Travel the world from the comfort of your living room

Virtual tourism

With virtual travel, there’s no waiting in line and no expensive tickets required. Here’s a quick list of places to visit in Canada and around the world.

Calgary Zoo 

Want to check out what the adorable pandas are up to at the Calgary Zoo? You can do just that with the live PandaCam Opens in a new window.. Watch Er Shun and Da Mao, the zoo’s two giant pandas, frolic around or just sit and eat, every day from 11 am to 8 pm EST.

Vancouver Aquarium 

If it’s aquatic life you crave, the Vancouver Aquarium is the place to go. You can access live cams showing the jellyfish, penguins and sea otters Opens in a new window.. You can also check out the Vancouver Aquarium site for over 50,000 animals and 30 unique exhibits. If you want to learn more about the aquarium and the marine life that lives there, there are a variety of online educational shows Opens in a new window..

The Virtual Museum of Canada 

If you’re a museum buff, be sure to visit the Virtual Museum of Canada Opens in a new window.. The site offers a range of virtual exhibits from Canada’s museums and heritage organizations. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the compelling history of Canada from the comfort of your couch.

Frank Lloyd Wright architectural tours 

If architecture is your jam, you’re going to want to jump on the opportunity to virtually explore some of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s beautiful designs. Through the initiative titled “Wright Virtual Visits,” each Thursday at 1 pm EST you can go on a video tour that spotlights Wright’s buildings. Opens in a new window.

The Metropolitan Opera 

Give your ears a treat with The Metropolitan Opera’s periodic live-streamed shows “Met Stars Live in Concert.” Opens in a new window. The series lets audiences tune in to solo and duo performances from opera singers at destinations around the globe. Tickets cost $20, and shows are available on demand for 14 days post performance.

B.C. winery tours 

Check out some of the most beautiful wineries British Columbia has to offer with B.C. Wine’s virtual tours Opens in a new window.. You can use this resource to preview the grounds, lodging and restaurants, and you can enjoy a nice glass of your favourite vintage while you do it.

Digital resources

If you’re craving the “real deal,” there are a ton of digital resources you can use to preview potential travel destinations and activities.

Google Arts and Culture

From the Taj Mahal to the CN Tower, it’s possible to check out all of your dream destinations using Google Arts and Culture Opens in a new window.. Google Arts and Culture allows you to explore everything from art collections to museums and famous monuments. You can even go as far as touring the International Space Station, though this might be one destination you can’t book a flight to.

Google Earth

Using Google Earth, you can tour the Great Wall of China, climb the world’s tallest mountains or tour any city on your travel wish list. Within Google Earth, you can go on interactive guided tours and learn all about the history and culture using Google Voyager Opens in a new window..

With these resources on hand, the world is truly at your fingertips. Whether you go on a virtual vacation or use these digital tools to plan for your next in-person adventure, it’s never been easier to explore our incredible planet.