Beautiful Alberta: A Selection of 2023/24 Winter and Spring Photographs from My Visits to Banff, Kananaskis, the Bad Lands and Waterton

From hundreds of photographs, Malik Merchant selects a few to provide a taste of what’s out there in Alberta for everyone to enjoy at any time of the year.

My Encounter with Beautiful Mountain Bluebirds in Drumheller, Alberta

Though not on a bird-sighting walk, Malik Merchant, to his amazement and surprise, encountered beautiful Mountain Bluebirds near the Rosedale Suspension Bridge in Rosedale, near Drumheller! Read his story and see the photos he captured.

The Canadian Rockies are Majestic, BUT Human Kindness is Priceless: Story of My Visit to Storm Mountain Lookout Point on the Bow Valley Parkway

This is the story of my latest visit to Banff when two beautiful young couples from Syracuse, New York, and Edmonton, Alberta, calmly, amidst plenty of joking and laughter, helped me out at the Storm Mountain Lookout Point on the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park.

A Unique Dome Stay and Wildlife Experience at Métis Crossing, Alberta: Photos of the White Bison, the White Elk, the Percheron Horse and Unhindered Views of the Sky!

Wow, what an experience for Malik Merchant at Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake, Alberta as he stays in a domed room with unhindered views of the night sky and follows it up with a visit to its magnificent Wildlife Park!

Portraits of the Bison: A Winter Day at Elk Island National Park

After visiting the Aga Khan Garden, Malik Merchant visited Elk Island National Park before returning to Calgary. Although animals were not plentiful, he captured photographs of the huge and beautiful animal — the bison. In his post, he also salutes the Elk Island Visitors Centre for its informative displays, educational videos and beautiful objects for sale for the entire family. Check out Merchant’s post!

A Magical Winter Day at the Beautiful Aga Khan Garden

Malik Merchant’s impatient wait to visit the Aga Khan Garden near Edmonton in winter is over, following a recent snowfall. His pictures show the beauty of the Garden in the winter, with pristine snow covering much of the ground.

Memorial Bench Tributes to Deceased Ismaili Muslims Buried at Calgary’s Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery

Malik Merchant, while attending the burial of his late friend Salim’s son, Rahim, walks through the grounds of the Ismaili cemetery in Calgary and is inspired by the memorial bench tributes given to deceased Ismailis by their family members. Malik presents a collection of these inspiring tributes.

Photo of the Day: The Nad-e ‘Ali Panel Presented to the Aga Khan, and the Significance of the Prayer

It is truly heartening to be publishing this special post as we commemorate the birth anniversary of the first Shia Imam, Hazrat Ali, on January 24, 2024.

Photographs: A Beautiful Winter Hike to Troll Falls in Kananaskis Country, Alberta

In contrast to his recent visit to the stunning Johnston Canyon, Malik Merchant walks leisurely to Troll Falls in beautiful Kananaskis Country. Please enjoy his story and photographs and visit Troll Falls with your family members!

Winter Wonderland on January 1, 2024: Johnston Canyon, Morant’s Curve, Lake Louise Ski Resort and “Ice Magic” at the Fairmont Chateau

Malik Merchant experiences a magical New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024, in Banff National Park. Nature is so powerful, it drove him away from one of his favourite restaurants in Banff where he had been craving for months to have fish tacos. His excitement and love of nature has resulted in this gallery of beautiful winter photos.

A Selection of Beautiful Nature Photographs from 2023

Malik Merchant presents a slide show of a different kind! His selection of some 30 pictures from hundreds he took during his travels around Alberta in 2023, include rich and inspiring quotes and messages from the Qur’an as well as Muslim and non-Muslim leaders, poets and writers.

Stunning Exhibition of Real-Life African and Other Wildlife in Sundre, a Small Rural Town Near Calgary

Malik Merchant spends a thrilling day in Sundre watching wild horses and then visiting the Sundre & District museum, featuring Chester Mjolsness World of Wildlife. For Malik, the museum displays bring back memories of wildlife he had seen in East Africa’s top national parks more than 50 years ago.

