Maria Da Silva – författare

One hundred and twenty-five years of steamboating in Muskoka come alive with the anniversary celebration of the RMS Segwun.

The Royal Mail Ship Segwun is the oldest operating steamship in North America, a Muskoka icon, and one of Ontario’s best-known tourist attractions. Built as a paddlewheeler in 1887, the RMS Segwun saw her initial career suspended in the 1950s when the ship ceased operations. Fortunately, she began a new chapter in 1974 when she was lovingly restored and magnificent sightseeing cruises were offered. Those who board the vessel step back in time to a romantic era in cottage country’s history when steamboats were vital to settlement, tourism, and economic development.

The history of this celebrated Canadian ship and her sister vessels that made up the Muskoka Navigation Company fleet is thoughtfully explored, as is the long and significant past of steamboating on the Muskoka lakes. Historical and contemporary photographs complement the story of this "Queen of Muskoka" in recognition of her 125th anniversary.

One hundred and twenty-five years of steamboating in Muskoka come alive with the anniversary celebration of the RMS Segwun.

The Royal Mail Ship Segwun is the oldest operating steamship in North America, a Muskoka icon, and one of Ontario’s best-known tourist attractions. Built as a paddlewheeler in 1887, the RMS Segwun saw her initial career suspended in the 1950s when the ship ceased operations. Fortunately, she began a new chapter in 1974 when she was lovingly restored and magnificent sightseeing cruises were offered. Those who board the vessel step back in time to a romantic era in cottage country’s history when steamboats were vital to settlement, tourism, and economic development.

The history of this celebrated Canadian ship and her sister vessels that made up the Muskoka Navigation Company fleet is thoughtfully explored, as is the long and significant past of steamboating on the Muskoka lakes. Historical and contemporary photographs complement the story of this "Queen of Muskoka" in recognition of her 125th anniversary.

Ghost Towns of Muskoka explores the tragic history of a collection of communities from across Muskoka whose stars have long since faded. Today, these ghost towns are merely a shadow – or spectre – of what they once were. Some have disappeared entirely, having been swallowed by regenerating forests, while others have been reduced to foundations, forlorn buildings, and silent ruins. A few support a handful of inhabitants, but even these towns are wrapped in a ghostly shroud.

But this book isnt only about communities that have died. Rather it is about communities that lived, vibrantly at that, if only for a brief time. Its about the people whose dreams for a better life these villages represented; the people who lived, loved, laboured, and ultimately died in these small wilderness settlements. And its about an era in history, those early heady days of Muskoka settlement when the forests were flooded with loggers and land-hungry settlers.

Three titles in Andrew Hind and Maria Da Silva's acclaimed series on the local history, maritime colour, and even the shadowy side of Ontario's most picturesque communities. From ghost towns to actual ghosts, the unexpected abounds in this collection of the most surprising corners of Ontario - a must for cottagers and local-history lovers, brought to you by two of the best!Includes: RMS Segwun Ghost Towns of Muskoka Ghosts of Niagara-on-the-Lake

A new, expanded edition detailing Niagara-on-the-Lake’s ghostly inhabitants.Long-dead British soldiers, grieving lovers, an undead priest — Niagara-on-the-Lake’s long and colourful history is kept “alive” by ghosts of its past. Some have called it Canada’s most haunted town, and with so much of its built heritage preserved, the community provides the perfect “haunts” for age-old spirits.Through historical investigation and engrossing storytelling, the authors have detailed nearly two dozen ghosts. A timeless tavern is home to the spirit of a British officer slain in its basement, a gentlemanly ghost except when he encounters Americans; a woman comes face-to-face with a hero from the past while working at one of the nation’s most cherished historic landmarks; in Queenston Heights, visitors are stalked by phantom soldiers.Historical research embedded in every tale paints a vivid portrait of the past, and numerous eyewitness accounts draw the reader into these atmospheric, uncanny, and eerie stories.

A new, expanded edition detailing Niagara-on-the-Lake’s ghostly inhabitants.Long-dead British soldiers, grieving lovers, an undead priest — Niagara-on-the-Lake’s long and colourful history is kept “alive” by ghosts of its past. Some have called it Canada’s most haunted town, and with so much of its built heritage preserved, the community provides the perfect “haunts” for age-old spirits.Through historical investigation and engrossing storytelling, the authors have detailed nearly two dozen ghosts. A timeless tavern is home to the spirit of a British officer slain in its basement, a gentlemanly ghost except when he encounters Americans; a woman comes face-to-face with a hero from the past while working at one of the nation’s most cherished historic landmarks; in Queenston Heights, visitors are stalked by phantom soldiers.Historical research embedded in every tale paints a vivid portrait of the past, and numerous eyewitness accounts draw the reader into these atmospheric, uncanny, and eerie stories.

Ghost Towns of Muskoka explores the tragic history of a collection of communities from across Muskoka whose stars have long since faded. Today, these ghost towns are merely a shadow – or spectre – of what they once were. Some have disappeared entirely, having been swallowed by regenerating forests, while others have been reduced to foundations, forlorn buildings, and silent ruins. A few support a handful of inhabitants, but even these towns are wrapped in a ghostly shroud.But this book isnt only about communities that have died. Rather it is about communities that lived, vibrantly at that, if only for a brief time. Its about the people whose dreams for a better life these villages represented; the people who lived, loved, laboured, and ultimately died in these small wilderness settlements. And its about an era in history, those early heady days of Muskoka settlement when the forests were flooded with loggers and land-hungry settlers.

Since the 1880s, people have travelled to Muskoka in search of solace and relaxation, enjoying the comfortable confines and warm hospitality of resorts while at the same time reveling in the tranquil wilderness and refreshing lakes. Things haven’t really changed all that much over the past century. Vacationers might access Muskoka faster today, and upon arrival find the available luxuries much more impressive, but the allure remains the same as when the tourism industry first exploded on the Muskoka scene. This northern playground grew in popularity during the 20th century. Hollywood stars, business tycoons, and celebrities from all walks of life soaked up everything the area offered. This storied past of carefree summers and timeless hospitality is the focus of Muskoka Resorts. Twenty classic resorts are explored, some of which are thriving today, such as Windermere House and Deerhurst, while others such as Limberlost and Bigwin Inn are long gone, though fondly remembered.

Ghost Towns of Muskoka explores the tragic history of a collection of communities from across Muskoka whose stars have long since faded. Today, these ghost towns are merely a shadow – or spectre – of what they once were. Some have disappeared entirely, having been swallowed by regenerating forests, while others have been reduced to foundations, forlorn buildings, and silent ruins. A few support a handful of inhabitants, but even these towns are wrapped in a ghostly shroud.

But this book isnt only about communities that have died. Rather it is about communities that lived, vibrantly at that, if only for a brief time. Its about the people whose dreams for a better life these villages represented; the people who lived, loved, laboured, and ultimately died in these small wilderness settlements. And its about an era in history, those early heady days of Muskoka settlement when the forests were flooded with loggers and land-hungry settlers.