Canadian actress Emmanuelle Vaugier is making her long-awaited return to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries with the premiere of Big Sky River. The new film, airing on August 7, is her first Hallmark project in several years and reunites her with fans who remember her earlier work in It’s Christmas, Carol and Love in Paradise. For Vaugier, this comeback feels like a warm homecoming. She recalls her first Hallmark role in 2012 opposite Carrie Fisher and her 2016 appearance alongside Luke Perry as joyful experiences. Both movies featured two of her favorite things — horses and Christmas — which made them memorable. Busy schedules kept her away from the network, but she says she is thrilled to be back.
In Big Sky River, Vaugier plays Tara Kendall, a recently divorced woman from New York City who decides to spend the summer in Parable, Montana. The small town holds special memories from her childhood and offers a peaceful escape from city life. Once there, she meets her neighbor Boone Taylor, the town sheriff, played by Hallmark favorite Kavan Smith. What begins as friendly exchanges soon grows into mutual support as they help each other with small favors. The dynamic shifts when Tara’s stepdaughter Erin, portrayed by Cassidy Nugent, asks to stay with her. Navigating co-parenting after divorce brings unexpected challenges and could complicate the possibility of romance.
For Vaugier, the film’s grounded approach to relationships was a key reason for joining the project. She explains that while Hallmark films often provide an escape, this story also reflects real-life struggles. It deals with moving forward after a relationship ends, the hesitation to start anew, and the responsibility of setting a good example for children. She believes the film sends a message of hope, showing that even after hardship, it is possible to heal and find happiness. In her view, recent years have made people confront issues they may have ignored before, and the story captures that emotional honesty while still offering an uplifting outlook.
Filming took place in British Columbia, which served as the backdrop for Montana. The setting held personal meaning for Vaugier, as it reminded her of attending a horse summer camp as a child. That camp, which she described as magical, gave her a deep love for horses, making her connection to the character even stronger. As an experienced rider, she was comfortable handling the horse scenes, but she also found herself forming an unexpected bond with another animal — a chicken named Henrietta. The bird, handled by a professional wrangler, often fell asleep in her arms during filming. Vaugier says the experience gave her a new appreciation for the gentle nature of chickens.
This was her first time working with Kavan Smith, and she praises his talent, energy, and graciousness. The two met before filming to rehearse with the horses, which helped create a natural on-screen chemistry. She also speaks highly of Cassidy Nugent, noting the young actress’s ability to portray emotional moments with depth and professionalism despite her age.
With this Hallmark return, Vaugier is eager to explore more opportunities, especially another holiday-themed project. She says she loves Hallmark’s Christmas in July programming and the lead-up to the holiday season, adding that she never gets tired of festive films. Big Sky River offers a heartfelt mix of romance, healing, and second chances, making it a welcome addition to her Hallmark journey.
Big Sky River will air on Sunday, August 7 at 9 p.m. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, marking the return of an actress whose warmth and sincerity fit perfectly with the network’s storytelling style. Fans of Emmanuelle Vaugier Hallmark films will see not just a familiar face, but a performance filled with heart, authenticity, and personal connection.