A Special Visit to the Canadian Rockies on the Aga Khan’s 87th Birthday, December 13, 2023

This visit undertaken by Malik Merchant to Banff, Canada, was his personal celebration of the Aga Khan’s 87th birthday on December 13, 2023. Enjoy the photographs!

Photographs: Every Visit to Banff National Park is Unique and Full of “Wow” Moments!

Each trip that Malik Merchant makes to Banff National Park, a 75 minute drive from Calgary, is unique. He remains speechless and his utterance of “wows” is endless. Here are Malik’s photos from his November 24, 2023, day trip.

Magnificent Photographs: Crying Out for Fall to Come Back?

A beautiful collection of photographs taken by Malik Merchant during his recent visits to Edmonton and Banff.

Among the Golden Larches: A Perfect Fall Day at the Aga Khan Garden, Alberta

By MALIK MERCHANT Having reached Edmonton’s outskirts well before my hotel check-in time, I decided to visit the Aga Khan Garden at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden for an hour or so… Continue reading

A Beautiful Fall Day in Calgary’s Edworthy Park

By MALIK MERCHANT I had been invited for a 2 PM lunch at the Tiffin Curry and Roti House by Shameela Karmali, whom I first met in Burlington, Ontario, in 1998. We were… Continue reading

A Riot of Autumn Splendor in Calgary: My Annual Fall Pilgrimage in Ottawa is Renewed in Calgary’s Urban Parks

By MALIK MERCHANT Year after year for more than three decades, Gatineau Park — located in the Outaouais region of Quebec and only a 20 minute drive from Ottawa — and the grounds… Continue reading

The Siksika First Nations People: An Epic Day of Celebration and Learning at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Commemoration Day of Treaty 7 – A Must Visit National Heritage Site

Malik Merchant participates in the commemoration of the anniversary of Treaty 7 at the Blackfoot Crossing Historcal Park and comes away educated about the Siksika First Nations People. Enjoy his report and photographs of a MUST VISIT National Heritage Site.

For Ismaili Civic Day 2023 in Calgary, Canada, Volunteers Use All Their Strength to Uproot 115 Invasive Plants from Weaselhead Park

The theme for the 2023 Global Ismaili CIVIC weekend was Environmental Stewardship. From clean energy to conservation, Ismaili Muslims engaged on the ground in efforts to help save and protect our precious planet. In Calgary, a group of Ismaili Civic Day volunteers helped to remove 115 invasive plants from Weaselhead Park. Simergphotos presents story and photographs of a successful day!

Photo Essay: The Horseshoe and Horsethief Canyons, and the Orkney Viewpoint in Drumheller, Alberta, are Stunning

After months of pondering, Malik Merchant makes his way to Drumheller and is thrilled with his outddor experience at the Badlands Amphitheatre and driving through the Dinosaur Trail!

An Inspiring Hike to the Magnificent Grassi Lakes Near Canmore, and Almost Anyone Can Do It!

Arriving at the first of the two Grassi Lakes, Malik Merchant was not totally impressed, having seen other lakes and ponds with even more vibrant annd striking colours. But the second of the two Grassi Lakes, made him bite his hastily formed first impressions. Read and share Merchant’s beautiful photo piece.

Stunning Photographs: Driving Through the Lake Minnewanka Loop in Banff National Park

Malik Merchant drives through the Lake Minnewanka Loop in Banff National Park and presents a collection of stunning photos of mountains, lakes and wildlife. Share this post with your friends and family members around the world.

Beautiful Photographs from Banff National Park: Scenes from the Bow Valley Parkway, Moraine Lake and Sunshine Village

Amazing photographs from Banff National Park!

My Wonderful Photographic Experience as Red-Necked Grebes Nesting in a Calgary Pond Bring a Baby to the World; With 4 Amazing Videos

Malik Merchant shares his extraordinary photographs and videos as he captures the first day of the life of a new born chick to a pair of beautiful Red-necked Grebes in a Calgary Pond. MUST SEE AND SHARE!

