Photographs and Stories of Travel and Special Events in Canada and Around the World
My Memorable 5-Day Visit to Alberta: Drumheller, Banff National Park and the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton
Introduced by IQBAL MOTANI
Iqbal Motani (right) and Malik Merchant enjoying afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise; Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
I had a most wonderful visit to Calgary, Drumheller, Banff National Park and the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton from August 15 through August 20, 2024. The beauty of the Canadian Rockies is simply breathtaking — a nature lover’s paradise that inspired me at every turn. Accompanied by Malik Merchant, my friend of 40 years, who relocated to Alberta from Ontario just over two years ago, I benefited from a knowledgeable, resourceful and seasoned tour guide. He made it all possible. I can’t ever recall taking hundreds of pictures, even on my longer trips. I am delighted to share a small selection of photographs we took during this fantastic trip.
DRUMHELLER
Horsethief Canyon; North Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Educational display, Horsethief Canyon North Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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The historic Bleriot Ferry that connects the north and south segments of the Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller; August 15-19, 2024.. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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A beautiful story on a memorial bench by the historic Bleriot Ferry, Drumheller; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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A view of the Red Deer River flowing through Orkney Viewpoint — a must stop — South Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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The Badlands Amphitheatre, the largest amphitheatre in Canada, South Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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The Hoodoos, Drumheller; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Visitors scaling hills around the Hoodoos, Drumheller; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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BANFF NATIONAL PARK
A view of the Three Sisters Mountains from the patio of the excellent Valbella Gourmet Foods located in Canmore, off Hwy 1A, as a helicopter passes through; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Stuffed moose, our heartwarming companion, takes his rightful place on a panel at the entrance of the Bow Balley Parkway (Hwy 1A), an alternative route between Banff and Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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A view of Castle Mountain from within a gated fenced area on the Bow River, near Castle Junction and the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Elk, Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Crowfoot Glacier, Icefields Parkway, Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Peyto Lake, Icefields Parkway, Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Lake Louise, Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Moraine Lake, Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Stairs leading to the Moraine Lake Rock Pile (partially shown at right — see next photo) which offers stunning view of the Lake and the ten peaks around it, Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Visitors on top of Rock Pile, Moraine Lake; Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Moraine Lake, Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Mount Rundle from a lookout point above Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Beautiful Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Two Jack Lake on the Lake Minnewanka Loop Drive, with Mount Rundle forming the backdrop, Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Canal running between Two Jack and Johnson Lakes on the Lake Minnewanka Loop Drive, Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Cascade Pond, Lake Minnewanka Loop Drive, Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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A view of the stunning Mount Cascade from Cascade Pond, Lake Minnewanka Loop Drive, Banff National Park; August 15-19, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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The historical Banff Springs Hotel from the Surprise Lookout Point, Banff, August 15-19, 204. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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THE AGA KHAN GARDEN, UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA BOTANIC GARDEN, EDMONTON
Your Highness thank you again for your leadership and for your incredible, incredible generosity. It’s a beautiful gift to Alberta, to its people, and its economy. Everyone from families who have been here for generations, to recently arrived immigrants, will find moments of peace and calm, reflection and joy. And I am delighted that the people of Alberta can count on you, your Highness, as a true friend. And I am proud to say that we stand with you as we work together to build a fairer, more inclusive world. — Honourable Rachel Notley, October 16, 2018, then Premier of Alberta
Aga Khan Garden 2018 Inauguration Plaque; Edmonton, August 16, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
Fog and smoke were the forecast for Edmonton as we left Calgary on a fine Sunday morning. The three-hour drive was uneventful. We took a deep breath as we reached the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. We didn’t feel the smoke. It turned out to be a beautiful sunny day. We spent time walking through and were truly inspired by the beauty of the Aga Khan Garden. We also quickly walked through the MUST VISIT greenhouses and the Japanese Garden, where we rang the massive bell in the spirit of the gold medal winners at the recent Paris Olympics. We ended our memorable day with delicious nachos at the Botanic Garden’s patio restaurant. We purchased a beautiful magnet of the Aga Khan Garden’s iconic Talar Building in the gift shop! On our drive to Calgary, we were lost for words when we stopped for coffee in the Donut Mill in Red Deer and saw the large variety of donuts. What a sweet and thrilling day!
Adirondack or Muskoka Chairs by the main entrance of the Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton; August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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The Aga Khan Garden Amphitheatre with a view of the Talar Building, Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton; August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Visitors enjoy fountains, cascading water and ponds, Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton; August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Views of the Char-Bagh and beautiful beds of flowers from the upper Diwan Pavilion Terrace (see next photo), Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton; August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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The Diwan Pavilion at the Aga Khan Garden was inaugurated in the presence of Princess Zahra Aga Khan in September 2022. It is a year round pavilion and event space that can be rented to host private functions and other events; August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Roses, Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton; August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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A beautiful view of the Aga Khan Garden from the Talar Buiding stretching to the Calla Pond; August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Iqbal Motani (left) with visitors from around the world, Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton, August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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The Talar Building from the edge of Calla Pond, Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton, August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Ducks swimming and feeding in the algae rich Calla Pond; Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton, August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Flowers, Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton, August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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A section of the Talar Building, Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton, August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Colours at peak in flower beds at the Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton, August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Visitors walk through flower beds at the Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton, August 18, 2024. Photograph: Iqbal Motani/Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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FINAL THOUGHTS: HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, delivering his remarks during the inauguration ceremony of the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton on October 16, 2018. Photograph: AKDN
The garden of Islamic tradition is also a place where the flow of refreshing water reminds us of divine blessing. It is a place for meditation, and quiet renewal. But I would likewise emphasise that the garden, through history, has also been seen as a social space — a place for learning, for sharing, for romance, for diplomacy, for reflection on the destiny of the human race. And even as we share the garden experience with one another, we can feel a connection with those who walked through similar gardens in the past…As you walk through these Gardens, you will see evidence of the ways in which future generations will be able to make the most of this site. It is our hope and expectation on this special day that the Aga Khan Garden here at the University of Alberta will truly be a gift that keeps on giving — His Highness the Aga Khan, October 16, 2018 (Read full speech HERE)
Date posted: August 26, 2024. Last updated: August 27, 2024 (link to Aga Khan speech was missing.)
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