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Celebrating Canada and Englands common bond

Nov. 20, 2023World Childrens Day

Children are the future, brimming with potential, curiosity, and dreams waiting to be fulfilled. Ensuring their well-being and protection is a fundamental necessity for a thriving society. World Children"s Day celebrates that mission and coincides with the United Nations General Assembly"s adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1959.Desktop Version

Dec. 31, 2024New Years Eve in Ottawa

New Year"s Eve, also known as Old Year"s Day, is celebrated around the world with revelry, fireworks and, for some, religious and cultural observances. Many countries celebrate with foods symbolic of prosperity, long life and good fortune for the coming year. At the stroke of midnight, many people sing the Scottish folk song "Auld Lang Syne" to remember old friends and past experiences. The new year is often personified as a baby, a tradition dating back to the ancient Greeks, and is frequently paired with an old man representing the previous year.Desktop Version

Dec. 10, 2023Sand dunes in the Sahara, Algeria

The Sahara is a vast expanse of desert in North Africa that spans over 7,770,000 square kilometres. The wilderness" vast sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and occasional oases create a landscape like no other. Although it is the largest hot desert in the world, the Sahara is home to a variety of unique life, including drought-resistant plants like acacia and palm trees and hardy animals such as camels and fennec foxes. One of the Sahara"s intriguing features is its constantly shifting sand dunes, pictured in today"s image, some of which can reach heights of over 152 metres. The desert also holds historical significance; ancient rock art and fossils have been discovered, providing insights into early human civilisations and prehistoric creatures. Sandstorms are common, shaping the ever-changing scenery and adding to the mystique of this natural wonder.Desktop Version

The ‘potato chip bird’

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Oct. 27, 2023Sligachan Old Bridge, Isle of Skye, Scotland

The enchanting Isle of Skye in Scotland is home to the Sligachan Old Bridge, engineered and built by Thomas Telford, a prolific Scottish civil engineer, in the early 1800s. The bridge arches over a river of the same name and is accessible only to cyclists and pedestrians, while a modern bridge downstream serves car traffic. From atop the bridge"s weathered, humble, and mossy stones, travellers can take in the majestic Cuillin Mountains in the distance. According to local tradition, the Sligachan River"s water contains a mysterious blessing provided by fairies. Those who dare to immerse their faces in these waters are said to be gifted with timeless beauty.Desktop Version

Jun. 2, 2025Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

It is easy to call a place remote. It"s harder to understand what that really means—until you stand on Fogo Island in Newfoundland and Labrador. With just over 2,000 residents spread across 11 tight-knit outports, life here moves to its own rhythm. From Tilting to Joe Batt"s Arm, these settlements were founded by Irish and English fishers centuries ago. The traditions they introduced can still be witnessed in the island festivals like mummering in winter, boat launches in summer and kitchen parties year-round. Fishing was the backbone for generations, and even now, the sea"s pulse is never far off.Desktop Version

Feb. 2, 2024Groundhog Day

Curious about how long this winter will last? The superstitious can take a cue from Groundhog Day"s forecast based on whether the titular animal sees his shadow. On February 2, the well-known prognosticator, Wiarton Willie in Wiarton, Ontario, emerges from his burrow to predict the arrival of spring. The outcomes? Six more weeks of winter or early spring. Once the prediction is made, it is read to the crowd, who cheer Willie on either way. The original Willie passed away in 1999, and since then, the celebration has been held with a successor to the original Willie. A relative of Willie"s, the Alpine marmot seen here today, has its own winter tradition of stocking up on food to prepare for a long hibernation. Let"s hope that Willie doesn"t see his shadow so we can exit our own.Desktop Version

Feb. 17, 2024Sassnitz lighthouse, Rügen, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

This winter wonderland is Rügen, Germany"s largest island. From the iconic chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park to sandy beaches, the island provides a diverse landscape for nature enthusiasts to revel in. Many artists have come here in the past to give free rein to their creativity. The chalk cliffs inspired one of Germany"s most famous painters—Caspar David Friedrich. Pictured here is Sassnitz lighthouse, a maritime beacon that has guided sailors through the Baltic Sea since its establishment in 1905. Though ice may be covering the shore, the lighthouse still stands, frozen as over, shining a light for ships to sail by.Desktop Version

