The Empire, North Bay's Landmark Retirement Residence

The History of the Empire


The Empire, North Bay's Landmark Retirement Residence, started life in 1927 as the Empire Hotel. Built as one of the most luxurious hotels in Ontario’s near north region, the Empire hosted the Queen on her visit to Canada in 1951. Because of its elaborate architectural features, the hotel attracted the movie industry and was featured in several notable movies including Captains of the Clouds, a war epic staring James Cagney in 1942. The former hotel was completely renovated bringing the building back to its initial splendor and in 1997 the Empire took on its new life as a retirement home. The Empire now boosts 157 luxury suites with breathtaking architectural detailing, ballrooms, dining rooms and lounges that rival the finest hotels in the country. The Empire exudes an ambiance that cannot be duplicated.