Toronto as community: fifty years of photographs

Toronto as Community represents more than 50 years of photography by Vincenzo Pietropaolo, whose life’s passion has been to photograph Toronto, its people, and its buildings. The photographs document the daily life of ordinary citizens, at work, at play, in celebration, in protest, and in mourning, and are grouped around short essays. These images will provoke the reader’s sense of nostalgia, inviting reflection on the city that once was, how it became the city it is, and how it continues to develop and grow into a city of our imaginations.

When Pascale Marceau came up with a name for her latest high Arctic expedition, “Arctic Awe,” she thought this would refer to the awe she felt looking at the stark beauty of the land and sea ice she encountered. It wound up being so much more than that, awe born from extreme external challenges and the need to dig deep within herself. We’re lucky to get Pascale, just weeks after finishing her ski expedition with partner Scott Cocks, in the depths of winter, across the sea ice from Ellesmere Island, over to the ice caps and glaciers of Devon Island and back again. In all, it took seven weeks, covering 650 kilometres.

Plus: Hvaldamir the spy whale, White Gladis the vengeful orca, the sparrows that switch part of their brain off, and the decayed giant washed up on P.E.I.

By Tori Fitzpatrick, Thomas Lundy and Madigan Cotterill

Octopuses, part of a group of soft-bodied molluscs called cephalopods, are known as the most cognitively-advanced invertebrates. Now, scientists are speculating that they may have the ability to dream.

A video captured by researchers at Rockefeller University in New York seems to show Costello the octopus having a nightmare. While he was sleeping, Costello’s skin began changing colour, something that octopuses often do to camouflage themselves. Then, he began curling his arms above his head and spinning around, seemingly in distress. Seconds later his tank became clouded by black ink, a typical defence behaviour that octopuses use against predators.

This sequence of behaviour suggests to researchers that Costello was having a nightmare about being attacked by a predator. However, marine biologists are calling for a peer reviewed study to be completed before making any definitive statements about this incident. It is possible that this so-called dream was Costello’s individual response to a different stimulus.

Southwestern British Columbia is home to many popular hikes with Instagram-worthy views and breathtaking scenery. At the top of St. Marks Summit, hikers can enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Howe Sound and, along the trail to Illal Peak, endless alpine flowers and spectacular panoramas of the region provide hikers with plenty of photo opportunities. However, these trails can be much more of a challenge than they might appear on social media, and it’s important to consult reliable resources before hitting the trails. Thanks to Stephen Hui, Vancouver author, photographer and Royal Canadian Geographic Society Fellow, there are three books available that detail hiking trails in Southwestern B.C., including popular destinations, local favourites and hidden gems.

Hui’s books are 105 Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, Destination Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia and Best Hikes and Nature Walks with Kids In and Around Southwestern British Columbia. He has completed every hike in each of his books, so readers can rest assured that the trail descriptions and tips are backed by experience.

scenery! Expand your knowledge of the places we visit alongside Canadian Geographic ambassador Jenny Wong and Adventure Canada experts on this life-changing journey.

Also known affectionately as the Rock, Newfoundland is where hearty fishing families have endured for generations, wresting a living from the sea and developing a famously extroverted culture that’s rich in folk music, friendly humour, delightful dialects, and unique foods. The best way to see it all is the old way, by sea.
Meet your ambassador: Jenny Wong

Check out these other upcoming trips:
- An Ocean Quest Adventure with Rick Stanley
- Haida Gwaii with David Gray
- Heli-hiking in the Cariboos with Robin Esrock