideal for stories that require both intimacy and scope.” – Local film commissioner (2023)
Notable Productions Filmed in Kelowna:
“A Mother’s Lie” (2019)
“Wine Country Mysteries” series (2017-2020)
“The Humanity Bureau” (2017)
“Fido” (2006)
Mirroring Themes Through Landscape
The Okanagan Valley’s landscape serves as more than just a pretty backdrop. Its rolling hills, serene lakes, and lush vineyards mirror the themes of “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street.”
Landscape Feature
Thematic Representation
Okanagan Lake
Depth of secrets
Vineyards
Complexity of relationships
Urban areas
Facade of normalcy
Surrounding mountains
Obstacles to overcome
Specific Filming Locations in Kelowna
Downtown Kelowna: The Bustling Heart of Maple Street
Downtown Kelowna transforms into the vibrant center of Maple Street, where much of the drama unfolds. The area’s mix of modern and heritage buildings provides the perfect setting for a town harboring dark secrets.
The expansive Okanagan Lake plays a crucial role in setting the mood for “Lies and Ex Wives.” Its serene surface belies the turmoil of the characters’ lives, serving as a metaphor for the hidden depths of the story.
Memorable Lake Scenes:
Sunset conversations on the pier
Tense confrontations at lakeside cafes
Reflective moments along the shoreline
Local Vineyards: Adding Depth to Character Interactions
Kelowna’s renowned wineries provide a sophisticated backdrop for character development and plot twists. The lush vineyards and elegant tasting rooms offer a stark contrast to the unraveling mysteries.
Featured Vineyards:
Mission Hill Family Estate
Quails’ Gate Winery
Cedar Creek Estate Winery
Historic Buildings: Bringing Authenticity to the Setting
Kelowna’s well-preserved historic buildings lend an air of authenticity to Maple Street. These structures, with their intricate details and storied pasts, become characters in their own right.
Notable Historic Locations:
Laurel Packinghouse (oldest fruit packing house in BC)
Kelowna Memorial Arena (for community event scenes)
Father Pandosy Mission (for flashback sequences)
Behind the Scenes: Transforming Kelowna into Maple Street
Set Design Challenges and Triumphs
Creating the fictional Maple Street within the real-world setting of Kelowna presented unique challenges for the production team.
Major Challenges Faced:
Modernizing historic buildings without losing character
Creating consistency across diverse locations
Balancing natural beauty with the need for a mysterious atmosphere
“Our goal was to make Kelowna feel both familiar and slightly off-kilter, mirroring Katie’s experience as she uncovers the town’s secrets.” – Production Designer (2024)
Local Involvement in the Production
The people of Kelowna played a crucial role in bringing “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street” to life. Their participation added authenticity and depth to the production.
Local Contributions:
Extras in community scenes
Location scouting assistance
Providing insider knowledge of the area’s history and legends
Weather and Seasonal Influences on Filming
Kelowna’s distinct seasons offered both opportunities and challenges for the production team. The changing landscape provided visual variety but required careful planning.
Season
Advantages
Challenges
Spring
Blossoming orchards
Unpredictable rain
Summer
Long, sunny days
Extreme heat
Fall
Colorful foliage
Early snowfall risk
Winter
Cozy, intimate atmosphere
Short filming days
The Cast’s Experience in Kelowna
Actor Testimonials
The cast of “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street” found inspiration in Kelowna’s natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere.
“Filming in Kelowna was like being on a working vacation. The scenery was breathtaking, and it really helped me connect with my character’s journey.” – Lead Actress (2024)
Off-Camera Adventures
Between takes, the cast explored the Okanagan Valley, immersing themselves in local culture and outdoor activities.
Popular Cast Activities:
Wine tasting tours
Hiking in Knox Mountain Park
Water sports on Okanagan Lake
Farmers’ market visits
Location Influence on Character Development
The unique setting of Kelowna played a significant role in shaping the characters’ personalities and motivations.
Character-Location Connections:
Katie’s newfound love for nature (inspired by Kelowna’s parks)
The ex-wife’s sophisticated taste (influenced by local wineries)
The fiancé’s conflicted past (reflected in the town’s mix of old and new)
Kelowna’s Film Industry Boom
Impact of “Lies and Ex Wives” on Local Economy
The production of “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street” brought significant economic benefits to Kelowna.
Economic Impact Highlights:
$3.5 million injected into local economy
150+ temporary jobs created
15% increase in tourism following film release
Other Notable Productions
Kelowna’s success with “Lies and Ex Wives” has attracted other productions to the area.
Recent Kelowna-Filmed Projects:
“Okanagan Mysteries” (TV series, 2023-present)
“The Vineyard Affair” (Feature film, 2024)
“Lakeside Secrets” (Miniseries, 2025)
Future Prospects
The success of “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street” has positioned Kelowna as a rising star in the film industry.
Upcoming Developments:
New state-of-the-art sound stage (opening 2026)
Increased film incentives from local government
Film tourism packages launched by local travel agencies
Visitor’s Guide: Exploring Maple Street Locations
Self-Guided Tour of Key Filming Spots
Fans of “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street” can now walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters.
Must-Visit Locations:
The “Maple Street” neighborhood (Downtown Kelowna)
Katie’s favorite café (Pulp Fiction Coffee House)
The lakeside gazebo (Waterfront Park)
The mysterious old mansion (Guisachan Heritage Park)
Local Attractions Featured in the Movie
Many of Kelowna’s popular attractions found their way into the film, adding depth and realism to the setting.