Nature at its colourful best

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Aug. 19, 2024Two Atlantic puffins in Elliston

In Elliston, Newfoundland and Labrador, Atlantic puffins, like the ones in today"s image, draw onlookers with their black and white plumage and orange beaks. As well as in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, these seabirds breed in several countries, including Russia, Iceland, Norway, and Greenland. These "sea parrots" have a wingspan of 47 to 63 centimetres and travel vast distances to mate. Surprisingly, the colour of their beaks changes seasonally; during the breeding season, it is brighter with a hint of yellow and orange. However, in the nonbreeding season, the beak sheds its yellow highlight.Desktop Version

Feb. 4, 2024Devetashka Cave, Devetaki, Bulgaria

Step into the depths of Devetashka Cave and journey through time in one of Bulgaria"s many natural wonders. However, there is one condition for this adventure: you must not be afraid of bats! About 30,000 of these flying mammals call the cave home. The karst cave, which was formed by the dissolution of carbonate rocks by water, is now part of a public park. The presence of humans in Devetashka Cave is thought to date back to the Early Stone Age, around 70,000 years BCE, and Neolithic artefacts from 6,000-4,000 BCE have been found here. Several large openings in the cave cast natural light into the chambers, offering better illumination for photographers and nature lovers alike.Desktop Version

Apr. 7, 2025Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival

Spring has arrived, but Whistler isn"t ready to let go of winter just yet! As the snow-capped Whistler and Blackcomb mountains keep their frosty charm, the annual Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) takes centre stage. Packed with jaw-dropping ski stunts, exhilarating snowboard competitions and back-to-back entertainment, the festival is a final hurrah for winter sports before the season melts away.Desktop Version

Whats blooming so brightly?

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Jan. 30, 2024Aýna, Albacete, Spain

Snow might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when thinking about Spain, but thanks to its diverse landscapes from high peaks to warm beaches, Spain has it all. Featured in today"s image, the tiny village of Aýna—with a population of less than 1,000—lies in the steep valley carved by the river Mundo in the Sierra del Segura mountain range. Because of its snow-capped mountains during the winter months, the town is frequently called Manchegan Switzerland—with "Manchegan" referring to the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha that Aýna is a part of. About 240 kilometres south of the capital, Madrid, Aýna offers a unique glimpse into Spanish village life.Desktop Version

Feb. 6, 2024Lake Tahoe

Peeking out of Lake Tahoe—the largest Alpine lake in North America and the second-deepest lake in the United States— Bonsai Rock and its surroundings are a popular tourist destination in the Sierra Nevada range. The peculiar sight of four trees growing out of what appears to be a massive granite rock inspired a name that comes from the Japanese art of growing miniature trees. Bonsai traditionally contain a single tree or a small group of trees of the same species, so the description fits this site well. Part of the purpose of bonsai is to provide an opportunity for contemplation, so if you visit Bonsai Rock, find a place to relax and explore your thoughts.Desktop Version

May 27, 2024Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

Set sail through time and explore the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. Surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, this cluster of over 2,000 islands and islets is spread across the rugged coast of Quebec"s Côte-Nord. In the archipelago, limestone monoliths have been carved by the persistent hands of erosion for aeons. The reserve was established in 1984, offering sanctuary not just to these geological wonders, but also to a rich tapestry of biodiversity. While here, travellers can spot nearly 200 species of birds, like bald eagles, common eider and terns, while feeling the stoic gaze of Atlantic puffins following them, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Come and enjoy the beauty of Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, where the whispers of history ride the salty sea breeze.Desktop Version

