Exploring Stanley Park: A Biking Adventure in Vancouver
Nurin Merchant happily rides the Stanley Park bike loop, enjoying the stunning marine wildlife and the breathtaking views of Vancouver!
Category Archive: Nature and Space
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Alberta and British Columbia, two Canadian provinces rich in nature, are set to welcome Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan
Malik Merchant urges his audience to explore Alberta’s stunning parks in summer 2026. His photo collection showcases the beauty of nature and highlights its importance, as emphasized by the late Aga Khans and the current Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Hazar Imam Aga Khan V, who describes nature as a gift from God.
The glory of autumn: Fall colours and larches, beautiful pumpkins, a stunning sunset and the flying Dutchman!
Malik Merchant, proud of his beautiful country, Canada, shares some stunning autumn memories in this fine collection of photographs taken between September 20 and October 18, 2025, in different parts of Alberta.
Photo of the Day: Calgary – Blue Sky City, Really? Or a Beautiful Rainbow City?
A mostly grey day with a few sunny periods — in a city dubbed as Blue Sky City — and a severe thunderstorm produces multiple rainbows across Calgary. Enjoy the photos!
Sylvan Lake – a stone’s throw from Red Deer with an opportunity to pick your own fresh Saskatoons at the beautiful Hidden Valley Garden
After twenty-plus years, Malik Merchant returns to fruit-picking at a beautiful farm near Sylvan Lake, Alberta, and experiences joy in this activity, just as he enjoys the mountains, lakes and wildlife of Alberta.
From Calgary to Kananaskis, to Aga Khan Garden, to Medicine Lake, to Maligne Lake – an exciting 1,200 km trip in 24 hours!
Malik Merchant takes on a 1,200 km trip to Kananaskis, the Aga Khan Garden, Medicine and Maligne Lakes, all in a day! Read his story and see his stunning pictures.
My Memorable 5-Day Visit to Alberta: Drumheller, Banff National Park and the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton
Iqbal Motani’s five-day visit to Alberta is filled with excitement as he visits the Badlands in Drumheller, the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton, and the lakes and mountains of Alberta’s Banff National Park!
The Summer of 2024: Two Beautiful Day Trips to the Stunning Johnston Canyon and the Rapids in the Kananaskis River
Two quick day trips offer Malik Merchant rich experiences he had not seen before, despite his many trips to the Kananaskis and Banff National Park. Each visit is unique, and he urges his readers to make nature visits a way of life!
All in a Day: Four Beautiful Lakes – Louise, Moraine, Peyto and Vermillion – in Banff National Park
Malik Merchant covers 4 lakes — and a little bit more — during his fantastic day trip to Banff National Park.
A Loving Photo Tribute to a Bear Named Nakoda, a Rare White Grizzly, Struck and Killed with Her Cubs by Motor Vehicles on Canada’s Mountain Park
A rare white Grizzly bear named Nakoda was in the news a few days ago, but not for a good reason. She was struck by a motor vehicle and died a few days later from her injuries. Jason Leo Bantle, who had known the bear intimately for over 5 years, has produced a photo tribute to the bear.
ICYMI! The Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park, Trochu Arboretum, the Three Hills Car Cruise Show and Murals
Malik Merchant’s discovery of Alberta continues with this post containing beautiful photos of nature, gardens, art, and old cars — something everyone can appreciate and enjoy!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alberta’s Glenbow Ranch and Big Hill Springs Provincial Parks, and a Grizzly in Kananaskis Country
Malik Merchant continues to explore towns and wilderness areas close to Calgary, and is awed by the scenery and wildlife at two provincial parks as well as on the main corridor of Kananaskis Country, where he encounters a grizzly bear. He takes home with him photos and videos of the bear as birthday gifts to him!
Photos: Tributes to Loved Ones on Memorial Benches in Nature Settings
Malik Merchant has been struck by tributes to loved ones that he has read on memorial benches at parks, gardens and forests in Canada. He presents a special photo essay on the subject following his recent adventures in Alberta’s thrilling Kananaskis Country. In the piece, he also suggests resources where readers may obtain more details about contributing a memorial bench honouring your loved one.
Driving Through the Smith-Dorrien Trail or Hwy 742, from Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to Canmore
Malik Merchant has come to love Alberta’s Kananaskis Country and recently drove through the famed gravel road, Hwy 742 or the Smith-Dorrien Trail to see some stunning mountain scenery. Here are his photographs and impressions of the 3 hour trip which ended with a lovely steak at the Rustica restaurant in Canmore.
Photographs: Twelve Exciting Hours in Alberta’s Scenic and Adventurous Kananaskis Country
Malik Merchant explores the Kananaskis in Alberta, Canada, and provides his readers with astonishing photos of the animals, mountains and lakes that he encountered. It’s a must read and share post for anyone who loves nature!
A Wonderful Day at the Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton, Alberta
Finally, on the last day of spring, June 20, 2022, Malik Merchant drives from Calgary to Edmonton to visit the Aga Khan Garden which was opened in 2018 in the presence of the Aga khan, and offers readers an exclusive selection of breathtaking photographs. Do not miss this post, and please share it as widely as possible.
May 13, 2022: A Joyous Evening of Blessings in the Ismaili Jamatkhana
Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Blessings as conveyed to the Ismailis by the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum, and a total moon eclipse.
Video: NASA Astronaut Aboard International Space Station Enlightens Young Students in Interview Organized by the Aga Khan Education Board in Texas
A must watch video! While aboard the International Space Station, NASA Flight Engineer Megan McArthur discussed life and work on the orbital outpost during an in-flight educational event with students involved with the Aga Khan Education Board in Sugar Land, Texas.