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Feb. 19, 2024Toledo, Spain

Toledo, a city situated in the Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain, is known for its unique geography. Positioned on a raised mass of land, the city is embraced by the Tagus River on three sides. This splendid city was called "The City of Three Cultures" during the Middle Ages, where Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities coexisted harmoniously. Toledo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, and its historical core is packed with mosques, synagogues and an impressive Gothic cathedral. The city has a strong Moorish cultural influence, left over from their arrival around the eighth century. The city was once home to the painter El Greco in the 16th century. He had an impact on Toledo, creating some of his most significant works, like the Assumption of the Virgin, which is considered one of his greatest masterpieces. Before the 16th century, Toledo"s sword-making industry was known as one of Europe"s finest.Desktop Version

Immersing in nature

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Apr. 10, 2024Siblings Day

Oh brother! April 10 is National Siblings Day, a time to celebrate the special bonds shared by brothers and sisters. From friendly rivalries to shared memories, there"s nothing quite like the relationship between siblings. Siblings Day was created by Claudia Evart in memory of her siblings Alan and Lisette. Celebrations of this day can range from something simple, like phoning your siblings to let them know you"re thinking of them, to giving gifts or sharing a meal.Desktop Version

Oct. 13, 2023Jasper Dark Sky Festival

Amidst the rugged terrain of the Canadian Rockies lies Jasper National Park, boasting towering peaks, serene lakes, and a diverse range of wildlife. The national park was established in 1907 and got its name from Jasper Haws, a fur trader. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest dark-sky preserve in the world, it lures stargazers and nature enthusiasts alike. If you wish to see the dazzling Milky Way unhindered by pollution, the Jasper Dark Sky Festival on October 22— held at various locations in Jasper National Park— provides a fascinating opportunity to do so. Informative workshops and powerful telescopes will offer you the chance to lose yourself among the stars.Desktop Version

Apr. 13, 2024Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

As spring unfurls its colours across Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park showcases a sight that captures the hearts of visitors. Imagine strolling beneath the cherry blossoms as their delicate petals drift through the air like confetti. Originally a basalt quarry, the site was transformed into a municipal park in the 1930s. In 1939, it was dedicated by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during their visit to Vancouver, hence its name. The park is a cultural hub with features like sculptures, walking trails, a conservatory and recreational facilities.Desktop Version

Apr. 8, 2024Total solar eclipse

Put on your solar glasses and turn your eyes skyward. Today, you can witness a rare celestial event—a total solar eclipse! As the moon perfectly aligns between the Earth and the sun, daytime will eerily shift to twilight. The total solar eclipse will be visible across North America, from Mazatlán, Mexico, to eastern Canada"s Newfoundland Island, for up to four and a half minutes between 10:57 am PST and 4:47 pm ADT A total solar eclipse occurs somewhere on Earth approximately every 18 months. On these occasions, astronomers study the sun"s corona which is the outermost part of its atmosphere, its magnetic fields and the behaviour of Earth"s atmosphere. Keep an eye on the time today and find a good spot to see the golden ring emerge.Desktop Version

Dec. 22, 2023Ljubljana, Slovenia

What a lovely city! The Slavic word "ljub" means "to love", and it serves as the prefix to Slovenia"s capital city, Ljubljana, and the Ljubljunica River that runs through it. This relatively small capital, with a population just under 300,000, was established on a trade route connecting the northern Adriatic Sea and the Danube region. To the south of the city lies the Ljubljana Marsh, the largest marsh in the country, covering 163 square kilometres. While modern buildings have cropped up on the city"s periphery, the core of the town preserves its historic structures, which have ancient Roman and mediaeval elements. Examples include the Ljubljana Castle, the Triple Bridge, the Dragon Bridge, and the historic Old Town. Keep an eye out while you stroll around, you might encounter the city"s symbol, the Ljubljana Dragon.Desktop Version

Apr. 9, 2024World Ski and Snowboard Festival

Get ready to carve some fresh tracks on the slopes where champions are born. Whistler isn"t just a mountain, it"s a winter sport hub. Drawing adrenaline seekers since 1996 when the World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) was created by Dough Perry, a seasoned skier and trainer. From 8 April to 14 April, WSSF 2024 ignites Whistler with an electrifying blend of athleticism and festivity filled with mountain culture. Over the years, the WSSF has grown from grassroots gathering to being recognised as North America"s largest annual winter sports and music festival.Desktop Version

Dec. 9, 2023Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia, Argentina

Pack your bags and plan a trip to the Andes mountains to catch a glimpse of a guanaco, the wild cousin of the domesticated llama. Guanacos are believed to have originated in the central plains of North America approximately 40 million years ago. However, they gradually migrated to South America, where they were domesticated around 4,500 BCE, gaining the llama moniker.Desktop Version

Dec. 31, 2023Happy New Years Eve!