Photographs of Wildlife in an Urban Pond in Calgary, as a Red-Necked Grebe Anxiously Awaits the Hatching of Her Chicks

Having taken a nearby pond for granted last summer, Malik Merchant returns to it and finds that it is teeming with wildlife! He discovers a nest where a Red-Necked Grebe is patiently and anxiously waiting for her eggs to hatch. Read and share this post with beautiful photographs.

July 8, 2023: The Ismaili Muslim Community’s Stampede Breakfast in Calgary Honours Ismailis, the Aga Khan and Diversity in Canada – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Lt. Governor Salma Lakhani and Thousands Grace the Iconic Event

Malik Merchant attends Calgary’s 26th Ismaili Stampede Breakfast and is totally surprised with the presence of so many political heavyweights. Read his story and photographs.

Surfing and kayaking in the Kananaskis River, in the midst of a beautiful family trail in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country

No doubt. Kananaskis Country in Alberta has become Malik Merchant’s second home and during his latest trip he discovers a new trail that leads him to the centre of watersports in the Kananaskis River! He also sees a grizzly for the first time in 2023. Do not miss the photographs and videos from Malik’s wonderful day trip.

Elk Island National Park: Exciting wildlife, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, inspiring bird singing, easy trails, stories of early Ukrainian settlers and delicious pizzas

Bisons in Canada? Malik Merchant who recently drove to Elk Island National Park near Edmonton saw hundreds! Read his story about the beauty of the park — its sunrises and sunsets, easy trails, wildlife consisting of bisons, beavers, hundreds of species of birds performing melodious sounds and more! And a must visit place near the park is the Ukrainian Heritage Centre.

Scenes from bustling Cairo through the lens of Muslim Harji

In this special and exclusive third piece in a 4-part series Muslim Harji presents scenes from bustling Cairo. Please read and share!

Photographs taken at dawn: Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s outdoor exhibit at the Ismaili Centre Toronto

Through beautiful pictures taken at dawn in the outdoor area of the Ismaili Centre Toronto, Shafin Valla relives the photography of Prince Hussain Aga Khan captured during his encounters with sea creatures in oceans around the world.

Cairo’s Al-Azhar Park through the lens of Muslim Harji

In this special and exclusive second part of a 4-part series on Cairo and Egypt, Muslim Harji presents a selection of beautiful pictures of the Al-Azhar Park, originally a dumpsite for centuries until the vision of His Highness the Aga Khan transformed it to “Cairo’s green lung.”

Toronto’s annual Doors Open draws thousands to Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum; several hundred take opportunity to view Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s photographic exhibition The Living Sea

Thousands walk through the doors of the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre at the Doors Open Toronto event held on May 27-28, 2023. We bring you a selection of photos.

Exclusive: Beautiful photographs of Eid ul-Fitr celebrations at the Montreal Headquarters Jamatkhana

Muslim Harji brings readers of Simergphotos delightful photos of the Eid ul-Fitr celebrations on April 21 at the Montreal Headquarters Jamatkhana.

Street foods of Cairo through the lens of Canada’s Muslim Harji

Montreal’s Muslim Harji commences his exclusive photo series for Simergphotos with Street Foods of Cairo. Enjoy this and other upcoming photo essays and share Simergphotos with your friends and family members around the world.

Easter and Sacred Christian Objects

By MUSLIM HARJI As hundreds of millions of Christians around the world celebrate Easter Sunday on April 9, 2023, we present these images captured by Muslim Harji during his travels around the world.… Continue reading

A lone coyote, a parade of elks and other beautiful photographs from Banff National Park

Malik Merchant’s photographs of nature and wildlife at Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, are as stunning as they are inspiring. See them and share them and if you visit Canada take a few days to visit this incredible National Park.

Start of 2023 Spring: Six Beautiful Twilight Photographs from Calgary

Malik Merchant drives a very short distance from his home in Calgary to a farmland and captures beautiful photographs of the morning twilight. As readers can see, the early morning’s sunlight has a magical transformative effect on the colours of the Prairies!

