Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are all of the events for the weekend in one location?
Yes! Friday and Saturday events are at the host hotel. Sunday’s visit to Hope Valley is off site and you will be transported via bus from the host hotel to set.
2. May I drive myself to Hope Valley?
No, there are no personal automobiles allowed on set. This is private property and a closed set. There will be security on the property and they will not allow entry of Hearties who are not on the approved tour buses.
3. I want to see (insert favorite actor here)! Will he/she be there?
Actors will be in attendance to participate in cast question-and-answer panels; however, due to production schedules and the last-minute nature of the filming industry, we are unable to guarantee that any particular cast member will be in attendance. Based on past events, we are confident in saying that the majority of the cast will make every effort to attend. Cast interaction (meet-and-greet, selfies, or autographs) is not currently expected to be part of the event this year.
4. Where is the closest Airport?
There are two nearby airports. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the larger of the two. There is also Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) nearby. In the past, some Hearties flew into Seattle, Washington, and drove to Vancouver.
5. What do I wear?
For set day - layers, layers, and layers. Vancouver has quite a bit of rain, so don't forget your umbrella and rain/waterproof boots! It may be quite muddy on set. For the rest of the weekend - casual to business casual would be best, although you can dress up as fancy as you would like for the events. Period costumes are also welcome if you’re feeling so inspired.
6. Do I need a passport to cross the border into Canada?
Please note that documents required vary by state or country of residence and are dependent on if you are driving across the border or flying into Canada. Regulations for border crossing can also change frequently. What does this mean? Do not rely on other Hearties to determine what document is needed. In most cases, you will need a passport, but please research this matter thoroughly and give yourself plenty of time to obtain the appropriate documents if needed. View travel information on the US Dept of State travel page (travel.state.gov) to determine what documents you need. There is also great information provided by the Canadian Border Services Agency about what to expect at the border.
7. Will I be able to use my cell phone in Canada?
Check with your cell phone provider about international calling plans while in Canada. These will vary by personal plan and provider.
8. Will I have foreign transaction fees if I use my credit card/debit card in Canada?
Check with your credit or debit card to see if there are international fees per transaction. This varies and can add up quickly, so do your homework by contacting them before you go. It is also a good idea to notify them of your travel dates when you will be using the card internationally.
9. Do I need to get any Canadian currency for my trip?
This is truly a personal preference if you want to travel with credit cards or cash for your trip. If you choose to use cash, and bring only US Dollars (USD), some establishments may not accept it. Some may accept the US Dollar, but not give you a favorable exchange rate. If you decide to bring Canadian currency with you, most banks in the states have currency exchange services (give yourself plenty of lead time though, because some have to order the currency). Currency conversion charts can be found online. A commonly used one is found here.
10. When should I make my travel arrangements?
Travel arrangements should not be made until you have a registration confirmation through the Eventbrite system (step two of the opportunity drawing). Any travel arrangements made prior to that are done at your own risk, and any costs incurred are your responsibility.
11. Can I bring gifts or cards for the cast?
We ask that you refrain from bringing gifts and/or cards for the cast. Thank you for understanding.
12. Can I bring gifts to share with all Hearties in attendance?
No, the Hearties Family Reunion team will not be accepting and/or distributing items brought by Hearties.
13. What do I need to bring with me to Hearties Family Reunion check-in?
Check-in times are found on the HFR Check-In page under Events. You can choose from Thursday evening, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. or Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and individuals taking the Vancouver City Tour on Friday must complete HFR Check-In Thursday evening. The following items will be required at check-in:
Photo I.D. for individuals 18 and older (Passport, drivers license, or state I.D.). Identification is not required for attendees who are minors; however they must be accompanied by an adult at check-in.
Production release form (this will be sent to all attendees prior to the event via email)
14. Is there an age limit to attend? Can I bring my child?
“When Calls the Heart" is a family show, so there is no age limit to attend the Hearties Family Reunion. Please note, however, that a paid registration is required for each individual, with the exception of infants. Out of consideration for all Hearties, our hope is that every individual (adult or child) in attendance is a fan of the show as spaces are limited.
15. How is accessibility at the Hope Valley set?
The Jamestown Movie Set, known to us as “Hope Valley,” contains gravel and dirt roads, wooden slatted walkways, steps up and down into set buildings and restrooms that do not accommodate wheelchairs. When you register through Eventbrite, you will be asked to provide information if you use a mobility device or have trouble walking long distances. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to reach out to us at HeartiesEvents@gmail.com. We are happy to assist you so you have a safe and comfortable experience on set.