It"s time for the final countdown! New Year"s Eve is celebrated tonight in many countries to see out the old year and hope for the promises of the new one. The traditions of different nations can be quite creative when it comes to saying farewell to the year. If you"re not in Canada watching the dazzling display of fireworks over Niagara Falls, you might smash crockery in Denmark, stuff your mouth with grapes for the countdown in Spain or hang onions outside your door in Greece. Celebrators in Thailand might visit a temple for good luck or watch the fireworks illuminating Phra Nakhon Khiri, also known as the "holy city hill," based in the historical park of the same name. Wherever you celebrate, have a great one. See you next year!Desktop Version

May 9, 2024Misool, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

Imagine an aquatic sanctuary so pristine that it feels like a secret whispered by the ocean itself. Misool is an island of 2,034 square kilometres within the Raja Ampat archipelago in Indonesia. The archipelago comprises four main islands, including Misool, Waigeo, Batanta and Salawati. Here, the waves gently caress the powder-white sands, while a kaleidoscope of marine life swims beneath the surface. The coral reefs, known for their biodiversity, are the dreams of many divers. Visitors can also explore the Pulau Misool Nature Reserve, established in 1982, and spot white cuscus, sugar gliders, common spiny bandicoots and other marsupials. As a "no-take zone" with fishing and hunting activities banned and a shark and manta ray sanctuary, Misool offers hope for the future of our oceans. It is an islet where nature"s finest gifts are preserved and cherished.Desktop Version

Apr. 26, 2024Val di Funes, Italy

You are in luck if you are looking for a peaceful escape from everyday life in an enchanted valley. Today’s image features Val di Funes in the Dolomites, Italy. Running from the Isarco Valley to the heart of Puez-Odle Natural Park, the valley offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. With a large selection of hiking paths, such as the Adolf Munkel Trail, it is also an ideal destination for hikers. In addition, Val di Funes is rich in cultural heritage. Several historic churches have been built here, including the Santa Maddalena Church, a true treasure from the 14th century. What truly sets this valley apart, though, is its peaceful rhythm of life, seemingly untouched by time. Here, amongst the storied peaks, you"ll find a world that moves to the silent cadence of nature—a gentle reminder of life"s sublime beauty. Whether you seek solitude or adventure, Val di Funes beckons with open arms and timeless charm.Desktop Version

Jan. 4, 2024Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

An exemplary engineering accomplishment, the Golden Gate Bridge stands like a sentinel over the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Blanketed by the fog above the waters of the Golden Gate Strait, its towers, adorned with Art Deco elements, reach a height of 227 metres. This bridge was the result of combined efforts put in by engineer Joseph Strauss, architect Irving Marrow, and many others towards connecting San Francisco to Marin County. The bridge was painted International Orange—the golden adjective refers to the sun-reflecting waters below—and was opened to the public in 1937. It wasn"t an easy vision to accomplish, especially as it was built during the Great Depression. The infrastructure investment paid off, as its construction employed thousands, contributing to both local employment and technological growth. The Golden Gate Bridge, a testament to human innovation, is a timeless masterpiece blending functionality with beauty.Desktop Version

Mar. 2, 2024Modica, Sicily, Italy

When Italy comes to mind, iconic cities like Milan, Rome and Venice often steal the spotlight. However, on the island of Sicily lies a less famous gem—Modica. It"s a city that has risen from the rubble of an earthquake in 1693 to become an architectural wonderland of Baroque-style buildings. With fewer than 60,000 inhabitants, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts cobbled lanes, echoing with powerful footprints—from prehistoric tribes to the ancient Greeks and Romans to the medieval Arabs and Normans. Landmarks like the San Giorgio Cathedral and San Pietro Church awe visitors with their grandeur, and Modica"s recognised chocolate, crafted with Aztec-inspired techniques, tempts the palates of food enthusiasts. So, the next time Italy beckons, how about taking the road less travelled to Modica?Desktop Version

Dec. 5, 2023Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles, Bavaria, Germany

The Bavarian Alps, a majestic mountain range in southern Germany, are home to two castles: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century. This Romanesque Revival palace is renowned for its fairy-tale-like architecture, towers and breathtaking mountain backdrop. Across the valley, gazing out over Lake Alpsee, is the equally spectacular Hohenschwangau Castle, built by Ludwig II"s father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria. These two castles boast rich interiors, displaying intricate artwork and historical artifacts. Both castles attract millions of visitors every year, offering a glimpse into the opulent past of Bavaria.Desktop Version

Apr. 3, 2024Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Deep green temperate rainforests alternate with rocky shores, and sandy beaches on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Let"s visit the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve! The area that spreads across 511 square kilometres was recognised as a national park in 1970. The Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations of the region have walked these lands for centuries. Today, seven of the 15 Nuu-chah-nulth tribes have at least 22 small reserves within the park and nine bordering it. Another notable feature of the reserve is the Coastal Western Hemlock Biogeoclimatic Zone. This temperate forest terrain is home to several animal species such as black bears, Vancouver Island cougars and martens.Desktop Version