Featured Attractions:
Kelowna Community Theatre
Kasugai Gardens
Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market
Myra Canyon Trestles
Best Times to Visit
To fully experience the atmosphere of “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street,” timing is everything.
Optimal Visiting Periods:
Late spring (May-June) for blossoming orchards
Early fall (September-October) for wine harvest season
Winter (December-February) for cozy, mystery-solving ambiance
The Cinematography of Kelowna
Enhancing Visual Storytelling
Kelowna’s natural beauty played a crucial role in the film’s visual narrative, enhancing the storytelling through carefully composed shots.
Iconic Cinematographic Moments:
Sunrise over Okanagan Lake (opening scene)
Aerial view of downtown Kelowna (establishing shot)
Misty vineyards at dawn (climactic revelation scene)
Challenges and Advantages of Natural Settings
Filming in Kelowna’s diverse landscapes presented both opportunities and obstacles for the cinematography team.
Pros and Cons of Natural Settings:
Pro: Stunning natural light
Con: Unpredictable weather changes
Pro: Diverse locations within close proximity
Con: Crowds at popular tourist spots
Capturing Kelowna’s Essence
The film’s visual style aimed to capture the unique character of Kelowna while maintaining the mysterious atmosphere of Maple Street.
“We wanted viewers to feel the warmth of Kelowna’s community spirit, even as we built tension through shadow and framing.” – Director of Photography (2024)
Local Legends and Movie Magic
Kelowna’s Secrets in the Script
The scriptwriters drew inspiration from local Kelowna legends and stories, weaving them into the fabric of “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street.”
Local Inspirations:
The ghost of the Kelowna Yacht Club
Hidden tunnels beneath downtown
The curse of Father Pandosy’s mission
Urban Myths in the Movie
Several Kelowna urban myths found their way into the film, adding an extra layer of intrigue for local viewers.
Incorporated Urban Myths:
The Lake Monster of Okanagan (“Ogopogo”)
The haunted rooms of the Eldorado Hotel
The secret society meetings at the Laurel Packinghouse
Real-Life Inspirations
Some of the drama in “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street” was loosely based on real events from Kelowna’s history.
Historical Influences:
The Great Okanagan Land Boom of 1904-1912
The mysterious disappearances during the construction of the Kettle Valley Railway
The scandalous affairs of early Kelowna’s high society
The Legacy of “Lies and Ex Wives” in Kelowna
Long-Term Effects on Tourism and Film Industry
The success of “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street” has had a lasting impact on Kelowna’s economy and cultural landscape.
Ongoing Benefits:
25% increase in film tourism since release
Establishment of annual “Maple Street Mystery Festival”
Creation of film industry training programs at local colleges
Residents’ Perspective
Kelowna’s residents have embraced their town’s newfound fame, while maintaining a grounded perspective on the Hollywood attention.
“It’s surreal seeing our hometown on screen, but at the end of the day, we’re still the same welcoming community we’ve always been.” – Kelowna resident (2025)
Commemorating the Film
Kelowna has found creative ways to celebrate its role in “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street” while enhancing the visitor experience.
Commemorative Initiatives:
“Secrets of Maple Street” guided tours
Installation of plaques at key filming locations
Annual screening of the film at the Kelowna Community Theatre
Conclusion: The Real Secrets of Maple Street
As we’ve unveiled the locations behind “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street,” it’s clear that Kelowna is more than just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right. The city’s blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant community spirit brought depth and authenticity to the mysterious world of Maple Street.
For fans of the film and lovers of scenic destinations alike, Kelowna offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of “Lies and Ex Wives.”
Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of Katie through downtown Kelowna, sipping wine at a vineyard featured in a pivotal scene, or simply soakingin the atmosphere of Okanagan Lake, you’ll find that the real magic of Maple Street lies in the genuine charm of its real-world inspiration.
As Kelowna continues to grow as a filming destination, one thing remains certain: the secrets and stories of this Okanagan gem will continue to captivate audiences both on and off the screen.
So why not plan your visit and uncover the secrets of Maple Street for yourself? After all, in Kelowna, every corner holds a story, and every view could be the setting for the next big mystery.
FAQs: Digging Deeper into “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street”
Q: Can I visit all the locations featured in the film? A: While many locations are accessible to the public, some private properties used in filming may not be open for visits. However, the “Secrets of Maple Street” tour covers most key locations.
Q: When is the best time to visit Kelowna for a “Lies and Ex Wives” experience? A: Fall (September-October) offers a great balance of pleasant weather, beautiful foliage, and fewer crowds, mirroring the atmosphere in many of the film’s scenes.
Q: Are there any “Lies and Ex Wives” themed accommodations in Kelowna? A: While there aren’t officially themed accommodations, several hotels in downtown Kelowna offer “Mystery Weekend” packages inspired by the film.
Q: How long did filming take in Kelowna? A: Principal photography for “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street” took approximately 6 weeks in Kelowna.
Q: Did any of the cast members fall in love with Kelowna and move there? A: While no cast members have permanently relocated, several have purchased vacation properties in the area, citing their positive experiences during filming.
By exploring these locations and understanding the symbiotic relationship between Kelowna and “Lies and Ex Wives: Secrets on Maple Street,” we gain a deeper appreciation for both the film and the captivating region that brought it to life. The real secret of Maple Street? It’s the magic that happens when a great story meets an even greater location.
David Lee is a seasoned writer specializing in filming locations. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for cinema, David explores the stories behind iconic sites and shares unique insights that bring your favorite films and series to life.