Stunning winter photographs from Banff National Park and restaurant and accommodation suggestions

Malik Merchant take sa short break and travels to Banff National Park in the thick of Canada’s winter. He comes away with a collection of stunning photographs and also has suggestions for meals and accommodation in Banff. Share Malik’s post with your family and friends as well as on the social media.

Photo Essay: Beautiful and amazing moments in Kananaskis Country and Waterton Lakes National Park – must see places in Alberta

After her incredible visit to Alberta during the summer of 2022, Nurin Merchant wants you to visit the places she went to including Kananaskis Country and Waterton Lakes national Park. She shares her beautiful photographs of her visit in this special post for Simergphotos.

170 Years of Valentine’s Day Cards From The Collections of The Henry Ford, and a Heartfelt Warmth at the Calgary Farmers’ Market South

Simerg Photos presents a superb collection of historical Valentine’s Day Cards going back to the 1850’s. Please share the post!

Stunning Photographs: Snow Leopard at Sunset by Germany’s Sascha Fonseca wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award; Highly Commended Finalists are from Canada and Spain

Absolutely stunning! A small but spectacular wildlife collection of photographs you don’t want to miss including the winning entry by Germany’s Sascha Fonseca of a Snow Leopard pictured in mountains in Northern India. Please read this post and share widely among your family members — especially the young ones — as well as friends around the world.

The Iconic Boeing 747 Will Be Etched in My Memory Forever as Last Jumbo Leaves Assembly Line 53 Years After First Flight

As the last of the Boeing 747 leaves the assembly line, Malik Merchant reflects on his favourite plane with a collection of official photographs of the 747 from the Boeing Company. This is a MUST read and share post that includes a historical snapshot and chronology of the iconic plane since it took flight more than 50 years ago.

Dramatic Photos: The Sun and the Sky on Alberta’s Icefields Parkway, Amidst Smoke From Forest Fires in British Columbia

Malik Merchant encounters dramatic “smokey” skies on route from Jasper to Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It is a phenomenon he witnessed for the first time in his life, and he presents his photographs for readers of Simerg Photos. Please view the stunning pictures and share the link with your friends and family members around the world.

Prince Hussain Aga Khan Thoughtfully Remembered Through 2 Artistic Exhibitions at Banff’s “Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies”

Malik Merchant visits two ground breaking exhibitions on global warming and pollution in oceans at Banff’s Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and what he saw, experienced and learnt will become the basis of how he models his life in the future. This MUST read post will raise the consciousness of every reader to take ACTION to save our planet!

Beautiful Photos: Calgary, Banff, Vermillion Lakes, the Cave Basin, Lake Louise and Morant’s Curve

Malik Merchant returns to Banff National Park after 15 long years, and this time at the start of 2023 in the thick of winter. His photographs will bring you closer to one of Canada’s top destination and you will be awed with what you learn and see about Morant’s Curve and a rare endangered snail that only lives in Banff’s sulphur springs. You must read and share this beautiful post!

Photos: Lunar Eclipse, November 8, 2022, in Calgary, Canada, and Other Parts of North America

Malik Merchant ventures out on a very very cold night in Calgary on November 8 2022, to view and capture photographs of the lunar eclipse.

Ron Richey’s Starry Night and Milky Way Photographs to Behold: The Night When the Stars Spoke to Me

A superb collection of Starry Night and Milky Way photographs captured by Edmonton’s Ron Richey that will awe and inspire you. Please share this post with your young family members.

World War I Internment of Ukrainian Canadians, with a Peek into My Father Jehangir Merchant’s Internment in Mozambique in 1961-1962

Malik Merchant is deeply touched as he encounters sights of internment camps in Banff and Jasper National Parks during his recent drive to Jasper to view the dark sky. Read and share his piece.

An Unforgettable Day in Kananaskis Country: Grizzly Family of 4, Emerald Ponds, Rockies and a Beautiful Sunset

Wow! Grizzlies, beautiful emerald coloured ponds, jagged mountains, and I will let the photographs do the talking.