Where was Meatballs filmed?
1979
City Locations
Haliburton (Canada), Lindsay (Canada), Montréal (Canada)
Location Types
Unusual, Unique, Storefront
Location Styles
Cabin, Bus, Dated, Classic Car
About Meatballs
Meatballs, directed by Ivan Reitman, is a Canadian comedy film that holds significance as Bill Murray's debut leading role. It stands out in his illustrious career, marking a memorable milestone. The movie takes place in a summer camp filled with rowdy teenagers, where Rudy, played by Chris Makepeace, finds himself amidst wacky hijinks. Tripper Harrison, the head counselor portrayed by Bill Murray, is known for his prank-pulling, girl-seducing, and fun-loving nature, constantly teasing his boss.
The storyline revolves around the adventures and misadventures at Camp Northstar, a budget summer camp. Despite his youthful and immature demeanor, Tripper manages to inspire the campers and provide them with memorable experiences. The movie is filled with humorous moments as the campers and counselors navigate their summer together.
Meatballs took the film industry by surprise with its remarkable success. It became the highest-grossing Canadian film in history, earning over $4.2 million domestically and surpassing previous records. The movie also made waves in the United States, becoming the highest-grossing Canadian film in the US market. With a global box office of $70 million, Meatballs proved to be an international hit, leaving a lasting impact on the popularity of Canadian cinema.
Meatballs is a delightful summer camp comedy that brilliantly highlights Bill Murray's comedic prowess and marked the beginning of his prosperous career in the film industry. It presents a whimsical and captivating depiction of camp life, endearing it to fans of comedy movies as a beloved timeless classic.
Meatballs Locations
Meatballs, the beloved 1979 comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman, was primarily shot at Camp White Pine in Haliburton, Ontario, Canada. This enchanting summer camp was the perfect location for many iconic scenes in the movie. Nestled amidst the stunning wilderness of Ontario, Camp White Pine boasts picturesque landscapes with lush forests, glistening lakes, and rolling hills. The region is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, creating a visually captivating backdrop for the film.
Surrounding Camp White Pine, visitors can explore several landmarks and areas of interest. Haliburton is a charming town with a vibrant arts scene, boasting numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants. The area is also renowned for its outdoor recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and boating.
For fans of the movie, a trip to the filming locations of Meatballs can be a nostalgic and exciting experience. Walking through the campgrounds, visitors can relive moments from the film and imagine themselves as part of the comedic escapades that took place there. The region's stunning natural beauty makes it a worthwhile destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Whether you're a film enthusiast or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of Ontario, a trip to the iconic filming locations of Meatballs guarantees a delightful and unforgettable experience.
Fun Fact
Meatballs was shot at Camp White Pine in Haliburton, Ontario, using real campers in the mess hall scenes. The film's authenticity and inclusion of actual campers added to its charm and realism.
In the North Star Camp scene in Meatballs
Camp White Pine, 1335 Camp White Pine Ct, Haliburton, ON
Tripper Harrison (Bill Murray) takes charge of a team of aspiring counselors, known as CITs, at Camp North Star, a budget-friendly summer camp in Ontario. He orchestrates playful pranks on the camp director, Morty Melnick (Harvey Atkin), often sneaking into Morty's cabin late at night and leaving him to wake up in peculiar locations.
Camp White Pine in Haliburton is a renowned summer camp that offers unforgettable experiences for boys and girls aged 7 to 16. Set on a picturesque 1600-acre property with a private lake, campers can enjoy various activities. From traditional camp fun to specialized programs, Camp White Pine ensures a well-rounded experience. With dedicated and experienced staff, a safe and supportive environment is provided for campers to thrive. Recognized as one of Canada's best overnight summer camps, Camp White Pine offers exceptional facilities and diverse programs. Located in the beautiful Haliburton Highlands, it's the perfect place for a summer of fun, friendship, and lifelong memories.
To reach 1335 Camp White Pine Court in Haliburton, Ontario, proceed north on Highway 404 until you reach its termination. Then, make a left turn onto Woodbine Avenue. From there, take the first right onto Ravenshoe Road. This route will lead you directly to the address of Camp White Pine.
Campers boarding the bus scene in Meatballs
Town & Country Centre, 55 Angeline St N, Lindsay, ON
As the bus pulls up, the campers eagerly gather their belongings and say goodbye to their parents. Some hug their loved ones tightly, while others wave goodbye with big smiles. The atmosphere is filled with nervousness and excitement as the campers anticipate the fun-filled days ahead.
Located in Lindsay, Ontario, the Town & Country Centre is a prominent establishment that caters to the community's diverse needs. One of its key businesses is the Town & Country Medical Centre, which provides comprehensive healthcare services to patients in the Lindsay area. With a team of dedicated physicians and surgeons, the center offers top-notch care for patients of all ages, including general health check-ups, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, preventive care, and vaccinations. Patients can schedule appointments in person, over the phone, or online. Apart from the medical center, the Town & Country Centre also accommodates other businesses, making it a bustling hub for a wide range of services in Lindsay.
To get to Town & Country Centre, take Highway 35 or Highway 7 to reach Lindsay. Head towards the downtown area of Lindsay. Once in Lindsay, continue on Angeline Street N until you reach 55 Angeline Street N. The Town & Country Centre will be on your left.
Conclusion
The movie Meatballs was primarily filmed in various locations, showcasing the beautiful landscapes of different regions. The main campsite scenes were captured at Camp White Pine in Haliburton, Ontario, Canada. This picturesque location provided the backdrop for the camp where the movie's story unfolds. Other filming locations included the Town & Country Centre on Angeline Street N in Lindsay, Ontario.
In addition to the Ontario locations, some scenes were filmed in Montréal, Quebec, and Saugus, California. These diverse settings added depth and variety to the film, capturing the essence of different places.
The filming of Meatballs showcased the exquisite natural beauty of Ontario while ingeniously integrating urban settings in Montréal and California. This harmonious blend of locations significantly contributed to the movie's enchanting allure and endearing status as a beloved cult classic.