Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT
This page focuses solely on His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Western Canada, from his arrival in Calgary on Thursday, July 23, 2026, to the conclusion of his visit in Vancouver a few days later, expected on July 26. Pre-arrival details are available on a separate page HERE. Anchor links are provided below for each day of his visit to the Prairies and British Columbia.
Anchor links covering news about His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Western Canada:
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July 23, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan commences his visit to Western Canada, as he arrives in Calgary and is welcomed by the city’s Mayor
Ismaili Muslims in Alberta have been eagerly awaiting Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan’s, visit to Canada for several weeks. The most joyful news so far is his arrival in Calgary on Thursday, July 23, 2026, accompanied by his children, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan. The photograph below shows him and his children with Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas, with the flags of Canada, Alberta, the Ismaili Imamat, and Calgary behind them. The White Cowboy Hats worn by Mawlana Hazar Imam and Princes Irfan and Sinan are presented to dignitaries and celebrities.
Every Ismaili, from young children to seniors, including those with mobility challenges, is preparing for the Holy Didar (lit. a glimpse) happening tomorrow, Friday, July 24. It will be held in two sessions at the BMO Centre in Calgary to accommodate over 20,000 Ismailis from across the Prairies, including a large group from Edmonton. The Didar of the Imam-of-the-Time is a joyful spiritual event filled with deep emotions, inner joy, and fulfillment. During this time, the Imam offers his blessings and guidance, called Farman, for the spiritual and material growth of his community.
I will share my reflections on this first-ever Didar with Mawlana Hazar Imam at the conclusion of the Western Canada visit. As with his earlier visits around the world, Barakah will provide comprehensive coverage of the visit, including links to media reports, coverage on the official websites of the Ismaili community, and personal eyewitness accounts from members of the Ismaili community and me. We congratulate Ismailis in Canada on this joyous visit to Western Canada, following his first visit to Eastern Canada in March.
MEDIA COVERAGE
- Calgary Herald: Aga Khan marks his first official visit to western Canada (requires subscription)
Date posted: July 23, 2026.
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