Colin & Justin's East Coast Dream: New Show Taps into Canada's Urban Exodus

TORONTO, ON – April 30, 2026 – As Canadians continue to re-evaluate the high cost and fast pace of big-city living, celebrated Scottish design duo Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan are set to guide a new wave of homebuyers toward a more affordable and serene lifestyle. Their new series, 'Small Town Escapes with Colin+Justin', will premiere on HGTV Canada on May 6, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, tapping directly into a national trend of migration towards the picturesque and economically accessible shores of Atlantic Canada.

The show, produced by Halifax-based Ocean Entertainment, follows the popular designers as they help prospective buyers leave urban centers behind in search of dream properties in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. It promises to showcase a lifestyle that, for many, is available for half the price—or even less—than their current metropolitan homes.

The Great Canadian Real Estate Recalibration

The series arrives at a pivotal moment in Canada's socio-economic landscape. The post-pandemic era has entrenched remote work capabilities and sparked a widespread 'urban exodus,' a phenomenon confirmed by recent Statistics Canada reports showing record levels of interprovincial migration. Many are trading cramped city condos for spacious homes and a stronger sense of community.

The financial incentive is undeniable. While average home prices in the Greater Toronto Area hovered around $1.14 million and Vancouver's exceeded $1.17 million in 2025, the real estate landscape in Nova Scotia tells a different story. The provincial average sat comfortably under $500,000, and in communities across Cape Breton, the average home price was a remarkably accessible $211,200. This stark contrast is the economic engine driving the show's narrative and the real-life decisions of thousands of Canadians.

'Small Town Escapes' will feature a diverse range of homebuyers, from first-time investors to retirees, each looking to leverage this affordability. The series format involves touring three distinct properties per episode, ranging from historic homes and coastal retreats to quaint cottages and sprawling mansions, immersing viewers in the potential of the East Coast market.

From Hosts to Hoteliers: A Personal Journey

For Colin and Justin, this series is more than a television project; it's a reflection of their own life-altering decision. The duo are not just guides but active participants in the small-town renaissance they champion. Their personal journey culminated in the purchase and ambitious renovation of a hotel in Louisbourg, Cape Breton—a venture documented in their 2022 CBC Gem series, 'Colin and Justin's Hotel Hell'.

Now known as 'North Star', the 22-bed, two-restaurant resort is a thriving success story. Situated on a five-acre peninsula overlooking the Atlantic, the boutique hotel has become a destination, attracting tourists and even celebrity guests like Stephen King and David Letterman. It has also been used as a backdrop by major production companies, including Warner Brothers and Disney, injecting further economic activity into the small coastal town.

"Having ourselves made the move, we understand the excitement and nerves that come with leaving the city," Colin explains in the press release. "Nova Scotia offers an extraordinary and affordable lifestyle, and we're delighted to share that journey with viewers." This hands-on experience as local entrepreneurs and residents provides a layer of authenticity that sets the show apart. Their investment in Louisbourg is a testament to their belief in the region's potential.

Nova Scotia in the Spotlight

While the hosts and homebuyers are central, the region of Nova Scotia itself emerges as a main character in the series. The show aims to be a love letter to the province's rugged coastlines, rich culture, and welcoming communities.

"Filming in Nova Scotia has been magical," adds Justin. "There's a warmth to the people, a richness to the landscape, and a palpable sense of opportunity." The series promises a deep dive into the local lifestyle, exploring the culture and community that define each town visited.

The production by Halifax's own Ocean Entertainment, a company with a long history of creating award-winning lifestyle and factual content, ensures a genuine regional perspective. Their portfolio, which includes acclaimed series like 'Chef Abroad' and 'French Food at Home', demonstrates a proficiency in capturing the essence of a place.

As Colin notes, the show is about more than just property transactions. "It's about more than houses; it's about discovering where you truly belong. It's equal parts bricks and mortar, hearts and minds." This sentiment highlights a shift from a purely financial view of real estate to a more holistic consideration of quality of life, a theme that resonates deeply with a growing segment of the population.

With a career spanning 25 years and a loyal following from previous hits like 'Home Heist' and 'Cabin Pressure', Colin and Justin are returning to their roots at HGTV for this deeply personal project. As 'Small Town Escapes' prepares to air, it captures a compelling national narrative, suggesting that for many Canadians, the dream of home ownership and a balanced life is not just alive, but waiting to be discovered on the shores of Atlantic Canada.