Where was Happy Gilmore filmed?
1996
City Locations
Furry Creek (Canada), Pitt Meadows (Canada), Surrey (Canada), Burnaby, (Canada), Vancouver (Canada), Richmond (Canada), Coquitlam (Canada)
Location Types
House, Apartment, Gyms/Sports
Location Styles
Beachfront, Federal Building, Mid-century Modern
About Happy Gilmore
Happy Gilmore is a comedy film starring Adam Sandler as the title character, a struggling ice hockey player who discovers that he has a hidden talent for golf. After learning how to play, Happy enters a professional tournament and finds himself facing off against Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), the top golfer in town. With help from his caddy and an old veteran golf pro, Happy works hard and manages to defeat Shooter in the end.
Happy also gets the chance to compete along-side Bob Barker, the legendary host of The Price is Right, in a pro-am golf tournament. In one of the most iconic scenes of the movie, Bob and Happy face off in an epic fistfight to determine who will win.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the movie was a commercial success and even won an MTV Movie Award for Best Fight at the time. One unique aspect of this movie is that its release in 1996, marked a major turning point for Adam Sandler's career as it was his first big success both critically and commercially. Following its release, Adam went on to star in some of Hollywood's most beloved comedies such as The Waterboy (1998), Big Daddy (1999), and many more.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 61% based on 54 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10. The website's consensus states that those who enjoy Adam Sandler’s comedic style will likely appreciate this humorously immature portrayal of professional golf, while those who don't may find it unamusing and insignificant. On Metacritic, which calculates scores based on a weighted average, the film has a rating of 31 out of 100 based on 14 reviews, indicating that it has received generally unfavorable reviews. Despite the critical reception, audiences surveyed by CinemaScore awarded the film a B+ grade on an A+ to F scale.
Happy Gilmore Locations
Happy Gilmore, the iconic 1996 comedy, was filmed primarily in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The majority of scenes were shot in and around the Vancouver area, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the story. With its lush greenery and picturesque mountains, it's easy to see why Vancouver was chosen for its dramatic settings. From Stanley Park and Granville Island to Lighthouse Park and Ambleside Beach, viewers can be transported to these familiar locales as they watch the movie unfold.
The unique atmosphere of each location holds an appeal that any visitor will find enjoyable. For instance, Stanley Park offers a stunning view of the downtown skyline with its majestic old-growth rainforest just steps away. Granville Island is filled with interesting shops and restaurants that frame unforgettable waterfront views. Lighthouse Park has brilliant ocean vistas, while Ambleside Beach provides a classic landscape for outdoor activities like volleyball and beachcombing. The area is also home to many film studios, providing ample opportunity for filmmakers seeking out their ideal setting.
A trip to these locations would certainly be worthwhile for anyone wanting to experience the visual beauty of Happy Gilmore’s filming sites firsthand or for those looking for an idyllic vacation destination. With its abundance of natural wonders combined with modern amenities, Vancouver is sure to leave any traveler feeling inspired by the scenery and buzzing with energy from its lively atmosphere.
Angry neighbor scene in Happy Gilmore
101 E 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1M5, Canada
Happy sits on his couch watching TV when he hears a knock on the door. He goes to open it, and it turns out to be his neighbor, Terry (Nancy Hillis). Terry is upset because Happy has been making too much noise playing hockey in his apartment, and she wants him to stop. Happy tells her that he is practicing to become a professional hockey player and that he needs to train every day.
Happy’s apartment can be found on 7th Avenue in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The avenue runs east-west through the city's Mount Pleasant neighborhood, which is known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse community. One of the most notable features of East 7th Avenue is its proximity to popular transit hubs such as the Commercial-Broadway Station, which provides access to the Millennium Line and Expo Line of the SkyTrain rapid transit system. This makes it a convenient location for residents and visitors to easily explore other parts of the city.
To get there from downtown Vancouver, head southeast on Georgia St W. The journey is approximately two miles and should take around 10 minutes.
Discover Vancouver Filming Locations
Happy taking his grandmother to an aged care home scene in Happy Gilmore
West Lawn, Lougheed Hwy., Coquitlam, BC V3C, Canada
After another unsuccessful hockey tryout, Happy finds out that his grandmother (Frances Bay) owes the IRS $270,000 in unpaid taxes. His grandmother has only 90 days to clear the debt; otherwise, her house will be foreclosed. In a bid to save her home, Happy arranges for her to move to a retirement home where she is ill-treated by the staff. This arrangement is temporary, and he plans to pay off the debt as soon as possible.
The aged care facility scenes were shot at West Lawn, a historic building located in Coquitlam, British Columbia. The building was part of the Riverview Hospital, which was established in 1913. At the time, it was known as the Hospital for the Mind at Mount Coquitlam. West Lawn was one of the first buildings constructed on the Riverview Hospital site and has a long history of providing mental health care in the area.
