City Chronicle – Local Guide Voice
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Digital community Conversation
HOST:
Hello LocalGuides, and welcome to City Chronicle – Local Guide Voice, our digital Community Conversation series where we meet the people behind the maps, discover the stories behind their journeys, and explore the experiences that make the Local Guides community so special.
Today, we’re taking you on a fascinating journey from Sri Lanka to Canada - a journey shaped by exploration, photography, scuba diving, underwater mapping, mountains, community, and friendships that have crossed borders.
Our guest @kasunaaa has experienced the Local Guides journey from beneath the ocean in Sri Lanka to the snow-covered mountains of Canada, while continuing to contribute, explore, photograph, and stay connected with fellow Local Guides around the world.
So, let’s read the story behind the places, the adventures, the photographs, and the people who made this journey meaningful.
Welcome to City Chronicle – Local Guide Voice.
Let’s begin our digital community conversation.
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HOST: Why did you become a Local Guide?
Did your Local Guides journey, which began in Sri Lanka, continue in the same way after moving to Canada?
GUEST: I became a Local Guide almost by accident in 2016. In the beginning, I simply used Google Maps and contributed whenever I noticed something that could help another person by adding places, sharing photos, and updating information without really knowing where that journey would take me.
Over time, those simple contributions turned into a genuine passion. Then I discovered Local Guides Connect and found an incredible global community of people who shared the same curiosity, love for exploration, and desire to make Maps better. Through fellow Local Guides, I learned not only about mapping and photography, but also about community building, storytelling, and giving back.
The encouragement from the community turned my occasional contributions into an unstoppable journey. A very special part of that journey has been my Local Guide partner, @ravindus, who has been beside me through countless meetups, adventures, and mapping expeditions in Sri Lanka. Together, we organized and participated in meetups ranging from underwater mapping and 360° photography to mountain expeditions, road trips, and discovering hidden places. We also contributed to Google Maps by adding local businesses, making map edits, and documenting places that deserved more visibility. Together, we explored places above the mountains, underground, and even beneath the ocean.
One thing that never changed throughout my journey was the global friendships I built through Local Guides Connect. I met Guides from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, and many of those connections grew into genuine friendships that went far beyond Maps. During COVID, when traveling and meeting in person were no longer possible, virtual meetups became a way for us to stay connected, share experiences, learn from one another, and keep the community spirit alive. Those friendships taught me that being a Local Guide is not limited by geography. You may meet someone through a map, but the friendship can travel far beyond the location.
In 2021, my journey reached another special milestone when I was recognized as a Guideing Star. For me, it was more than a recognition of contributions; it was a reminder of how far the journey had come from those simple map edits I started making in 2016. The recognition motivated me to keep contributing, sharing stories, supporting fellow Guides, and finding new ways to make an impact through the community.
After moving to Canada, the passion stayed the same, but the geography changed the way I explored and contributed. Much of my journey became more independent. Scuba diving was not as accessible as it was in Sri Lanka, especially with the colder water and the distance to many dive locations. But one adventure simply led to another. The ocean was replaced by snow-covered mountains, and I found myself exploring ski resorts, hiking, skiing, and discovering a completely different side of nature.
What never changed was my passion for contributing and connecting with the Local Guides community. Whether I was mapping beneath the ocean in Sri Lanka or exploring snow-covered mountains in Canada, I continued looking at the world through a Local Guide’s eyes.
Life can sometimes get busy, but I have never forgotten the community. Staying connected with Local Guides around the world, meeting fellow Guides whenever possible, and continuing to contribute to Google Maps remains an important part of my journey.
HOST: A place you always recommend—and why?
What was a favorite or recommended spot of yours in Sri Lanka, and which place in Canada would you recommend now?
GUEST: For Sri Lanka, one place I would always recommend is Sigiriya. It is much more than an ancient rock fortress. It brings together history, engineering, archaeology, art, and incredible natural scenery in one place. I especially love the experience of climbing through the gardens and reaching the top, where the landscape stretches endlessly in every direction. As a Local Guide and photographer, Sigiriya gives me something different every time I visit, and it is one of those places where you can truly feel the story of Sri Lanka around you.
In Canada, I would recommend Panorama Ridge and Garibaldi Lake in British Columbia. This hike became one of my favourite Canadian adventures because of the journey as much as the destination. The long trail through forests and alpine landscapes eventually opens up to the breathtaking turquoise waters of Garibaldi Lake, with Panorama Ridge offering an incredible view of the surrounding mountains and the lake far below. It reminded me that while my surroundings had changed from tropical Sri Lanka to the Canadian mountains, my passion for exploring, hiking, photographing, and sharing beautiful places through Google Maps had not changed at all.
