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Festivus
Festivus
Sometimes when stuck with family around the holidays, it might be tempting to give them an earful, like this chinstrap penguin is doing here on the South Sandwich Islands. If that sounds appealing, or if you want a break from mandatory seasonal joy, Festivus might be the holiday for you. The secular holiday was popularised in a "Seinfeld" episode in the show"s final season. The Costanza family has a collection of odd traditions, including putting up an aluminum Festivus pole—for its high weight-to-strength ratio—and airing their year-end personal grievances. Since the episode debuted, the holiday has taken on a life of its own both among fans and people looking for an alternative way to celebrate the season. Those who love Christmas, Hannukah and Kwanzaa are welcome to them, and Festivus is for the rest of us.Desktop Version
Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park, Alberta
Amidst the Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park, Alberta, a family of Canadian geese glides across the lake in today’s image. Established in 1885 as Canada"s first national park, its history is intertwined with that of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The park"s discovery was fuelled by workers laying tracks through the wilderness when they came across a hot water spring, which is now a part of the park. These lands were once walked by Indigenous peoples including the Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut"ina, Cree and Kainaiwa, and later by European explorers. It now offers refuge to diverse wildlife, like the mountain bluebird, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer and Canadian goose. The park covers an area of 6,641 square kilometres.Desktop Version
VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver
VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver
In today"s image, nature and human creativity"s dazzling fusion shows the Festival of Lights—an event organized annually between November and January—in the VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver. The garden is home to 55 acres of land filled with plants from all over the world, including a large collection of plants native to British Columbia. The botanical garden opened its doors in 1975 and was named after a local philanthropist and lumberjack, Whitford Julian VanDusen. In the buzzing city, the peaceful oasis charms visitors with its diverse and colorful flora, water features, sculptures and totem poles. For the bundle-of-energy type of guests, the Elizabethan Maze—created with 2,000 cedar trees—provides entertainment with its clever twists and turns.Desktop Version
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve
There"s a certain magic in knowing that in towns around the world, shops are closing, streets are emptying and friends and families are gathering together to take comfort in the company of one another on Christmas Eve. Each of us have our own traditions, from filling stockings to hosting parties and playing festive music. Today"s snapshot portrays the annual celebration in the Town Hall Square of Tartu, Estonia, which is illuminated with gleaming lights and adorned with a display of Christmas trees. Tartu"s Christmas fair has a merry atmosphere, featuring sleigh rides, fire kettles and wooden animal carousels. All of this is accompanied by smoked meats, hot drinks and crispy gingerbread. Whether you"re watching a classic holiday movie or cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa as the clock strikes twelve, let the Christmas spirit reign on this peaceful night—and don"t forget the milk and cookies!Desktop Version
Grey seal pup
Grey seal pup
If you happen to visit England"s Norfolk coasts around this season, you"re very likely to see some grey seal pups experiencing the world for the first time. About 3,000 grey seal babies are born on the shoreline between early November and January each year, making the area one of the most significant breeding regions in the United Kingdom. If you don"t plan on travelling to the UK, you can still embark on an adventure to Sable Island, home to the world"s largest colony of grey seals. There are five species of seals commonly found here: harp seals, ringed seals, grey seals, hooded seals, and bearded seals. The breeding season for seals varies depending on the species. Once grey seal pups are born, they nurse for several weeks before they are able to swim and hunt on their own. With their undeniable charm and ecological importance, seals are woven into the tapestry of Canada"s wilderness.Desktop Version
Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Exploring the history of Teide National Park, one of the Twelve Treasures of Spain, is like taking off on a captivating journey through time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, established around scenic Mount Teide on the Spanish Canary Island of Tenerife, has a rich past. Its volcanic origins date back millions of years, creating not only the terrain of the park but the entire island. The indigenous Guanche people believed that Teide was the gate to hell. This location has served as the backdrop for movies like "Fast and Furious 6", "Rambo V: Last Blood", and "Clash of the Titans" (2010). If you are planning to visit this amazing place, make sure you enjoy the coach trips through the park, and if you wish to enjoy the view from the peak, then remember to get the permit in advance.Desktop Version
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is situated on Kodiak Island in Alaska. This refuge was established as a refuge in 1941 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt"s leadership. Kodiak Island boasts a diverse landscape that includes an extensive shoreline spanning hundreds of kilometres as well as lakes, marshes, bogs, and meadows. The island"s towering mountains are adorned with fjord inlets and lush vegetation, including sedges, alders, spruces, vibrant wildflowers, and delicious berries. A wild inhabitant of the islands, the Kodiak bear, the largest subspecies of brown bear, is named after the archipelago.Desktop Version
World Jellyfish Day
World Jellyfish Day
Drifting along our shores and into our calendar, it"s World Jellyfish Day! Jellyfish may be observed in all the world"s oceans in an array of shapes and sizes. There are about 2,000 different species of jellyfish, and they all lack hearts, bones, and brains. Pacific sea nettle jellyfish, seen here, are known for their vibrant golden-brown bell and long tentacles and inhabit the coastal waters of California and Oregon. Moon jellyfish are pale and have short tentacles, and in an unexpected but somewhat appropriate twist, they ventured into space aboard the space shuttle Columbia in 1991 to help scientists study their unique biology. No matter the species, jellyfish play a vital role in the ocean"s food chain, as they are the primary food source for many seawater animals, including sea turtles. Jellies are threatened by climate changes, marine pollution, and overfishing, and damage to their populations has reverberating effects on the sea life that depends on them.Desktop Version
Zion National Park turns 103
Zion National Park turns 103
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Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Housed in the Arctic Circle, Norway"s Lofoten Islands are a crossroads of traditional life and modern industry. One of two towns in Lofoten, Svolvaer boasts a long history as a fishing village. Before it became a town of its own, it was part of the town of Vågan, where people have lived for over 1,000 years. Beyond fishing, it also serves as a sanctuary for travellers looking for a peaceful getaway, with as many as 200,000 visitors in a single year. The traditional rorbu houses, built on poles over water, add a distinctive layer of charm to the town. These cabins were once made for travelling fishermen and have now been refurbished to meet contemporary tastes.Desktop Version
Aerial view of Ocean City, Maryland, USA
Aerial view of Ocean City, Maryland, USA
Take a trip to Ocean City, Maryland, USA, where a beautiful coastal getaway offers endless fun and adventure. Ocean City was a quiet fishing village until 1875, when the Atlantic Hotel opened its doors, marking the town"s transformation into a burgeoning resort destination. Now, this coastal village is known among travellers from far and wide, including us Canadians seeking sunnier climes. The town"s iconic four-kilometre-long boardwalk is lined with restaurants, shops and amusement parks. Pristine sandy beaches that stretch for 16 kilometres are perfect for sunbathing, beach volleyball or building sandcastles, and the ocean waters beckon for a refreshing swim. With plenty of adventure and a heritage deeply rooted in history, Ocean City is a charming retreat that draws visitors back time and again.Desktop Version
Victoria Day
Victoria Day
As May"s gentle breeze sweeps across the country, there"s a sense of excitement in the air: it"s time to celebrate Victoria Day! This cherished holiday, falling on the Monday preceding May 25, honours Queen Victoria"s birthday and unofficially marks the beginning of summer. Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901, and this holiday was established in 1845. The traditional ceremony begins in New Westminster with a 21-gun salute followed by the playing of the national anthem. Although it is observed differently across the country, Parliament Hill in Ottawa hosts the Trooping the Colour, a ceremony held to mark the official birthday of the former British Sovereign. Throughout the day various events are organised, including concerts and cultural performances. As dusk settles, the sky lights up with fireworks and eyes turn skyward, sharing a moment of national pride and nostalgia—a festive bridge connecting the past to the present.Desktop Version
J.R.R. Tolkien Day
J.R.R. Tolkien Day
