Walking the Pages: A Fan’s Guide to Every Summer After in the Ottawa Valley

As readers eagerly anticipate Carley Fortune's return to the beloved lakes of the Ottawa Valley in her upcoming novel, One Golden Summer, what better way to prepare than by revisiting the cherished locations that brought the quintessential cottage life of Every Summer After to life?

Fortune's evocative storytelling painted a vivid picture of this Ontario region, making its lakes and towns feel like characters in themselves. For those who fell in love with Percy and Sam's story, the Ottawa Valley isn't just a setting—it's a place brimming with nostalgic summer experiences and the promise of lakeside romance.

Join us as we take a trip down memory lane, highlighting seven real-life spots in and around the Ottawa Valley—all conveniently located near Greystone on Golden Lake—that offer a tangible connection to Every Summer After.

🎬 TV UPDATE: The wait is over! Every Year After, the Amazon Prime Video adaptation of this story, premieres June 10, 2026. Read on to find the real-life locations that inspired the sets you see on screen!

1. Polish Flavours and Lively Nights at the Wilno Tavern

The local tavern is a vital backdrop to the community in the books. On page 34 of Every Summer After, Percy learns about Sam’s family’s restaurant serving pierogies. The Wilno Tavern, just a short drive from Greystone on Golden Lake, is the real-life inspiration for the tavern in the book. Nestled in Wilno, Canada’s oldest Polish settlement, you can still grab those famous pierogies and catch their "Tuesday Night Blues" music sessions.

2. The Modern Meet-Up Spot: Madawaska Coffee

As Percy returns to Barry's Bay in the present day, she notices the subtle signs of change, including a new cafe advertising lattes and cappuccinos (page 46). This description perfectly matches Madawaska Coffee, a popular local spot right in Barry's Bay. Imagine grabbing a coffee here, just as Percy might have, while reconnecting with the town and its memories.

3. Indulge in a Classic Cottage Treat: Moose Tracks

For fans of Every Summer After, you might remember Sam's fondness for Moose Tracks ice cream, a classic flavour he declares his love for on page 52. Here at Greystone on Golden Lake, we understand the simple joys of a perfect summer treat. That's why we're delighted to offer our staying guests complimentary ice cream on Friday nights during the summer—and you'll often find the beloved Moose Tracks among our selections!

4. Retro Romance Under the Stars: The Skylight Drive-In

For a date night with a literary twist, head to the Skylight Drive-In in Pembroke. Mentioned on page 264, Sam suggests taking Percy to see a "cheesy old horror movie" there. Embrace the nostalgia and enjoy a movie under the stars at this classic drive-in, which is still thriving today! Conveniently located only about 40 minutes from Greystone on Golden Lake, it's an easy evening excursion to relive the story.

5. The Charm of Small-Town Shopping: V&S Stedman's

Percy's description of Stedman's on page 115 as "half general store, half dollar store" with an unpredictable inventory is spot-on for the real V&S Stedman's Department Store in Barry's Bay. This local institution still thrives today, offering that wonderfully eclectic mix of goods. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time and into the pages of the book.

6. The Familiar First Stop: Pizza Pizza at the Valu-mart (Now Independent)

The journey into the world of Every Summer After begins with a simple slice. As Percy's family arrives at their lake cottage on page 10, their first order of business is takeout from the Pizza Pizza that was attached to the Valu-mart (now known as the Your Independent Grocer).

Note for Visitors: Unfortunately, the Pizza Pizza inside the grocery store has since closed its doors. However, if you are in Barry’s Bay and craving a slice to start your own summer adventure, we highly recommend heading over to Vito’s Pizzeria for a local favorite that hits the spot!

7. Percy's Present-Day Anchor: The Pinewood Inn

In the novel, Percy stays at the Pinewood Inn, a key location for her return. While visiting, Barry's Bay offers other attractions nearby to explore: browse local crafts at Grumblin' Granny's and Gift It Gray, admire blooms at Church Street Flowers, or grab a bite at The Hungry Pig Diner.

NEW FOR 2025: The Carley Fortune Book Benches

Fans now have two brand-new "pilgrimage" spots to visit in Barry's Bay! These commemorative benches were installed to celebrate the characters that made the world fall in love with the Valley.

• The "Percy & Sam" Bench: Located at the Barry’s Bay Public Beach (Waterfront), overlooking the municipal dock. This is the exact spot where they would have sat to talk and share ice cream.

  The Inscription: "Percy and Sam were here"

  
  

• The "Charlie & Alice" Bench: Located outside the Barry’s Bay Railway Station (Tourism Office). This spot is dedicated to the leads of One Golden Summer, marking a pivotal location from the new book.

  The Inscription: "Charlie and Alice were here"

Experience the "Carley Fortune Effect"

The impact of these stories has been so profound that fans from all over the world are now traveling to the Ottawa Valley to see these spots for themselves. To learn more about how these books are taking the world by storm, listen to this fascinating CBC Radio interview:

The Carley Fortune Effect: Taking the Romance World by Storm

As you explore this scenic region, you'll undoubtedly feel the echoes of Percy and Sam's unforgettable story. We can't wait to welcome you to the lake!