Laura’s Lodge was originally built in 1966 as a residence for priests. This continued until the mid-1970s, when the building underwent a major renovation that doubled its size and added several washrooms and two kitchens.
In the early 1980s, Laura Lowen took over the property and began hosting students, medical personnel, and visitors to Saskatoon. She single-handedly built the business and was a pioneer of the visitor lodge concept in the city. Under her leadership, the building underwent numerous renovations, including a name change to Laura’s Lodge. It quickly became an iconic and well-known establishment, developing into a recognizable brand in Saskatoon. During this time, the lodge gained an international reputation as a welcoming and comfortable place to stay.
It was also during this period that a student named Gordon Hirschfeld stayed at Laura’s Lodge while attending the University of Saskatchewan. He assisted Laura in operating the lodge while continuing his studies.
Fast forward more than 20 years, and Laura met Gordon again—this time over coffee, after not seeing each other for more than 15 years. It was then that Laura decided it was time to pass the reins to someone new. Gordon and his wife Cathy were the perfect choice. In addition to their extensive nursing backgrounds, they had lived in Saskatoon for over 20 years and knew the city well.
Since taking over, Gordon and Cathy have made significant renovations and improvements to the lodge. They’ve also assembled a helpful and friendly team of 10 staff members. If there’s ever something they don’t know or can’t assist you with, they’ll make sure to find the answer for you.
