The Gilead Experience: What ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ fans can expect from new Cambridge, Ont. exhibit

Fans of a dystopian TV show will get the chance to tour through the real-life version of Gilead thanks to a new self-guided tour. CTV’s Heather Senoran finds ou

From Commander Waterford’s files on eligible handmaids to the ceremonial stool used as a birthing chair, the City of Cambridge has exclusive props on display from the popular television series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.

From Oct. 22 until Nov. 6, fans of the show can check out ‘Under His Eye: The Gilead Experience,’ a free self-guided walking tour that features key locations where the series was filmed as well as props used on the show.

“It has recently concluded filming in Cambridge, and we’ve been working with the production company to secure some original props and iconic items for the public to come in and view and check out firsthand,” said Alana Russell, the City of Cambridge’s director of communications.

During the show’s six seasons, Cambridge was often used as the backdrop for a part of the fictional version of the United States, known as the county of Gilead.

The tour starts at Cambridge City Hall where you’ll see a sea of red robes worn by the handmaids complete with the white bonnets, which were also known as ‘wings.’ There’s also a display that shows Gilead’s council chambers sign, Commander Waterford’s cigars and even the shroud used for his funeral.

“And then, on our website is also a link to an online map where you can visit some of the most notable filming locations,” said Russell.

Parts of Cambridge played witness to dark parts of the show’s run, including an infamous wall, which in real life can be found along the Grand River, but in the show, it was a place for hangings.

When those potentially sensitive scenes were filmed, the city put out warnings to keep the public aware of what was going on.

“The film production certainly did have a lot of interesting scenery that we would put notifications throughout the community for,” Russell said.

The series ended with a bang in May with film crews back in Cambridge earlier this year to shoot some of the intense final scenes, like a revolution shot at Queen’s Square.

“It’s easy to see why the film industry chooses Cambridge when you do tour it and see all of its unique features and beauty,” said Russell.

The city said it will always be grateful for The Handmaid’s Tale as it bolstered its reputation as a leader in the film industry.