Nothing makes the wanderlust kick in quite like the holiday season. Whether you planned to travel to see family, get away with friends, or just fly overseas to experience Christmas in a different part of the world, COVID-19 means that 2020’s holiday season will be very much at home for the large majority of Canadians. But never fear – the fact that you aren’t able to travel does not mean that you can’t FEEL like you’re travelling. Grab your neck pillow, make yourself a margarita, and take a look at one of the amazing offerings below to quench that thirst for adventure – all free of charge, and all from the comfort of your living room.
Russia – Hermitage Museum
This one is incredible. In March, Apple released a truly spectacular 5 hr 19 min and 28 sec tour film through the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. Directed by Axinya Gog, this cinematic journey includes the Jordan Staircase, a closeup on Caravaggio’s The Lute Player, and even a performance by the Hermitage Theatre contemporary ballet duet. The entire film was shot in a single continuous take on an iPhone 11 Pro (because marketing is important), and is honestly an incredible watch.
Australia – Melbourne Zoo
I truly believe that nothing increases serotonin quite like watching animals just… be. Melbourne Zoo clearly agrees because they are live-streaming their animals on 24/7 ‘Animal Cams’, able to be accessed on their website. Tune in to watch the giraffes chomping away on some leaves, the otters play fighting, or the penguins at their daily feeding times (their names are Edward and Kim, which isn’t really relevant, but it’s important to me that you know). If native Australian animals are more your cup of tea, you can enjoy a virtual encounter with Yami the platypus, or meet the zoo’s resident dingos.
Peru – Machu Picchu
Experience one of the New Seven Wonders of the World without having to worry about walking for four days! In a series of fully immersive 360-degree images, you can now explore Machu Picchu, the great Inca ruins in the Andes in Peru. This incredible virtual tour is accompanied by narration, so you can learn about the history of the spectacular sight and you won’t even be risking altitude sickness.
United States – Georgia Aquarium
The day I discovered that Georgia Aquarium was live-streaming their penguins was the day I became a much happier person. Webcams have been placed throughout the aquarium’s exhibits, allowing you to tune in any time of the day and see what the sea lions are up to, or just relax and watch the fish explore their reef. With hundreds of species and thousands of animals, there is always something going on.
Georgia Aquarium also offers virtual guided tours for USD$14.95, if you want to indulge and get the full experience and sit back and watch those fish swim!
Canada – Banff & Lake Louise
More interested in taking in the beautiful landscape here at home? View some of the most spectacular views of Banff and Lake Louise in interactive 360 videos. Explore the Johnston Canyon, the shores of Lake Minnewanka, and the frozen Vermilion Lakes, all at your own pace from your cozy living room. With incredible audio accompaniment, you can really feel like you’re in the mountains exploring the beauty of Canada.
