Hope Valley welcomes new faces and starts a serious investigation in the next episode. When Calls the Heart Season 13 Episode 3 arrives soon, bringing big changes to the schoolhouse and a search for answers about the fire. The new chapter, called “Back to School,” focuses on recovery after the dramatic wildfire that threatened the town.
The episode aired on Sunday, January 18, 2026, on the Hallmark Channel. As the community works to get back to normal, Elizabeth’s classroom fills with new students, while Nathan and Bill look into what caused the disaster.
When Calls the Heart Season 13 Episode 3 Release Date and Global Streaming Details
Fans can watch When Calls the Heart Season 13 Episode 3 on its official airdate. The episode premieres on Sunday, January 18, 2026, on the Hallmark Channel.
For viewers who stream their shows, the episode will be available the next day on Hallmark+. You can access Hallmark+ through its own website or app, or as a channel on services like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
People in Canada can watch the series on Super Channel Heart & Home. Episodes are also available on demand through this service.
If you want to buy the episode to keep, it will be for sale on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and other digital stores. These purchases let you watch anytime without a subscription.
There are no free streaming options for this season right now. Watching through the Hallmark Channel when it airs or using a Hallmark+ subscription are the main ways to see the new episodes.
What Happened Before: Hope Valley’s Wildfire Crisis Recap
The new episode continues directly from a major event in Hope Valley. Season 13 Episode 2, titled “Up in Smoke,” showed a dangerous wildfire spreading through the nearby Goldie National Park and threatening the town.
Elizabeth Thornton, played by Erin Krakow, helped lead the town’s relief efforts. The community united, taking in families from a neighboring town that had to leave their homes because of the flames. This act showed the strong spirit of Hope Valley.
Actress Erin Krakow talked about this powerful episode. She said the story might connect to real-life events.
“I believe that [the episode] may have been partially inspired by that situation,” Krakow said, talking about fires in Los Angeles. She noted the episode could be “challenging to watch” for people affected by real wildfires.
Krakow explained the episode’s deeper meaning. “There is this horrendous fire, and we see Hope Valley open their arms to a neighboring town to really provide a safe haven for them,” she said. She called the show a kind of “love letter” to communities that help each other.
The episode ended with the town safe but changed. The line, “We will rebuild, but first we have to mourn,” captured the feeling of moving forward after a loss. This sets the stage for Episode 3, where rebuilding truly begins.
What to Expect in Season 13 Episode 3: Back to School Story Spoilers
The official description for Episode 3 is short but points to two important storylines: “Elizabeth welcomes new students as Nathan and Bill investigate [a] wildfire”.
First, life at the schoolhouse changes. The episode’s title, “Back to School,” means Elizabeth will have a classroom full of new children. These are likely students whose families were displaced by the fire and are now staying in Hope Valley. Elizabeth will work to make these new children feel safe and welcome while dealing with the challenges of a bigger, more diverse class.
Second, the mystery of the fire deepens. Nathan Grant and Bill Avery start an official investigation into what caused the wildfire. Their work suggests the fire might not have been a simple accident. This investigation could become a major story for the rest of the season, possibly involving other town members.
The episode balances these two ideas. It shows the town trying to return to daily routines like school, while also dealing with the unanswered questions and emotions left by the fire. The progress in the investigation will likely affect everyone in Hope Valley.
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Meet the Cast of When Calls the Heart Season 13
The show features a large cast of familiar characters who bring Hope Valley to life. The main cast returning for Season 13 includes:
- Erin Krakow as Elizabeth Thornton, the kind-hearted schoolteacher at the center of the story.
- Kevin McGarry as Nathan Grant, the Mountie who helps keep the town safe and starts the fire investigation.
- Pascale Hutton as Rosemary LeVeaux, the energetic friend of Elizabeth.
- Jack Wagner as Bill Avery, the former judge who works with Nathan.
- Kavan Smith as Leland Coulter.
- Chris McNally as Lucas Bouchard.
- Andrea Brooks as Faith Carter.
- Martin Cummins as Henry Gowen.
- Ben Rosenbaum as Mike Hickam.
Other key residents like Loretta Walsh (Florence Blakeley) and Gracyn Shinyei (Emily Montgomery) also return. The episode will likely introduce new characters, especially the children joining Elizabeth’s classroom.
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