The Nipigon Inn

The Nipigon Inn. . , The Nipigon Inn has been a fixture on the main street for more years than anyone can remember. It is unclear what year the hotel was constructed, but early photos show that the original inn may have been built in the early part of the 20th century. With a large transient population of bush and railroad workers in the early days of Nipigon, the hotel business was lucrative and the tavern was hopping. , The Hogans were the proprietors between 1920 and 1952, remodeling completely in 1943. The property changed hands a couple of times before Frank Zayette took over on July 1, 1954. That date was memorable as it was on that day that Aboriginal people were first permitted to purchase alcoholic beverages and drink them in licensed outlets. , On Feb. 11 1955, the old furnace in the basement cracked open and fire spread quickly throughout the hotel, completely destroying the building. At the time of the fire, the inn was filled with curlers, as there was a men's bonspiel in Nipigon. Fortunately, all the patrons escaped without injury. The new Nipigon Inn was built in the same location. Orean O'Neill was the proprietor for several years, followed by the Lamberts, Robert LeSage, and David Maynard. Amelia Roy has owned the inn since 1987.