The Aga Khan in the mountains of Northern Pakistan, with an exclusive narrative of his visit to Passu, Hunza
A beautifully prepared pictorial account of the Aga Khan’s historic visit to Pakistan, May 20–26, 2026.
Category Archive: Travel Essays
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Waterton Lakes National Park offers wildlife, majestic mountains and lakes, plus hiking for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level
Malik Merchant’s piece includes stunnning photos from Waterton Lakes National Park, an insightful piece on exercisng and moving by Murad Nensey and priceless advice from Ismaili Imams on the importance of movement and regular exercise. Read and share this beautiful piece and visit Waterton for sightseeing and hiking.
Exclusive Photographs from the Site of the Ismaili Centre, Paris, as His Highness the Aga Khan Approves its Development
Malik Merchant has exclsuive photos of his recent visit to the site of the Ismaili Centre in Paris, approved for development by His Highness the Aga Khan.
Alberta’s January 2026 winter contrasts: From a Prairies landscape in Calgary to snowpacked Lake Louise
Malik Merchant makes the most of the mild winter weather across Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise and comes away with beautiful pictures of great mountain scenery.
The Pioneer Community Center in Houston: A unique sports paradise and meeting place for members of the Ismaili community
Located in the Greater Houston Area, the Pioneer Community Center is a treasure trove of diverse amenities exclusively for the Ismaili community. With its amazing recreational and sporting facilities, it has become a GOTO place for Ismailis from every age group and walk of life. This a unique self-sustaining project created by Ismaili entrepreneurs and professionals!
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.
“Bad News, Good News” from the iconic Longview Steakhouse, Alberta: My determination — and hope — led me to a meal of a lifetime, thanks to the restaurant’s gracious owners!
Malik Merchant had been yearning for a Longview Steakhouse Rib Eye for years, enticed by its esteemed reputation among food and steak enthusiasts. However, the restaurant’s popularity meant that reservations were a scarce commodity, often booked months in advance. During his visit to the charming village of Longview, Malik had a fortuitous encounter with the restaurant’s owner. To his surprise, the owner informed him of a sudden cancellation a few hours later and extended an unexpected invitation for a reservation. Luck was truly on Malik’s side as he savored the meal of a lifetime!
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.
Photo of the Day: A Tapestry of Joy at Montreal’s Colorful Eid al-Adha Celebration by Muslim Harji
Eid al-Adha photos by Montreal’s Muslim Harji
Story and Pictures of My Autumn Visit to Jasper Following the July 2024 Wildfire
Malik Merchant presents a personal account of his visit to Jasper after the wildfire of July 2024. Read his story and see photographs of the impact of the wildfire on the town of Jasper and its namesake National Park.
Photographs, Story and Video: The Sufi Concert at the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton
Malik Merchant recently visited the Aga Khan Garden and attended the sold-out Sufi Concert in the Garden’s amphitheatre. The amphitheatre was transformed entirely for the event, creating a unique and unforgettable experience! Shabnam Merali and her team of singers and musicians moved the audience with their soulful music.
Ismaili Centre Toronto: Photographs, Stories and Insights Celebrating Ten Years
This is a fantastic presentation of photographs, videos, and insights into the Ismaili Centre Toronto as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Readers will be amazed—and surprised—by what they see in this unique piece, which features material from Simerg and its two sister websites, Barakah and Simergphotos.
Waterton Lakes National Park Offers a Unique Experience You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Malik Merchant’s photographs of his visit to Waterton Lakes National Park are simply stunning. His journey also took him to Montana on a historic cruise boat. Amidst the breathtaking scenery, he had the thrill of encountering at least eight bears in Waterton Park. He believes that the beauty of Waterton is so captivating that once you visit, it will be on your lips just as Banff and other exciting places you have visited are.
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!
Jasper National Park’s Monster Wildfires and Their Impact on Banff National Park
The forest fires at Jasper National Park have made headlines worldwide; it was a top story on BBC. Malik Merchant visited Banff National Park and captured scenes of smoke from Jasper in the atmosphere in Banff’s iconic mountains and valleys.
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.
Grizzly Bears, Trains and Stunning Scenery; and a Beautifully Illustrated Publication O Canada
Malik Merchant shares his joyful and thrilling moments as he spends a full day visiting the Storm Mountain Lookout Point and watching Grizzly bears in Kananaskis Country. The 13th of July turned out to be a truly enchanting and lucky day. This is a MUST-view post!
Photo of the Day: Ismaili Artist Showcases Her Artwork at the Residence of the US Ambassador to Tanzania for US Independence Day Celebrations, July 4
Our Photo of the Day features Ismaili artist Shafina Jaffer celebrating the US Independence Day at the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam, where she exhibited her stunning artwork on African Women.
Golden Moments in Golden, BC, and a Thrilling Encounter With Boo at the World’s Largest Grizzly Refuge
Malik Merchant has fantastic photos from his recent drive to Golden, BC. He highly recommends a two-day visit to this beautiful town, which is located an hour’s drive from Lake Louise in Alberta.
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!
Photographs and Stories of Beautiful and Unique Hand-Made Quilts Exhibited in Calgary by the Bow River Quilt Guild
Malik Merchant attends a unique quilt show along Calgary’s Bow River and comes away with beautiful photographs of hand-woven quilts. Whether you are an artist or a lover of quilts, these are must-see works of art!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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