CHAPTER 22 — Early Canadian Hotel, Inn & Lodge Roofing (1700s–1920s)

As travel routes expanded across Canada — from fur trade paths and stagecoach trails to railway towns — hotels, inns, and lodges became essential stopping points for travelers. These buildings needed durable, attractive roofing systems capable of handling heavy weather while welcoming visitors in every season.

Why Hospitality Roofing Was Distinct

• High visibility: Inns and hotels were landmark buildings in early towns.
• Large roof areas: Multi-room structures required strong, long-span roofing.
• Brand image: A well-kept roof signaled quality and safety to travelers.
• Constant maintenance: Roofs had to withstand heavy use, chimneys, and cooking smoke.

Common Roofing Materials Used on Inns & Hotels

1. Cedar & Pine Shingles

The earliest inns used locally sourced shingles due to affordability and the abundance of timber. These roofs performed well in both coastal and inland climates.

2. Slate Roofing

By the mid-1800s, slate roofs became common on higher-end hotels in major cities, offering fire resistance and longevity — important in growing urban centers.

3. Metal Roofing

Pressed-tin and galvanized metal shingles were widely used on lodges and railway hotels because they were durable and fire-resistant, especially when placed near kitchens and chimney stacks.

4. Cedar Shake Mansard Roofs

Many 19th-century inns adopted mansard roofs to add extra rooms in the attic, using cedar shakes for aesthetic appeal and weather protection.

Iconic Roof Shapes in Hospitality Buildings

• Gable roofs for rural roadside inns.
• Mansard roofs for multi-level urban hotels.
• Wraparound porch roofs common in the Maritimes and Ontario.
• Hipped roofs on mountain lodges and lakeside resorts.

Climate Adaptation

Across Canada, hospitality roofing had to adapt to diverse weather:

• Steep slopes in snowy regions (Quebec, Ontario, Prairies).
• Storm-resistant shingles in Atlantic Canada.
• Fire-resistant metal in railway towns and frontier settlements.

Historical Significance

Many heritage hotels — including rail lodges, stagecoach inns, logging camps, and early urban hotels — still stand today. Their roofs reflect the growth of travel, tourism, and settlement across Canada.

This chapter is part of the ROOFNOW™ Canadian Roofing History Archive.