Historic Sites of Manitoba: Canadian Northern Hotel / Hamilton Hotel / Towers Hotel (203 Main Street South, Dauphin)

This three-storey building in Dauphin, constructed of distinctive concrete blocks, was destroyed in a suspected arson fire on 18 September 2014. Known originally as the Canadian Northern Hotel, it was constructed by William Whitmore, who homesteaded in the area in 1886. The building was purchased around 1911 by rancher and hotelier Daniel Hamilton, who renamed it the Hamilton Hotel and operated it until his death. In 1960, it was purchased by John Kiernicki and renamed the Towers Hotel.

Front view of the former Hamilton Hotel

Front view of the former Hamilton Hotel (May 2014)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough

Side view of the former Hamilton Hotel

Side view of the former Hamilton Hotel (May 2014)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough

Rear view of the former Hamilton Hotel

Rear view of the former Hamilton Hotel (May 2014)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough

Site Coordinates (lat/long): N51.14802, W100.05209
denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Memorable Manitobans: Daniel Hamilton (1866-1935)

MHS Resources: Manitoba Bricks and Blocks

Sources:

Dauphin Valley Spans the Years by Dauphin Historical Society, 1970.

Male in custody after fire destroys historic Dauphin hotel,” CBC News, 18 September 2014.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 22 February 2020

Historic Sites of Manitoba

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