While staying at home and practicing safe social distancing are the best courses of action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it doesn’t mean we have to miss out on cultural landmarks around the world and across Canada. Thanks to technology and the Google Arts & Culture Project, many art galleries, libraries, zoos, aquariums, museums and more are available for you to explore and watch from your home. Here are 5 Canadian attractions you can virtually visit right now.
Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium, also a centre for marine research, has a live camera set up so you can see what the penguins, sea otters, jellyfish are up to. Needless to say, they’re adorable and can be a little pick-me-up for the day.Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery, founded in 1931, is one of the leading Canadian art museums. The Gallery is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the museum experience and to undertaking programs that explore the relationship between contemporary life and artistic creativity. You can walk through the gallery as if you were there using Google Street View or their online exhibit featuring Douglas Coupland.Calgary Zoo
Meet Calgary Zoo’s two giant pandas, Er Shun and Da Mao, on their PandaCam. Their live stream happens every day from 9AM to 6PM MT. With 3 different camera angles, you won’t miss any action.Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is among the world’s leading museums of natural history and world cultures. Walk through the museum and explore the extraordinary experiences of science and civilization using Google Street View. They also have other exhibits and collections for viewing online.Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is offering a variety of programs that the public can access remotely to keep themselves entertained, stimulated, and inspired. Every morning, the MMFA will post the day’s cultural offering on its Facebook and Instagram. You’ll discover works from its encyclopedic collection you might not have seen before, podcasts, videos, quizzes and plenty of food for thought. Learn about the fascinating lives of six individuals who lived in ancient Egypt through their audioguide for free on their mobile app. Their Education and Art Therapy (EduArt) program offers you access to a multitude of inspiring resources and activities.
This article originally appeared in Sotheby’s International Realty’s Extraordinary Living Blog on March 27, 2020, and has been adapted for Sotheby’s International Realty Canada.