It"s time to bust out the furry feet and pointed ears because today is J.R.R. Tolkien Day, which celebrates the literary legend who spun the fantastical tales of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." On this day, the Tolkien Society continues the tradition of toasting "the professor," like Frodo toasted his uncle Bilbo on his birthday. Tolkien"s roots run through Oxford, where he studied English literature, joined the Officer Training Corps during World War I and later became a professor of Old English language and literature at both Leeds and Oxford universities. Since 1979, Oxford"s Bodleian Library has been home to the Tolkien Archive, a precious collection of manuscripts, artwork and even a Middle-earth map with Tolkien"s handwritten notes. His legacy shows us the power of boundless storytelling, which encourages us to seize each day and make the most of the time that is given to us!Desktop Version
Canadian National Exhibition 2024
Canadian National Exhibition 2024
Come one, come all, to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)—a time-honoured tradition held from August 16 to September 2 in Toronto. As the sun sets, the grounds of the CNE will come alive with live performances from artists and bands like Doriann Forrester, James Naro and Kyle Layton, Sloan, and MacKenzie Porter. A lineup that spans all musical tastes, from toe-tapping country beats to electric pop rhythms—there"s a song for every taste. As well as music, there"s plenty more to do; go for a ride on the Century Wheel or the Berry Go Round, or take part in games like the Peewee Baseball Tournament and Girls Fastball Tournament.Desktop Version
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Though you might instinctively watch out for invading fleets or dragons overhead, you"re more likely to encounter a tourist than a Lannister in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik. As you may know, "Game of Thrones" was filmed here frequently throughout the run of the show, and you can scarcely blame them; Dubrovnik"s Old Town is one of the best-preserved mediaeval cities in the world. For centuries, it flourished as the Republic of Ragusa, maintaining independence through diplomacy and robust trade networks. This "Pearl of the Adriatic" has withstood military bombardments and devastating earthquakes, yet the city has always rebuilt and persevered. While pop culture, history, and UNESCO World Heritage Site status are all big draws, they might be too effective: A recent report estimated that in 2019, there were 36 tourists for every resident.Desktop Version
Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante, Italy
Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante, Italy
Today"s photo shows an evocative sunset that illuminates the town of Sestri Levante with stunning colours. This pearl hidden among the coasts of the Riviera Ligure di Levante enchants its visitors with its natural beauty and a historical heritage that dates all the way back to Roman times. Situated between Portofino and the Cinque Terre, it offers breathtaking landscapes and beaches such as the Baia del Silenzio and the Baia delle Favole, the latter linked to the legend of Hans Christian Andersen and his "Little Mermaid." The Punta Manara Natural Park and the ancient medieval streets enrich the experience, making Sestri Levante a destination of rare beauty and historical charm.Desktop Version
Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
Kluane National Park and Reserve of the Yukon beckons adventurers with its untamed beauty and plentiful peaks. Its story began millions of years ago when Mighty glaciers sculpted its landscape millions of years ago, and the federal government established Kluane National Park and Reserve in 1976. The park"s most precious jewel is Canada"s highest peak, Mount Logan, a towering sentinel that challenges climbers. The history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site intertwines with the culture of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, who have called this area home for centuries. Visitors who venture here can embark on a journey through ancient forests, navigate crystal-clear lakes, and witness the grandeur of glaciers.Desktop Version
Bighorn sheep in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, United States
Bighorn sheep in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, United States
Nature"s desert navigators—desert bighorn sheep—are a marvel to watch, effortlessly scaling cliffs and navigating rocky terrains with grace. Native to North America, these sheep are known for their distinctive curled horns, which can weigh up to 14 kilograms. Rams use their massive horns in intense head-butting contests. During these battles, males hurl themselves at each other in charges of up to 32 kilometres per hour. Ewes, on the other hand, tend to keep things more low-key, forming smaller groups with their lambs. Adapted to the desert environment, bighorn sheep can go long periods without water, relying on moisture from plants to survive. In Canada, they inhabit the Rocky Mountains, including parts of British Columbia, Alberta and Yukon.Desktop Version
Vieste, Apulia, Italy
Vieste, Apulia, Italy