If you're trying to reach West Lawn on Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam, the good news is that it's not a particularly tricky trip. If you're coming from downtown Vancouver, for example, you'll likely want to hop onto Highway 1 for the journey, which should take a little more than half an hour.
Movers coming to Happy’s grandmother's house scene in Happy Gilmore
1938 W 19th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 2P3, Canada
Happy arrives at his grandma’s house and is confronted by two movers who are repossessing her furniture. They challenge him to a long-drive competition using his grandfather's old golf clubs. Happy, with his unconventional slapshot-style swing, hits the ball a remarkable 400 yards, earning $40 from the movers. This prompts him to start hustling golfers at a nearby driving range. It is here that he encounters Derick "Chubbs" Peterson (Carl Weathers), a former professional golfer who lost his hand in an alligator attack.
Happy’s grandma’s house is found on West 19th Avenue in Vancouver. Nestled in the heart of Vancouver, West 19th Avenue stands out as a charming and vibrant destination. Lined with picturesque homes and leafy trees, this avenue is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
Looking to navigate your way to 1938 W 19th Ave in Vancouver? Luckily, the journey is fairly straightforward. If you’re traveling from downtown Vancouver, it’s a 10-minute drive to the southwest.
Golf tournament scene in Happy Gilmore
Swaneset Bay Resort and Country Club, 16651 Rannie Rd, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 1Z1, Canada
The scene features Happy participating in a golf tournament known as the AT&T Invitational. Throughout the scene, the audience is treated to stunning views of the well-manicured course with its rolling fairways, bunkers, and water hazards. The Coastal Mountains serve as a majestic backdrop to the scene, enhancing its visual appeal.
Nestled in the picturesque town of Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Swaneset Bay Resort and Country Club is a lavish golf resort that has made a name for itself. The course was founded in 1994 and designed by the legendary golfer Lee Trevino. Ever since its inception, it has been a preferred destination for golfers from all over the globe. The course is surrounded by the magnificent Coastal Mountains and the Fraser River, making it an ideal setting for golfers.
To get there from Vancouver, take Highway 1 East towards Hope. Take Exit 44 for Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge and follow your GPS to get to your destination. The journey should take you roughly one hour in total.
Pro-am tournament scene in Happy Gilmore
Furry Creek Golf and Country Club, 150 Country Club Rd, Furry Creek, BC V8B 1A3, Canada
This scene takes place on a golf course during a celebrity pro-am tournament, and it starts off with Happy being paired up with Bob Barker as his partner. At first, everything seems to be going well, but as the round progresses, Happy's lack of skill and volatile temperament starts to take over, leading to some hilarious moments.
This scene was shot at Furry Creek Golf and Country Club, a globally recognized course situated in Furry Creek, British Columbia, Canada. The course has a unique location alongside the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, and it provides golfers with breathtaking views of Howe Sound and nearby mountains. Designed by renowned golf architect Robert Muir Graves in 1993, this course attracts golf enthusiasts from all over the world due to its unmatched natural beauty.
To get there from downtown Vancouver, head onto BC-99 N, towards Squamish/Whistler. The journey is roughly 30 miles and should take around 40-45 minutes.
Happy and Bob Barker fight scene in Happy Gilmore
Pitt Meadows Golf Club, 13615 Harris Rd, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2R8, Canada
As the game winds down, Happy becomes increasingly frustrated and begins to take out his anger on Barker. He insults Barker and refuses to take his golfing advice, leading to an intense argument between the two. Barker, who is known for his mild-mannered persona, finally loses his temper and punches Happy in the face, knocking him to the ground.
The fight was filmed at Pitt Meadows Golf Club, located in the tranquil town of Pitt Meadows, British Columbia. Since its inception in 1963, this course has been a popular choice among golfers worldwide. What distinguishes Pitt Meadows Golf Club from other courses is the awe-inspiring natural surroundings that add to its charm.
To get to this Happy Gilmore filming location, head east on Highway 1 from Vancouver towards Abbotsford. Expect the journey to take around 40-45 minutes in total.
Conclusion
The smash-hit comedy Happy Gilmore was filmed mostly in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. As Happy blazes through the tournament circuit, viewers get to see a range of locations throughout the city. From action-packed courses to lively bars and pubs, this movie brings a variety of settings to life. Each location brings about different challenges and obstacles for Happy Gilmore as he works to win the tournament and save his grandma’s house. The comedic nature of this film also highlights many of these locations by adding an extra layer of humor and wit.
Throughout it all, Vancouver stands out as a vibrant backdrop for all of these scenes, allowing viewers an inside glimpse into this beautiful part of Canada. So if you’re traveling around Vancouver, be sure to add some of these Happy Gilmore filming locations to your travel itinerary.