Sep. 2, 2024Milky Way over the Elbow River in southern Alberta

Amid the landscapes of southern Alberta, the Elbow River originates from Elbow Lake in the Canadian Rockies. The 120-kilometre-long river intricately carves its way through valleys before converging with the Bow River in Calgary, at an elevation of 1,040 metres. Along the river"s course is Elbow Falls—a series of cascading waterfalls—that creates a natural spectacle. In winter, the falls transform into an icy wonderland while summer brings a rush of whitewater, which is ideal for rafting, kayaking, fishing, hiking and other recreational activities.Desktop Version

Feb. 9, 2024Pegadung Rock, Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia

If you"re seeking an unspoiled landscape where nature displays raw beauty and power, Pegadung Rock on the southern coast of Indonesia"s island of Sumatra, could be the place for you. While the beach boasts turquoise waters, sandy shores and crashing waves, it"s the shark-teeth-like rocks, standing as tall as 10 metres against the currents of the Indian Ocean, that truly steal the show. These rock formations have earned the area nicknames such as "rock screen" and "shark"s teeth." While this beach has no tourist accommodation, the nearby Kiluan Bay village presents a haven for visitors. For those ready to trade lounging for exploring, this Sumatran treasure awaits.Desktop Version

Dec. 26, 2023Happy Boxing Day!

The holiday season isn"t quite over yet! December 26 marks Boxing Day—an opportunity to keep the festive spirit going or to enjoy a wintry walk through the local markets while sipping hot chocolate. The origin of the day is thought to come from the old British tradition of giving "boxes" filled with presents to people in need on the day after Christmas; modern Boxing Day is celebrated here in Canada and several other Commonwealth countries. Although this holiday is still associated with giving gifts, it also has other customs. Various events are held across Canada: ice hockey fans gather to cheer on their favourite teams and people gather to enjoy a festive meal and spend time with their families. Just like winter sunshine, the holiday season ends sooner than you think, so make the most of it!Desktop Version

Mar. 15, 2024Abbotsford, British Columbia

The countdown to the official start of spring has begun, accompanied by constantly emerging blooms. The tulips of the Fraser Valley, seen in today"s image, are bursting with vibrant colour in preparation for the Abbotsford Tulip Festival in April. Abbotsford"s fertile soil is fed by the Fraser River, which runs through the northern border of the city.Desktop Version

Dec. 21, 2023December solstice

Here"s to a great night out or a cozy night in on the longest night of the year! On this day, the Northern Hemisphere, where Canada is located, is tilted farthest from the sun, resulting in the earliest sunset and the shortest day of the year. Called the December solstice, it marks the official beginning of winter and longer days ahead, giving a nice boost to the festive mood.Desktop Version

Dec. 28, 2023Humpback whale, Disko Bay, Greenland

Who"s that in the spotlight? A humpback whale! These gentle giants are a success story of the Endangered Species Conservation Act. They are found in oceans globally and are renowned for their colossal size and distinctive features. Characterised by their long pectoral fins, which can reach up to one-third of their body length, humpbacks are adept swimmers and acrobats. The hump on their back, visible when they arch before a dive, contributes to their names. Known for their songs, these vocalizations are linked to mating and communication. These "gulp feeders" were once on the edge of extinction due to whaling and entanglement in fishing gear, but thanks to conservation efforts, their population is making a comeback, from around 5,000 in 1966 to an estimated 135,000 today.Desktop Version

Jan. 25, 2024Snowy owl

Owls, nocturnal birds of prey characterised by their upright stance, forward-facing eyes and silent flight, encompass a diverse family of species. Among them, the snowy owl stands out as an Arctic resident known for its white plumage. The snowy owl"s thick feather coat, complete with a layer of downy under plumage, provides unmatched insulation against the biting cold. With keen yellow eyes and tufted feathers, these large raptors display exceptional predatory skills. The nocturnal predators mainly consume small mammals such as lemmings, a favourite of theirs. The nomadic birds rarely breed at the same location or with the same mate. During the cold season, they leave the Arctic and migrate to southern Canada and the northern United States.Desktop Version

Mar. 1, 2024Wheaton River, Yukon

In the northern part of Canada lies Yukon, a land steeped in history and rugged landscapes. The territory gets its name from the Gwich"in word Yu-kun-ah, meaning "great river". The Klondike Gold Rush of 1896 brought the region to prominence, attracting countless fortune seekers looking for riches in the wilds of the area. In the second-least-populated territory of the country after Nunavut, visitors to Yukon can explore gold rush towns, delve into museums showcasing indigenous art, and attend annual events.Desktop Version

Dec. 1, 2023Lake Minnewanka, Alberta

The sight of stars above Lake Minnewanka has been taken in by humans for centuries. The Nakoda people, who revered the lake for the spirits that they believed reside within it, fished the lake and hunted along its shores with respect. The term Minnewanka comes from their name for it, "Minn-waki" or "Lake of the Spirits." As tourism began to develop in the Canadian Rockies, a settlement was built on the lakeshore. However, the lake was dammed once in 1895 and again in 1912 to reserve water for a hydroelectric plant downstream. The Minnewanka Landing settlement disappeared under the higher waters and now can only be accessed by scuba divers. Today, this glacial lake is the second-largest in Banff National Park, at a length of approximately 21 kilometres.Desktop Version

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