HAVE YOU HAD A PARANORMAL EXPERIENCE AT THIS LOCATION?
Please Share Your Experiences
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By <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Bbadgett&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="User:Bbadgett (page does not exist)">Bbadgett</a> - <span class="int-own-work" lang="en">Own work</span>, Public Domain, Link
History
Thomas Aitken moved to Muskoka in 1860 from Scotland’s Shetland Islands and bought this land; originally for farming. The land proved poor for farming so he built a boarding house – he would build himself a personal cottage at a later date – on the site where the main hotel sits now.
In 1887 the building began to look much as it does today. Mostly sportsmen – as they were referred to at the time – stayed there hunting and fishing.
By the 1890’s the hotel could accommodate 220 guests and one night’s stay was $1.50 ($53.00 in 2022 dollars). In the early 20th century electricity was added as well as innovative method to assure a steady stream of water.
In 1919 Thomas Aitken passed away and the hotel was passed to his children. Also, in that year, 200 acres of land was sold to the newly formed Windermere Golf & Country Club which added a new activity for guests to enjoy.
In 1933 the kitchen was modernized and in the late 1940’s the second and third floors were renovated to create full suites with private bathrooms.
In 1996 the entire hotel was destroyed in a fire while the movie ‘The Long Kiss Goodnight’ was being filmed. By 1997 the building had been completely rebuilt exactly the same and was open again for guests.
In 2007-08 the hotel was further renovated.
Paranormal Activity
The ghost of the original owner, Thomas Aitken, is said to haunt the building; as he has since his passing. Thomas is said to be responsible for moving objects by invisible force – it is surmised he thinks these objects should be where he places them rather than where they are - and for knocking on guest’s doors.
There are many reports of guests getting knocks on their room doors only to open them and find no one there.
Many guests have reported waking up and finding the ghost of a little girl standing beside their bed. She will vanish soon after being seen.
Other Reported Activity: unexplained noises; electrical disturbances; light anomalies and feelings of not being alone.