**‘My Life with the Walter Boys’: Behind The Scenes of Netflix’s Charming Series**
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The teen drama series “My Life with the Walter Boys” has captured the hearts of viewers since its premiere on Netflix. Set in the fictional town of Silver Falls, Colorado, the show returned for its third season on August 6, 2023, bringing back its endearing characters and engaging storyline. However, while the narrative unfolds in Colorado, the picturesque backdrop is actually brought to life across several towns in Canada.

The series, adapted from Ali Novak’s novel of the same name, revolves around Jackie Howard, a teenager from Manhattan who becomes the guardian of eight children after a tragic incident leaves her orphaned. Initially moving in with Katherine and George Walter, portrayed by Sarah Rafferty and Marc Blucas respectively, Jackie has to adjust to ranch life in Silver Falls—a sharp contrast to her former city lifestyle.

The filming locations primarily span six regions in Alberta, Canada. The city of Calgary serves as the main hub for various scenes, with notable sites including the Girletz Rodeo Ranch and Heritage Park Historical Village. Other locations include the University of Calgary and Foothills Athletic Park, each contributing to the show’s quintessential rural charm.
Noah LaLonde, who takes on the role of Cole Walter, expressed his enthusiasm for filming in Calgary, describing the experience as one of the highlights of his life. He remarked on the strong camaraderie amongst the cast and crew, stating that the time spent in this beautiful location has forged invaluable friendships and memories. His co-star, Nikki Rodriguez, echoed these sentiments, praising the captivating scenery and the joy of working alongside close friends daily.
In the landscape of Alberta, specific sites mirror the fictional elements of Silver Falls. For instance, High River serves as a backdrop for several significant moments. The scenic Sheep River Falls was the setting for a poignant interaction between Jackie and Cole, while the quaint Museum of the Highwood hosted a meaningful town hall meeting. Additionally, the romantic proposal scene filmed at George Lane Memorial Park added to the season’s highlights, showcasing the natural beauty of the region.
While the town of Silver Falls itself does not exist, the production achieves an authentic ranch experience by using real locations. The Walter family home is based at the real-life CL Ranch, situated west of Calgary. The cast’s immersion into ranch life also involved learning horseback riding, an activity that many found rewarding. For Rodriguez, the process of learning to ride alongside her character was enriching, enhancing her connection to the role.
This sentiment was shared by Ashby Gentry, who plays Alex Walter. Despite his initial fear of horses due to a childhood incident, Gentry found himself learning to embrace the sport throughout the filming process, highlighting the transformative nature of this experience.
In addition to the outdoor filming locations, a significant portion of the series takes place in the halls of the fictional Silver Falls High School. For authenticity, much of the first season was filmed at Chestermere High School, where the production team utilised various school facilities including sports fields and classrooms. This engagement with local students as extras added to the high school atmosphere that is pivotal to the show’s narrative.
The series continues to draw upon local resources, with additional filming at schools such as Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks, transforming the area into a bustling high school football venue. As the production captures the essence of teen life intertwined with ranch adventures, the cast and crew remain committed to showcasing Alberta’s beauty while crafting heartfelt storytelling.
The charm of “My Life with the Walter Boys” not only stems from its engaging narrative but also from its beautiful settings, strong character relationships, and the genuine joy of the cast, who contribute to bringing Ali Novak’s world to life. As the series progresses, fans can expect more warmth and camaraderie alongside the stunning landscapes of Alberta. With its third season underway, the journey of Jackie and the Walter family promises to explore both personal growth and the bonds that tie them together in their unique ranch lifestyle.