May 6, 2024The Roaches ridge in the Peak District, England

In today"s image, the sun encroaches on the Roaches, a rocky ridge in the Peak District, northern England. But what is the origin of this strange name? It comes from the French "les roches", which simply means "the rocks." Rising to a height of 505 metres, it stands above the town of Leek in Staffordshire. The Roaches, part of the Peak District National Park, is a popular destination for climbers and hikers. It offers stunning views over the moorland and, if you"re lucky, you may even spot a wallaby! A number of these Australian marsupials escaped from a nearby private zoo in the 1930s, and there are still recorded sightings of the descendants of the original wallabies.Desktop Version

Jun. 8, 2024Canadian Grand Prix 2024

Rev up your spirits because the Canadian Grand Prix is shifting into high gear! This Formula One showdown is all set to bring a rush of adrenaline to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Named after Canada"s homegrown racing hero Gilles Villeneuve, the track has witnessed legendary moments, like Lewis Hamilton"s maiden win in 2007, and Jacques Villeneuve racing across his father"s namesake circuit. Each lap around the 4.361-kilometre circuit is as unpredictable as it is thrilling, with drivers navigating 70 laps with 14 turns each, including the infamous "Wall of Champions"—a spot where many racing legends, like Michael Schumacher, have faced hardships.Desktop Version

Feb. 5, 2024Monarch butterflies, Goleta, California

Monarch butterflies, with their vibrant orange and black wings, are found across southern regions, from coastal meadows to urban gardens. Born on fragrant milkweed leaves, their tiny caterpillars store the plant"s essential chemicals for protection. As they transform into butterflies, they embark on a journey soaring south, to wintering grounds in Mexico and California. Those gathered to see the clumps of butterflies in 30-metre-tall trees might confuse them for clumps of leaves, however, as the sun"s rays gently fall upon the insects, their wings will begin to flutter. Bring your binoculars and take the opportunity to witness these winged wonders huddled together, it"s truly a sight to behold!Desktop Version

Dec. 7, 2024Lake Ontario, Toronto, during winter

Today, we"re taking a look at the Great Lakes—Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Huron and Lake Erie—the five lakes that span the Canada–United States border. Together, they hold 21% of the world"s fresh surface water. Of these, Lake Ontario, standing between the states of Ontaio and New York, has the smallest surface area and was named "Ontario" by Europeans in 1641. Covering approximately 18,960 square kilometres, it has been an important waterway for centuries. By the 18th century, the lake had become a strategic hub for the fur trade, particularly during the French and Indian War and later the War of 1812. Today, historic forts like Fort Niagara and Fort Henry stand as reminders of these turbulent times near the lake.Desktop Version

Oct. 24, 2023Füzér Castle in the Zemplén Mountains, Hungary

Hungary, a country rich with history and stunning landscapes, hosts a treasure trove of castles. From the Buda Castle in Budapest, with its opulent architecture and commanding views of the Danube, to the Eger Castle, renowned for its heroic defence against the Turks, each castle tells a unique story of battles, royalty, and cultural evolution.Desktop Version

Apr. 15, 2024World Art Day

"Art is the queen of all sciences communicating knowledge to all the generations of the world." There might be no better day to ponder these inspirational words by Leonardo da Vinci than World Art Day. Celebrated on April 15, this day marks the birthday of the renowned Renaissance artist. From his iconic painting of the Mona Lisa to his detailed sketches of flying machines, Leonardo"s legacy pushes the boundaries of knowledge and talent in a wide range of fields. Today"s homepage shows the RedBall Project at Centraal Station in Antwerp, Belgium. Created by the American artist Kurt Perschke, this travelling public art installation is considered to be "the world"s longest-running street artwork." It showcases a 4-metres inflated red ball that has been wedged into dozens of landmarks in countries from Australia to England since 2001.Desktop Version

Nov. 22, 2023Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Today"s image gives us a glimpse of beautiful Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The park, established in 1929, includes numerous lakes, the Snake River, and the Teton Range, famed for its series of sharp, jagged peaks. Bring your binoculars with you, and if it"s summertime, be on the lookout for pronghorns, who travel about 240 kilometres to get there. They aren"t the only creatures to visit seasonally; elk and bison are also summer visitors. These migrations play a vital role in the ecosystem of Grand Teton National Park. The animals help disperse seeds and provide food for predators.Desktop Version

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