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: Wildlife
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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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
2021 in Photos: Beautiful Portraits of the Hawk from Toronto’s Aga Khan Park
Simerg’s editor Malik Merchant presents his year end photos with this portrait of the HAWK that visited Aga Khan Park one early morning in August 2021! See these beautiful photos and share the post with your friends and relatives!
Videos and Photos: The Sun, the Moon and the Sea; the Woodpecker, the Ismaili Flag and the Qibla; and Human Interaction With Nature
Nature is beautiful, and is to be admired and discovered. Malik Merchant continues raiding Toronto’s parks, forests and creeks, and discovers the amazing woodpecker. Watch videos and plenty of photos, and promise yourself to see nature in all its glory.
Woodpecker and Salmon at Morningside Park, and Scenes of Transition from Autumn to Winter at Aga Khan Park
Malik Merchant continues his picture taking, and experiences the beautiful seasonal transformation that is underway in parks, creeks and forests of Toronto. From beautiful autumn colours to barren trees, the pictures encapsulate the wonders of nature from one day to the next. Malik covers the Aga Khan Park in his spirited outing!
Toronto: A Gem of a City – “Yours to Discover”
A potpourri of delightful nature and wildlife pictures by Malik Merchant — from the rising of the sun to the great Salmon Run in a Toronto Creek! And for food lovers, Malik also names 2 restaurants that are his favourite!
Wow! Aga Khan Park’s Blazing Red Autumn Foliage and Spectacular Photos from Toronto’s Parks and Forests
We are almost at the start of the second week in November but the trees in Toronto’s Parks and Forests are still showing superb fall colours. Malik Merchant travels around the city to capture the beauty of fall. Share the article with your family and friends!
Nature Pictures Inspired by His Highness the Aga Khan III’s Appreciation of the Glories of Nature
Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah was a lover of nature. We pay a tribute to him on the 144th anniversary of his birth with photos of nature and human ingenuity, as well as videos of struggles in the everyday life of living things that humans also have to face and overcome.
Photos and Videos: A Beautiful Fox at Aga Khan Park Amid Brilliant Autumn Colours and Captivating Photos from Countries on the Silk Roads
Malik Merchant enjoys a beautiful chilly morning at Aga Khan Park taking photos of the autumn foliage, and encounters a beautiful fox — a recent new visitor to the park.
Photo of the Day: Exciting New Encounters at Aga Khan Park at Peak of Summer: The Honey Bees, the Russian Sage, the Majestic Hawk, and the Beautiful Hibiscus, and a Snapping Turtle at Evergreen Brick Works
Nurin and her dad Malik take their cameras to wonderful parks in Toronto and come up with these wondrous photos of birds, insects and flowers at Aga Khan Park at the peak of summer.
Photo of the Day: Fantastic Photos and Videos from Toronto’s Parks and Gardens, and the Ismaili Flag is Restored to Full Mast at Aga Khan Park… plus an Idea for Apricots Grown in Hunza!
NATURE, NATURE AND NATURE. Absolutely amazing and inspiring photos from Aga Khan Park and Toronto’s beautiful parks and gardens! MUST SHARE.
Photo of the Day: A Male Mallard, a Beautiful Robin, a Bumble Bee, a Spotted Beetle, Colourful Dragon Flies, an Otter and its Foe – a Red Winged Blackbird – and More!
A gorgeous selection of photos of animals, birds and insects taken in the parks, trails and forests of Toronto, not far from the Aga Khan Park – namely Edwards Gardens and the East Don Trail.
Photo of the Day: Aga Khan Museum’s Striking Teal Visitor, and the Sighting of a New Bird as Well as a Tiny Mouse at Aga Khan Park
The Photo of the Day in Simergphotos features a very rare man made custom built object — in rich teal colour! Check it out and be vowed!
Photo of the Day: The Beautiful Cardinal and Other Wildlife at Toronto’s East Don Trail by Shannon Doern
Shannon Doern shares beautiful photos of the cardinal and other birds and animals that she has taken during her recent visits to East Don Trail. Her piece is our Photo of the Day feature.
Extraordinary and Amazing Nature Photos and Videos from Aga Khan Park and East Don Trail That You and Your Family MUST See
Wow! What an experience at Aga Khan Park and East Don Trail. Malik Merchant watches nature at its best with beautiful animals, scenic views as well as intimate encounters that you will rarely see! WATCH THE VIDEOS AND SHARE THIS POST.
Ottawa’s Dazzling Tulips at Dow’s Lake, Rideau Falls and Major Hill’s Park; and a Peek at the Contemplative Garden at the Global Centre for Pluralism
Malik Merchant ends his brief trip to Ottawa by paying a visit to Dow’s Lake to see a dazzling display of hundreds of thousands of tulips. DO NOT MISS THE SHOW!
Parks, Forests, Gardens and Trails of Toronto Through the Lens of Malik Merchant: The Superb East Don Trail
Malik Merchant ventures to see a beautiful trail filled with wildlife, tall trees and shrubs, swamps and more in the heart of Toronto! A MUST SEE AND SHARE ARTICLE.
Photo Essay: A Unique Day at the Ismaili Centre Toronto with the Birth of Six Beautiful Canadian Geese Goslings
PHOTOS AND VIDEO: An extraordinary must read and share photo essay by Malik Merchant on the birth of 6 baby geese or goslings on May 12, 2021 at the Ismaili Centre in Toronto.
Photo of the Day: Weeping Cherries at Aga Khan Park
Malik Merchant times himself well as he visits the Aga Khan Park to take photos of the weeping cherry trees with masses of pink pastels. He is not alone at the park! He sees a little boy discovering the petals and Circe, a beautiful one year old dog, whose pose for his owner’s camera is absolutely remarkable.
Video: The Lovely Sounds of Chirping Birds at Aga Khan Park, With a Quick 360° Tour of the Aga Khan Museum and Jamatkhana
The sounds of birds chirping at Aga Khan Park bring joy to Malik Merchant, and he makes this short video which also takes you around the front section of the Aga Khan Park with views of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and the Aga Khan Museum.
Photo of the Day: Birds Vying for Pole Position on the Flag of the Ismaili Imamat
On Saturday March 27, 2021 Simerg launches “Photo of the Day” on its photo website Simergphotos. In this first set of photos, see a bird keeping its pole position on the flag of the Ismaili Imamat as as other birds seek to dislodge her.
Hunza’s Remote Khyber Village Inhabited by Ismailis is Also Home to Rare Wildlife – See Beautiful Film of WWF Team Spotting a Large Herd of the Magnificent Ibex
In a fascinating 5 part travelogue of his trip to China and Pakistan, Ali Karim dedicated an entire post to the Ismailis of Northern Hunza. His visits to the villages of Passu and… Continue reading