HOST: A hidden gem that tourists often miss?
Tell us about a place-either in Sri Lanka or Canada-that tourists often overlook.
GUEST: If you ever visit Kelowna, British Columbia, I would definitely recommend a place that many visitors might overlook is Kangaroo Creek Farm. Yes, you heard that right: you can get surprisingly close to kangaroos and wallabies, feed them, and experience these unique Australian animals in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
What makes the experience special is that it is highly interactive. You can encounter a variety of exotic and domestic animals without the usual feeling of being separated from them by fences. There are plenty of other animals to discover as well, making it a fun experience for both adults and children.
My most recent visit with my two-year-old was especially memorable. Seeing the excitement and curiosity on a child’s face while encountering animals up close made me appreciate the place in a completely different way.
If you are exploring Kelowna with your family, I would say don’t miss this hidden gem. It is one of those places that may not be on every tourist’s itinerary, but can easily become one of the most memorable stops of the trip.
HOST: A special memory associated with your city?
Do you have a special city or mapping-related memory from Sri Lanka, and a memorable experience from your time in Canada so far?
GUEST: One of my most memorable Local Guides moments in Sri Lanka was My first Underwater Meetup. It was the moment when my passion for scuba diving, photography, and mapping came together with my Local Guides journey. Diving into the ocean with fellow Local Guides and trying to capture and document the underwater world for Google Maps felt completely different from anything we had done before. It opened the door to a whole new kind of mapping adventure and eventually inspired many more underwater expeditions and 360° mapping meetups.
In Canada, one of my most unforgettable experiences happened during a hike in Whistler. While exploring the wilderness, I unexpectedly came across a bear surprisingly close to the trail. Seeing a wild bear in its natural surroundings was both exciting and humbling. I was there with my camera, hoping to capture the beauty of the Canadian wilderness, and suddenly I had a moment that no map, photograph, or itinerary could fully prepare me for. It became one of those unforgettable memories that reminds me why I love exploring the outdoors.
HOST: Which local dish should everyone try?
If someone were to try one local dish each from Sri Lanka and Canada, what would you recommend?
GUEST: If you visit Sri Lanka, I would definitely recommend Kottu Roti. It is one of those dishes that captures the energy and character of Sri Lankan food, the sound of the metal blades chopping roti on the hot grill, mixed with vegetables, egg, meat, and spices. It is simple, filling, full of flavour, and something I never get tired of.
In Canada, my recommendation would be poutine. Crispy fries covered with cheese curds and gravy may sound simple, but it is a uniquely Canadian comfort food that everyone should experience at least once. For me, these two dishes represent something special about their countries: Sri Lankan Kottu is vibrant and full of character, while Canadian poutine is wonderfully simple, comforting, and unmistakably Canadian.
HOST: How would you describe your city’s culture in a few words?
What do you find to be the most interesting difference or similarity between the local cultures of Sri Lanka and Canada?
GUEST: What I find most interesting is that Sri Lanka and Canada are very different culturally, yet both share a strong sense of community and hospitality. Sri Lanka has a deep history and heritage shaped over thousands of years, with ancient traditions, religious sites, festivals, food, and a naturally warm and welcoming culture. People are often quick to welcome visitors and share their traditions, food, and stories.
Canada, on the other hand, has a remarkable multicultural identity. Indigenous peoples and their rich cultures and traditions form an important part of Canada’s history, while generations of immigration have brought cultures from around the world together. In cities and communities across Canada, you can experience different languages, foods, festivals, traditions, and perspectives within the same neighbourhood.
For me, the interesting similarity is that both countries encourage people to connect through their differences. Sri Lanka’s culture feels deeply rooted in its heritage, while Canada’s culture is constantly evolving through multiculturalism and the many communities that call it home. Moving from Sri Lanka to Canada has allowed me to appreciate both, a country that proudly preserves its ancient roots and another that celebrates the diversity of the world within its borders.
HOST: The best time to explore your city?
In Sri Lanka and now in Canada—during which season or time do you find exploring or photography the most enjoyable?
GUEST: Sri Lanka, I find it difficult to choose just one season because there is almost always a perfect place to explore. One of the things I love most is how quickly the landscape can change, you can leave the warm, humid beaches and, within a few hours, be surrounded by cool mountains and misty forests. Whether it is elephants and wildlife, ancient heritage, waterfalls, mountains, or beautiful beaches, there is always something to discover and photograph throughout the year.
