Where was A Dog's Purpose filmed?
2017
City Locations
Manitoba, (Canada)
Location Types
Farm, House, Restaurant
Location Styles
Americana, Manufactured Home, Ranch Style, Rustic
About A Dog's Purpose
If you can't resist the charm of endearing puppies or playful dogs, then A Dog's Purpose would be a delightful treat. Lasse Hallström directed the family comedy-drama, inspired by W. Bruce Cameron's 2010 novel bearing the same title. The film features a talented cast, including Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad, Britt Robertson, Peggy Lipton, KJ Apa, and Juliet Rylance.
The story follows a Red Retriever as it experiences joy and sorrow with its various owners throughout its many lives. In one lifetime, he helps an elderly woman gain closure after her husband’s death. In another life, it assists an abused girl who finds solace in a loving family. And in yet another lifetime, the dog helps an unfulfilled man discover purpose and meaning in life. Through these experiences, the dog learns valuable lessons about unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship.
A Dog's Purpose was met with generally mixed reviews from critics upon release. The critics' consensus state that A Dog's Purpose delivers an unusual mix of sweet sentimentality and dog-related distress, unabashedly pulling at the heartstrings of its animal-adoring viewers.
A Dog's Purpose Locations
A Dog's Purpose was primarily filmed in Winnipeg and rural regions of Manitoba, Canada. Most scenes were recorded in the scenic landscapes of Winnipeg, Brandon, Virden, and northeast Minnedosa. These picturesque locations provided a stunning backdrop for Ethan's (Dennis Quaid) and Bailey’s (voiced by Josh Gad) story and allowed viewers to feel like they were truly part of the film’s world.
The rural farm town of Selkirk is where Ethan first meets Bailey, and it provides a unique visual experience due to its distinct landscape features, including the Red River Valley, which flows through the city. Half Moon Drive Restaurant, located in Manitoba, provided the backdrop for some scenes and a farm field set the stage for Buddy, a Great Pyrenees Bernese Mountain Dog.
Given its breathtaking natural scenery, visiting A Dog's Purpose filming locations would certainly be worthwhile. Not only you will get a firsthand view of all the stunning sights seen on the screen but also explore nearby attractions while immersing yourself in this classic movie-making experience.
Ethan first meets Bailey scene in A Dog's Purpose
Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada
Ethan, a young boy (Bryce Ghesiar), along with his mother (Juliet Rylance), comes across a dying dog (voiced by Josh Gad). They break the car window and take the dog to their home with them.
While it's not shown, it's implied that they nurse the dog back to health. Once the dog opens his eyes, he's evidently happy to be alive. Ethan and his mother make an effort to persuade Ethan's father (Luke Kirby) to let them keep the dog. It's at this moment we realize that the father might be struggling with alcoholism.
This scene conveys one of the film’s key messages - compassion for animals and rescuing those in need. It also introduces Ethan as an empathetic young character who cares deeply for animals despite his dad's cynicism about owning pets due to his alcoholism.
Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada, which is located on the Red River just north of Winnipeg, provided the setting for the scene. Selkirk is known for its annual fair and rodeo as well as its Marine Museum, which features Chuck the Channel Cat, an animatronic catfish made from driftwood and salvaged materials from Muskrat Dam Lake.
To get to Selkirk from Winnipeg, take Highway 230 across the Red River into East Selkirk until you reach Main Street. From there, you can easily explore all that this charming Canadian town has to offer.
The confrontation between Ethan and Todd scene in A Dog's Purpose
Half Moon Drive-In, 6860 Henderson Hwy, Gonor, MB R1C 0E1, Canada
Ethan (KJ Apa) has been awarded a complete football scholarship to Michigan State. At the same time, Hannah (Britt Robertson) is set to join him there on an academic scholarship. However, their celebration is disrupted when Todd (Logan Miller) arrives.
Fueled by jealousy of Ethan's achievements, he highlights Ethan's father's drunken state. It leads to an altercation between Ethan and Todd in front of the fast-food restaurant. In retaliation, Todd starts a fire at Ethan's house that night by putting a large firecracker there.
Half Moon Drive-In has been open since 1938 and is well known for its family atmosphere and delicious deluxe dogs. Over the years, the beautiful scenery and nostalgic ambiance have made it a popular filming location. Fans can still visit and experience the atmosphere for themselves.
If you're in Winnipeg and want to reach Half Moon Drive-In, drive north on Henderson Hwy 6860 towards Selkirk. It's approximately a 28-minute journey.
Ethan’s farm scene in A Dog's Purpose
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Years later, at Ethan's farm, Hannah (Peggy Lipton) brings Buddy (Josh Gad) back to Ethan (Dennis Quaid), leading to a few uncomfortable exchanges as they catch up on their respective lives. Ethan reveals he never married, while Hannah shares that she lost her husband.
Eventually, they reconcile, much to Buddy's confusion about whether they'll rekindle their old affectionates. The scene transitions to Ethan and Hannah's wedding, and Ethan remarks that his lack of family has been offset by Hannah's abundant kin.
Post-wedding, while Ethan tidies up, Buddy is eager for Ethan to recognize him. To jog Ethan's memory, Buddy fetches an old deflated football from the barn, a relic from their shared past.
The scenery is breathtaking at Ethan's farm, with rolling hills bathed in the glow of the setting sun, which tinges on the sky featuring pink and orange hues. This picturesque Canadian landscape set the stage for some of the memorable scenes in A Dog’s Purpose.
A farm field in Winnipeg, Manitoba, served as the backdrop for the heartwarming scenes between Ethan and Bailey. Besides its culinary delights, particularly in confectionery and hot-smoked fish, Winnipeg is home to the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Established in 1912, it's the oldest public art gallery in Western Canada.
Fly either into Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport or take a train or bus from surrounding cities like Brandon or Saskatoon. Once in Winnipeg, visitors are welcomed with stunning architecture surrounded by prairies and lakes, making for an inviting atmosphere to explore nature or participate in cultural activities within the city limits.
Conclusion
A Dog's Purpose is a movie with a noble mission — to explore the idea that dogs exist to be of service to humans. The idea is commendable, and the movie certainly gets points for its heartwarming collection of pooches.
The vast Manitoba landscapes that provided backdrops for the movie’s scenes enhanced the narrative. Any fan of the film will enjoy embarking on A Dog’s Purpose filming location tour. Winnipeg is also worth visiting, and it is where the team filmed the scenes at Ethan’s house.
While at it, stop by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights at 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg. The building stands out for its design concept, and the museum presents 11 galleries that recount human rights stories. The Israel Asper Tower of Hope found within the museum provides stunning city views.
As for whether A Dog's Purpose is worth watching, it depends on what viewers expect from this particular film. If you are looking for a heartfelt tale about love and loyalty between humans and their canine companions, then you will probably find something worthwhile here.