[INTRODUCTION]
Joli: Welcome listeners to another episode of Beyond the Unknown. I'm your host, Joli, and I'm Quinn, and today, we are continuing on our all Canadian Ghost Tour and taking you to beautiful Niagara Falls - the honeymoon capital of the world. Join us as we uncover the spooky side of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks while diving deep into some tragic love stories - just in time for Valentine’s day!
[Transition Music]
Okay so, do you guys remember our Ghosts of Banff Springs Hotel episode? If not, seriously, go give it a listen – it's a spine-chiller! Since you all loved that one, I thought, why not keep this ghostly Canadian road trip rolling? It has been fun exploring some seriously stunning sites that also have a dark side.
Today we’re talking about the Niagara Falls region in Southern central Canada.
Niagara Falls. Where to start. This place is iconic and I am sure you are already picturing the colossal bowl of cascading water, split between the U.S. and Canadian border. I am biased …the Canadian side is way cooler, it totally steals the show. Sorry American friends. I remember going there as a kid and just staring at the falls from the top, and being absolutely mesmerized by the smooth flowing water just before it glided over the rocks and tumbled into the turbulent misty bowl of water and rock.
Now, I am pretty sure I went on the famous Maid of the Mist boat ride. I don’t think I invented that memory in my head. I remember putting on the blue trash bag looking rain jackets. It was so loud in there! Ummm…also….is anyone a fan of…THE OFFICE? Do you guys remember Pam and Jim’s wedding, and how they ACTUALLY get married on the American vesion of Maid of the Mist. I think that show is a good example of how the American side just isn’t as magical as the Canadian side. Just saying. I dunno, the views and the landscape of the Canadian side is just nicer. I will let this go and stop hammering it home haha Also, do you remember reading about the daredevil of Niagara falls? A guy who walked on a tight rope across it. I should have looked into this a bit more, but I am pretty sure that is a true story. The falls is also iconic in so many other ways, some years in November they will light up the Falls with purple lighting to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer. Jo and I lost our mom to pancreatic cancer, so this cause is very near and dear to our hearts.
Now, this iconic and historic site, naturally, is the scene for many tales, folklore…and yes, you guessed it, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY.
So now that we’ve checked out the falls, we need to find a nice little B&B to stay the night. So, hop in our 10million dollars a day Canadian rental car and come with us to Brockamour Manor Bed & Breakfast.
Brockamour Manor was built in 1809 and was the luxurious home of Captain John Powell. John’s sister Sophia resided in a Manor as well and was frequently in the company of many of her brother’s fellow army men. Once such man was General Isaac Brock. It is said that Sophia and Brock fell in love. Unfortunately, John and Sophia’s father did not approve of the union. The young lover’s didn’t care and decided to get engaged secretly. Despite the lengths they went to stay together, unfortunately they would be torn apart when Brock was killed in the Battle of Queenstan Heights. Devastated, it is said that Sophia remained in the Manor, never quite getting over the loss of her great love. To this day, it is said that you can find Sophia walking the halls at night, sobbing. She is known as the pale crying lady.
So since we clearly aren’t going to get any sleep at Brockamour Manor, hop back in the car, we’re heading to “The Olde Angel Inn”.
Originally known as The Harmonious Coach House, this haunted dwelling is one of Ontario’s oldest pubs. It was thought to have originally been built in 1789 on land given to the Deputy Surveyor General. After fires during the war of 1812, the Inn had to be rebuilt. It was then givevn the name “Angel Inn”. It has changed names a few times since but was returned to the name Angel Inn sometime in the late 1800s. Today, you can still see details from the original structure, such as the exposed beems and thick wood plank floors. Wood floors definitely were unique back in the day – trust me, after going through renovations, you cannot get floors like this anymore! Today, it stil functions as an Inn, it isn’t just namesake. There are five rooms and two cottages on the property for rent. The room known as the General’s Quarters is apparently the most haunted.
Over the years, the guest list included some names you might recognize: John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant-Governor; Alexander Mackenzie, the explorer; Prince Edward, the father of the future Queen Victoria; and Thomas Moore, the Irish National Poet.
In 1813, the Americans invaded this part of Canada. A Canadian militia officer, Captain Colin Swayze, was supposed to join the British forces to push back against the enemies. Not wanting to miss his chance with the love of his life, Swayze delayed meeting up with his fellow militia. While inside, he could see the enemies drawing nearer. Panicked, Captain Swayze ran into the cellar. Down there, he realized there was no escape but he did find large wine barrels. With nowhere else to run, Swayze hid inside one of the empty barrels. The American’s stormed inside. The American’s were searching every inch of the town to find and kill any on the British side. Once the enemies searched the upper floors of the Inn, they made their way to the cellar. They searched every nook and cranny. They even stabbed their bayonets into any area they thought someone might be able to conseal themselves. Once in the cellar, they started stabbing the barrels, one-by-one, until finally, they stabbed and killed Swayze. Sadly, Swayze died before ever getting to see his love.
According to the tale, Swayze walks the halls of the inn at night still waiting for her to this day. It is said that if the British flag flying over the inn is taken down, even if just temporarily, say for cleaning purposes, Colin becomes particularly aggravated. But if the flag remains flying over the pub, he is quite harmless. Stories include objects being moved over 10 feet, doors opening on their own and even whistling being heard when no one is around. Apparently the basement area is particularly active – paranormally speaking. That’s twice I’ve said paranormally, so it is officially a word. So my mother-in-law is who actually set my sights on this place because she had a story of her own to share. She told me that her brother ordered a beer at this pub. After the beer was set on the bar infront of him, it apparently went flying across the room and smashed on the floor. Talk about creepy!!
The Inn themselves regularly updates their own ghost stories. In 2020, they reported that Captain Swayze was caught on camera after closing. The next morning during routine check-up and maintenance, they noticed that the motion sensor was set off the night prior. When the footage was reviewed, staff saw a familiar shape walking around the cottage late at night. Check out our social for the image of the footage - as you can see for yourself, the ghostly shape appears to be wearing a militia officer’s uniform. So cool! Check out the Inn’s website for further updates/ghost stories!
So there you have it – two tales of the paranormal and broken hearts in one of Canada’s most iconic sites. Have you ever visited any of the haunted sites in Niagara? There are so many spots I left out of today’s story – write to us and let us know!
[Transition Music]
Joli: Thank you for joining us for another episode of "Beyond the Unknown." If you have a story you’d like to share, please email us at moody.mediaprod@gmail.com. You can reach out on our website, and who knows, your story might be featured in our next episode.
Quinn: All of our sources for this episode can be found on our website: beyondtheunknownpod.com.
And don’t forget, if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review.
Joli: Until next time, listeners. Stay curious and remember that the unknown is always just beyond the shadows.
Both: BYEEEE
