Where was Police Academy filmed?

As an arrogant and obtuse Lieutenant Thaddeus Harris (G.W. Bailey) tasked with training the cadets, he agrees to a plan intended to make the recruits' lives so unbearable that they voluntarily quit. One recruit in particular, Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg), concocts numerous plans to get himself expelled as he can't simply quit due to a deal he made with Captain Reed (Ted Ross). If he were to quit, he would be sent to jail.

The backdrop for these scenes is the academy itself, which was filmed at what was once the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital, located at 3199 Lake Shore Boulevard West in Etobicoke, west of Toronto. This location has a cinematic history, having been used in the 1977 film Equus. After the facility closed, its institutional aesthetic made it an ideal setting for Police Academy and it was later used in films like Urban Legend.

Today, the location has been transformed into Humber College Lakeshore Campus. Building G, which served as the office for Commandant Lassard (George Gaynes), is part of this campus. Just south of this, the academy barracks were represented by the I, J, and K buildings, which overlook what is now the Australian Football Field. The site has undergone some remodeling since its days as a hospital and movie set.

To visit this iconic location, fans should make their way to Toronto. From there, it's a 23-minute drive by car via Gardiner Expy W. Once in the city, they could travel west to reach Etobicoke. However, before making any plans, it's recommended to contact the administration of Humber College Lakeshore Campus to inquire about the possibility of visiting.

There's an engaging scene where Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg) showcases an unconventional yet efficient technique for sideways parking. This scene, though humorous, also serves to illustrate Mahoney's character, which is a rule breaker with a knack for creative solutions.

The backdrop for this memorable scene was a parking lot situated at the southwest corner of Wellington Street West and Simcoe Street in downtown Toronto. However, this location has since undergone significant changes; where the parking lot once stood, now rises the impressive RBC Building. This skyscraper has been serving as the corporate headquarters for the Royal Bank of Canada since 1976.

Even though the original filming location has evolved, the area still holds onto its allure. One notable landmark is the internationally renowned Roy Thomson Hall, which has made its appearance in other movies like "X-Men." Alongside it, the 19th-century Romanesque St Andrew’s Church stands as a historical monument, reflecting Toronto's rich past. This mix of old and new architecture embodies the dynamic spirit of downtown Toronto.

To visit what remains of this iconic filming location, you'll need to travel to downtown Toronto. The exact spot is at the intersection of Wellington Street West and Simcoe Street. From Toronto City Hall, it's a short 17-minute walk via Queen St W and Simcoe St. While the original parking lot may no longer exist, fans can still enjoy the surrounding landmarks and imagine the comedic antics of Mahoney unfolding on the bustling streets of Toronto.

The memorable scene unfolds during the training period. Characters Blankes (Brant von Hoffman) and Copeland (Scott Thomson), lured by the promise of a party, find themselves tricked by Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg) into entering the Blue Oyster, which they soon realize is a gay biker bar.

In reality, the Blue Oyster was not a gay bar but a popular music venue known as the Silver Dollar Room. It was located at 486 Spadina Avenue, on the ground floor of the famous old Hotel Waverly in Toronto, Canada. This historic venue, opened in 1900, was a hub for live music.

Sadly, the original Silver Dollar Room and Hotel Waverly were demolished in 2018. However, in its place now stands the Waverley Apartments. In a nod to the site's storied past, the developers promised to rebuild the Silver Dollar Room exactly as it was. Although it does not appear to be open yet, the exterior has been faithfully recreated.

While the interior may not be the same, fans can still appreciate the historical significance of the spot, now part of the Waverley Apartments. The site is situated downtown, just a brief 30-minute walk from Simcoe Place via Spadina Ave. and Front St W. Additionally, bus routes are available for transportation.

There's an unforgettable scene featuring a show of strength from Hightower (Bubba Smith). After witnessing his friend and fellow cadet Laverne Hooks (Marion Ramsey), being racially insulted, Hightower reacts with fury. In a display of his immense power, he lifts and overturns a police car with the offensive cadet Copeland (Scott Thomson) still inside.

This particular scene, along with another notable one where a panicked Hooks handles a traffic foul-up, was shot in the heart of Toronto, at the intersection of Colborne and Victoria Streets. It's also here that Lt Harris (G.W. Bailey) is seen biking along Colborne Street until he encounters an unfortunate incident involving the rear end of a horse.

The filming location, situated near the corner of Colborne and Scott Streets in downtown Toronto, has since seen significant construction. Despite the changes, fans of the film can still visit the site and walk down the street to find the exact spots where these memorable scenes were filmed. You can reach the destination from downtown Toronto by a 15-minute walk via Queen St W and Yonge St. Alternatively, you can opt for public transportation or hail a taxi.

An urban riot takes an unexpected turn. A hardened criminal manages to steal two cadet revolvers, one each from Copeland (Scott Thomson) and Cadet Blankes (Brant von Hoffman). The outlaw then catches Lt. Harris (G. W. Bailey) off guard, disarms him, and takes him hostage on the roof of a nearby building. Despite his past conflicts with Harris, Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg) bravely attempts a rooftop rescue, dodging bullets in the process. However, his effort is unsuccessful, and he too becomes a hostage.

This intense scene was filmed on the rooftop of a former toy factory, which has since been transformed into the stylish Toy Factory Lofts. Located at the corner of Halma Avenue and Liberty Street in Liberty Village, this historic building adds a unique backdrop to the film's drama.

Liberty Village, located significantly southwest, formerly belonged to the Garrison Common, a military stronghold for what was once the Town of York (present-day Toronto). The arrival of the railway in the 1850s led to the establishment of factories and warehouses. Despite extensive development over time, the lofts seen in the film remain a recognizable feature of the area.

If you're interested in exploring this iconic filming location, make your way to Liberty Village using Halma Avenue and Liberty Street. From downtown Toronto, it's a quick 15-minute journey via Queen St W. You might find public transportation to be a convenient and potentially quicker option compared to a taxi or personal vehicle, especially during peak traffic times.