Vieste is a picturesque town on the eastern coast of Italy. With origins dating back thousands of years, its history is a tapestry woven by various civilizations, including the Normans, Byzantines, and Romans. The town"s historic centre is filled with charming narrow streets, ancient architecture, and a mediaeval Swabian castle overlooking the Adriatic Sea. What truly captivates visitors, however, is Vieste"s stunning natural landscape, renowned for dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. In fact, Vieste"s waters are so clear that it has been awarded Blue Flag certification for its water quality. The famous Pizzomunno rock formation has legends associated with it, which are often variations of the same story about a young man named Pizzomunno and his lover Cristalda. With its blend of history, natural wonders, and leisure pursuits, Vieste remains a captivating destination for those seeking an authentic Italian experience.Desktop Version
Aurora borealis over Maligne Lake in Alberta
Aurora borealis over Maligne Lake in Alberta
Some places feel almost untouched by time. In Canada, one such place sits deep in Jasper National Park, Alberta, where the 22-kilometre-long, winding Maligne Lake cuts through the mountains. It is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, where towering peaks, glacial waters and endless sky come together.Desktop Version
Eurasian red squirrel, Netherlands
Eurasian red squirrel, Netherlands
Have you ever been captivated by a squirrel crossing your path? If so, you"re not alone! Today"s snapshot showcases the charming Eurasian red squirrel, whose striking reddish-brown coat, white underbelly and bushy tail are a familiar sight in several countries. These furry seed distributors are not only exceptional jumpers—capable of leaping up to 1.8 metres in one jump—they can even swim to search for food or migrate. If you spot a fuzzy-tailed squirrel friend frolicking in your backyard, they might appreciate some feeding stations stocked with a variety of treats, such as raspberries or crab apples.Desktop Version
Maldives
Maldives
With serene sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, the island country of the Maldives is located to the southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The archipelago is renowned for its seafood, lagoons and countless coconut palms. These 1,200 islands are made up of a chain of 26 atolls. Atolls are islands in the shape of rings with coral rims and lagoons in their centre. The Maldives is also home to the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, which was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in June 2011. Visitors go there to spot manta rays and whale sharks and can enjoy sustainable water activities like scuba diving and surfing.Desktop Version
St. Paul Winter Carnival
St. Paul Winter Carnival
Planning to visit Minnesota in the United States? Spare some time and visit the annual celebration known as the St. Paul Winter Carnival! This event transforms Minnesota"s capital city, St. Paul, into a winter wonderland of festivity and joy between January 25 and February 4. In 1885, a group of reporters visited and referred to Minnesota as another Siberia, which offended city officials. As a response, they devised a plan to showcase the area"s winter beauty. The Winter Carnival was born, featuring various seasonal activities such as bobsledding and ice horse racing. Today, the celebration serves to impress visitors and strengthen community bonds through parades, markets, winter sports and ice carving competitions and displays, such as the beautiful frozen skyline seen in today"s image.Desktop Version
Jasper Dark Sky Festival, Alberta
Jasper Dark Sky Festival, Alberta
As dusk settles over Jasper National Park, Alberta, the stars begin to dot the sky, glittering like diamonds. This panorama is no accident—as a designated Dark Sky Preserve since 2011, Jasper has made strides to protect its nocturnal environment, minimising light pollution and allowing stargazers to witness the galaxy"s splendour unhindered. Jasper National Park is the largest national park within Alberta"s Rocky Mountains, spanning 11,000 square kilometres.Desktop Version
St. James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
St. James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
St. James Beach, nestled along the Cape Town coastline, is a small, sheltered beach popular for its row of vibrant Victorian bathing boxes that add a kaleidoscope of colour against the azure ocean backdrop. The ambience is perfect for leisurely strolls and soaking up the sun"s warmth while observing the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tides. However, it"s the St. James Tidal Pool that steals the spotlight—a protected bathing area teeming with small marine life. Built between rugged rocks, the pool offers crystal-clear waters for a tranquil swimming experience. The pool is warm compared to the ocean and is perfect for floating around without worrying about strong currents, making it a safe water playground for kids and adults.Desktop Version