Maria Da Silva – författare

A new, expanded edition detailing Niagara-on-the-Lake’s ghostly inhabitants.Long-dead British soldiers, grieving lovers, lingering spirits — Niagara-on-the-Lake’s long and colourful history is kept alive by ghosts of its past.Through historical investigation and eyewitness accounts, Andrew Hind and Maria Da Silva share over two dozen ghostly tales: a murdered British officer haunts the Olde Angel Inn, a ghostly widow retaliates against couples, a condemned ghost at the old courthouse pleads his innocence, and ghostly guests at the Prince of Wales Hotel have no desire to check out. Some have called Niagara on-the-Lake Canada’s most haunted town, and with so much of its built heritage preserved, the community clearly makes the perfect haunt for age-old spirits.

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.