Canada is a completely different experience because each of the four seasons offers its own character. Winter is perfect if you want to experience snow-covered mountains, skiing, and a true Canadian winter. Spring brings flowers, fresh greenery, and waterfalls, while autumn is probably one of my favourite seasons for photography because of the incredible colours of the changing foliage. Summer is the most popular time for travellers because the weather is warmer and it is easier to explore the outdoors, go on road trips, hike, and visit lakes and mountains.
For me, that is one of the biggest differences between the two countries: Sri Lanka gives you many different experiences within a short journey, while Canada gives you four completely different worlds throughout the year.
HOST: Marine photography 
Briefly tell us about your journey with marine photography and share a memorable moment related to it.
Have the marine or coastal environments of Sri Lanka and Canada influenced your photography in different ways?
GUEST: My journey with marine photography began in Sri Lanka, where my passion for scuba diving naturally led me to explore photography beneath the surface. Underwater photography is a completely different world you cannot simply take a camera underwater and start shooting. Every dive requires preparation: choosing the right waterproof housing and equipment, checking batteries and settings beforehand, managing buoyancy, understanding light and visibility, and knowing that once you are underwater, you cannot simply change your battery or equipment.
I started with simple underwater photographs and gradually learned how challenging it can be to create truly good images. As I became more experienced, I explored underwater video and eventually underwater 360° photography and mapping, which required an entirely different set of skills and techniques. Each step taught me something new, from working with limited visibility and changing light to positioning myself and the camera correctly while diving.
For me, marine photography is not simply about taking a photograph. It is about exploring another world and finding a way to bring that hidden world back to the surface.
HOST: 
A message for fellow Local Guides
What message do you have for fellow Local Guides based on your journey from Sri Lanka to Canada?
GUEST: My journey from Sri Lanka to Canada has taught me that being a Local Guide is not about where you live. It is about how you see the world and what you choose to share with others.
My message to fellow Local Guides is simple: keep exploring, keep contributing, and don’t be afraid to try something different. You don’t need expensive equipment or a huge following to make an impact. A useful edit, a thoughtful review, a great photograph, or helping another Local Guide can make a difference.
And most importantly, build connections. Some of my best memories came not from the places I mapped, but from the people I met while mapping them. From diving beneath the ocean with my Sri Lankan Local Guide partners to exploring the mountains of Canada, the spirit of being a Local Guide has remained the same.
Maps can show us where to go, but the Local Guides community makes the journey meaningful.
HOST: 
Bonus – A story Google Maps can’t tell
“What is a story from Sri Lanka or Canada where Google Maps can show you the location, but can never truly tell the story itself?”
GUEST: Over the years, I’ve added local businesses, dive locations, dive shops, points of interest, photos, and countless other details to Maps. But what made my journey special was not just the places I added. It was the stories I told about exploring them.
My underwater adventures became a big part of my Local Guides identity. Through my stories, I tried to take people beyond the map pin and show them what it feels like to explore a world hidden beneath the surface. The Local Guides Connect community eventually recognized me through those underwater diving stories, and that became one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.
Google Maps can tell you where the dive site is, what is nearby, and what it looks like. But it cannot tell you the excitement of descending beneath the surface, the challenges of capturing that world, the friendships made along the way, or the feeling of discovering something that few people ever get to see.
Maps can record a place. Stories give that place a Soul
Closing
HOST:
And that brings us to the end of this edition of City Chronicle – Local Guide Voice.
From Sri Lanka to Canada, from underwater mapping to snow-covered mountains, and from simple map contributions to lifelong friendships, today’s conversation reminds us that every Local Guide journey has a story worth sharing.
The places may change. The landscapes may change. The experiences may change.
But the spirit of exploration, contribution, photography, community, and connection can remain the same.
Thank you @kasunaaa for being part of this City Chronicle – Local Guide Voice Digital community Conversation Series.
And to all the Local Guides around the world: keep exploring, keep contributing, keep connecting, and most importantly, keep telling the stories that a map pin alone can never tell.
Until we meet again in another edition of City Chronicle – Local Guide Voice.
Keep exploring. Keep mapping. Keep sharing your story. 
Thank you for joining us.
Disclaimer
“This feature is based on a conversation (interview) with @kasunaaa and is shared with their consent.”
You may remember that when I was planning this series, I had approached you as well, but you were busy at the time. While researching and looking for stories for the series, I came across both your and 