16. Should I arrive early so I can get the best seat?
Good news! We will have a seating process in place so that Hearties do not have to be first in line to secure the best seat. Once you’ve completed registration, you will be provided further information regarding seating.
17. Can I bring my own item to have autographed?
No autograph requests are permitted.
18. Are airfare and hotel included in my registration fee?
No. Please refer to the Register tab to find a list of what is included with your registration fee. Hotel information will be sent to attendees in your Eventbrite confirmation email. Prices are listed on the travel page.
19. Is there transportation available from the airport to the host hotel?
The host hotel offers a Vancouver airport shuttle for its guests. Additionally, some Hearties in the past have shared rental cars and rides. The HFR Facebook group is a great way to connect (attendees will be provided a link to the group in their Eventbrite confirmation email). For those not on Facebook, the Chat page has a section to connect with other attendees under “Ride Sharing” as well.
20. What meals are included?
Included in your registration are a welcome dinner Friday night, lunch during Saturday’s event, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Find a full list here.
21. Is there a ticket I need to print or a QR code to bring with me?
There is no ticket that needs to be printed or QR code needed. There are other items needed though, so please refer to the HFR Check-In page to see what items are REQUIRED at check-in.
22. Are there any health restrictions this year?
There are no restrictions at this time. If any local, regional, or federal requirements change prior to the event, we will abide by these rules and notify attendees as needed.
23. May I bring a book or item for Janette Oke to autograph?
If Janette is in attendance, she will not be autographing items. She prefers to spend her time chatting and visiting with the Hearties!
24. When will I receive the Production Release form that I need for HFR check-in?
The Production Release form will be emailed to all attendees via Eventbrite prior to the event, generally the month before HFR.
25. Is there a shuttle from the Vancouver airport to the host hotel?
Yes. The shuttle at the host hotel runs regularly to/from the Vancouver airport.
26. Do I need a voltage adapter for Canada?
No voltage adapters are needed in Canada for electronics brought from the USA.
27. What if I can’t make it to one of the scheduled event registration times?
Make every effort to check-in during the designated times as listed on the HFR Check-In page. We will have a late check-in table available for one hour prior to the Vancouver City Tour for those taking the tour who encounter travel delays. We will also have a late arrivals table outside the main ballroom available for one hour prior to Friday night’s Hearties Kickoff Party for those who run into any travel delays.
28. Am I required to stay at the host hotel?
This is not a requirement, however we have secured a special Hearties rate just for our event and many Hearties like to stay where they can spend time with other fans. There is always a lot of fun happening at the host hotel! If you do not stay there, be advised that all events take place at the host hotel and buses for the tour and set visit depart from there, so you will need to be able to make your way to the hotel for the events each day.
29. If I check out of the hotel on Sunday, is there somewhere to store luggage during the Hope Valley set visit?
The host hotel offers the option to check luggage with them. Inquire at the front desk about this service.
30. If I’m local and live closer to the set than the host hotel, do I still have to come to the hotel on Sunday to take the bus to and from set?
Yes. Even if you are local, to participate in the set visit you have to report to the host hotel and take the bus to and from Hope Valley. This is a closed set on private property and personal vehicles will not be allowed to enter.
31. Do you have any travel tips?
We highly recommend that attendees allow ample time before and after the event in case of travel delays. Our best recommendation is to arrive in Vancouver by Thursday and wait to fly out until Monday or later if you’re able. We understand that schedules do not always allow for this, but since HFR is a once-in-a-lifetime event, we don’t want you to miss a thing because of travel snafus!
32. How can I find a roommate if I want to share hotel costs?
Once individuals are registered and paid through Eventbrite, the confirmation email will also include a link to a private, attendee-only Facebook group. This group is a great spot to meet and coordinate with other Hearties! For those not on Facebook, you can also check out the Chat page here on the website to initiate communication with other attendees, keeping in mind that the website is public. Heartie roommate harmony is our goal, so if you choose to share a room with a fellow fan you have not met before, we have a few tips:
Each person is expected to pay their portion of the room directly to the hotel. We discourage you from assuming the costs and planning to get reimbursed later.
If you do split room costs with one party paying, collect money at the start of your stay. Provide receipts and be clear about what you will be charged with taxes and fees.
Didn't find the answer to your question? Click here to submit a question to the Hearties Family Reunion team!