Where was Elf filmed?

Buddy, a human raised by Santa's elves, learns about his origins. Papa Elf (Bob Newhart), who is Buddy's adoptive father, discloses that Walter Hobbs (James Caan) and Susan Wells are Buddy's biological parents. He was placed up for adoption, and Walter, unaware of Buddy's existence, now works at a children's book company in New York City.

Interestingly, while the movie is set in New York City and the North Pole, many interior shots were filmed in an abandoned mental hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Riverview Hospital, located in Coquitlam, east of Vancouver, served as the backdrop for these scenes.

The Riverview Hospital, with its expansive history, has been a famous filming location for various films and TV series, such as The Butterfly Effect, Deadpool, and Final Destination 2. Previously, it was known as Essondale Hospital, a name derived from Henry Esson Young, a key figure in establishing the institution. The nearby area also adopted the name Essondale.

You can take a flight to Vancouver International Airport to get to this location. From there, Coquitlam is about a 45-minute drive east. Public transportation options, including buses and trains connecting Vancouver and Coquitlam, are also available.

Buddy stumbles upon a coffee shop claiming to serve the "World's Best Cup of Coffee." Overwhelmed with joy, Buddy excitedly bursts into the establishment, commending the staff for their outstanding achievement in coffee brewing.

Though set in New York City, this scene was filmed quite a distance away in Vancouver, Canada. The location is 20 E Hastings Street, a spot that might not be instantly recognizable today due to changes over time. Despite this, film fans can still walk down the street and attempt to pinpoint the exact location where this iconic scene was shot.

However, it's worth noting that 2003, when the film was made, there wasn't a coffee shop at 20 East Hastings Street. Instead, the location was home to a long-standing seafood restaurant, The Only Sea Food. The name was derived from its status as the sole seafood-serving establishment in Vancouver when it opened in the 1910s. It was a classic, no-frills café renowned for its clam chowder. It featured a quaint layout with 17 swivel chair stools arranged around horseshoe counters and two booths at the back, accommodating a maximum of just 25 patrons.

To get to this location from the United States, you can fly into Vancouver International Airport and then take a taxi or public transportation to East Hastings Street. The journey within Vancouver should take around half an hour, depending on traffic. While the area has changed significantly over the years, visiting this location offers a unique way to experience a part of the world of Elf firsthand.

In one pivotal scene, Buddy manages to track down his biological father, Walter. This moment occurs in the iconic Empire State Building, which houses the offices of Greenway Press, the publishing company where Walter works.

Despite his earnestness, Buddy is met with disbelief from Walter and is subsequently ejected from the premises. In a fit of sarcasm, a security guard advises Buddy to "get back to Gimbels," where he is later mistaken for an employee and encounters the charming yet indifferent Jovie (Zooey Deschanel).

The Empire State Building, located at 20 West 34th Street at 5th Avenue, is instantly recognizable to Buddy from his snow globe. This New York City landmark, completed in 1931, held the title of the tallest building in the world until 1971. Its majestic Art Deco lobby is a sight to behold for any visitor.

Once you're close to this architectural marvel, don't forget to appreciate its towering grandeur fully. And, of course, visit the Observation Deck for a breathtaking view of New York City.

To reach the Empire State Building, depending on your starting point, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or public transportation such as the subway. If you're already in Manhattan, it's easily accessible via several subway lines.

Buddy has a somewhat surprising encounter with a taxi. After being struck by the cab, Buddy jumps up, apologizes to the driver, and proceeds into Gimbels Department Store. His exploration of the store's ground floor includes an endearing attempt to navigate an escalator. Later, the scene turns hilarious when Buddy discovers that Gimbels’ Santa (Artie Lange) is not the real deal, leading to a quarrel.

The exterior of Gimbels Dept Store, where Buddy gives the toy department a magical overnight makeover, is actually the Textile Building located at 295 5th Avenue, on the northeast corner of East 30th Street. This was enhanced with CGI for the film. Gimbels used to be a major department store chain in the USA, with its New York branch near Herald Square, now occupied by the Manhattan Mall at 33rd Street and Avenue of the Americas. The store closed its doors in 1987. While the exterior shots were filmed in New York, the interior scenes were filmed inside the Riverview Hospital in Vancouver.

You could take the subway (the R or W lines) to 28 St Station to get to this location from within New York City. It's just a short two-block walk east to the Textile Building on 5th Avenue. Moreover, the site is conveniently close to the Empire State Building, just a two-minute walk away.

One particularly touching scene involves Buddy inadvertently causing embarrassment for his brother Michael (Daniel Tay). Dressed in his elf outfit, Buddy enthusiastically greets Michael outside his school, highlighting his struggle to fit into the human world despite his best intentions.

This scene was filmed at York Prep School at 40 West 68th Street in Manhattan's Upper West Side. It's on the steps of 41 West 68th Street, directly opposite the school, where Buddy patiently waits for Michael. York Prep is an independent, university-preparatory school founded by Ronald and Jayme Stewart in 1969. The school has made other appearances in popular culture, including in season three episode nine of Gossip Girl and season one episode hree of ABC's Castle.

For fans wishing to visit this location, contact the school administration for any necessary permissions. To get to York Prep School from within New York City, you could take the subway to the 72 St Station. From there, it's just a short walk to the school. If you're visiting from outside the city, the closest airport is LaGuardia, from which you can take public transport, a taxi, or a rideshare to reach the destination.