Only 3 People Have Ever Escaped Alcatraz—Here’s How
Read the story behind "one of the greatest prison escapes in American history."
10 Strange Urban Legends That Turned Out to Be True
You've probably heard that all legends have a basis in fact. That may not be true, but these bizarre urban...
Remember Them: Margaret Jobin, Canadian Women’s Army Corps
Part of an ongoing tribute to honour Canada's war veterans.
A Heartwarming Romance: This Canadian Couple Found Love on the Transplant List
During his lengthy wait to receive a new heart, Russell MacDougall met cardiac patient Sherene Wright. Together they found friendship,...
This Volunteer Cook is Making Montreal a Better Place for Those in Need
Growing up in Malaysia, Sabariah Binti Hussein delivered food to villagers in need. Years later and half a world away...
Remember Them: Alexander Kovar
Part of an ongoing tribute to honour Canada's war veterans.
8 Famous Novels You Didn’t Know Were Inspired by True Stories
Moby-Dick's real name was...what?
8 Signs That You May Have Lived a Past Life
If you have recurring dreams, inexplicable skills, or you just have a strong affinity for another era, you may have...
How This Mother of Four Turned Her Passion for Fitness Into an Exciting New Career
For Nichelle Laus, overcoming a childhood trauma led to kick-boxing, police work and, ultimately, a new life as a business...
I Met My First Love at 10 Years Old—and I Still Think About Him More Than 50 Years Later
"Thomas had a healthy crop of black hair, thick eyelashes, and a smile that made me look away and blush....
11 Nicest Things CEOs Have Done for Their Employees
What goes around, comes around, right? These CEOs have taken that lesson to heart—and in the process, they've changed their...
This Veterinarian Couldn’t Breathe Properly—and Doctors Didn’t Know Why
Months after he was kicked in the head by a horse, Robert's injuries began to heal and he was able...
Om Shanti: How a Trip to India Changed This Canadian’s Life Forever
Even with family ties in India, trying to "fit in" was a challenge—but worth the effort.
You Can’t Help But Laugh at This Funny Valentine’s Day Story
"I mean, OK, if you really want to do something to show me you love me this Valentine’s Day, you...
How One Couple Escaped from East Germany and Found Freedom in Canada
Ruth and Helmut Hotzwik fled East Germany in 1959—and lived to tell the tale.
Quintessentially Canadian: What I Learned from Dog Sledding in Northern Alberta
An attempt at dog sledding in snowy (and windy) Cold Lake, Alta. proved to be both terrifying and life-affirming for...
Remember Them: Kenneth William Munro
Part of an ongoing tribute to honour Canada's war veterans.
How Did This Flamingo End Up In the Ottawa River?
Elisha the flamingo wasn't prepared for the cold. But was the rescue crew prepared for Elisha? Enjoy this RD Classic...
This Woman’s Inspirational Story Will Make You Believe in the Canadian Dream
It's not easy to find a place that's beautiful, diverse and welcoming. But Rie Yamashita, who celebrates her 10th year...
Drama in Real Life: Stranded in a Manitoba Snowstorm
The day had dawned crisp and clear, but early spring can be an unpredictable time on northern roads. Ernest Castel...
The True Story of a Brave, Blind Chicken
From the Reader's Digest archives: How Sam, a blind chicken, taught my family about the dangers and joys of taking...
The Real History Behind the Birth of Botox
In 1987, Vancouver doctors Jean and Alastair Carruthers accidentally discovered cosmetic properties in a toxin normally used by ophthalmologists. The...
This Woman Thought She Had an Infected Mosquito Bite—But the Actual Diagnosis Was Terrifying
What first appeared to be an insect bite turned out to be something far more dangerous.
This Canadian Woman Was Evacuated from London During The Blitz—and Lived to Tell the Tale
As Londoners soldiered on through WWII bombings, many of their children were sent to live in Canada.
15 Mind-Boggling Discoveries Scientists Made in 2017
These are exciting times, with amazing scientific breakthroughs happening every day that promise to help improve our health, decode the...
9 Quirky Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know About the Origin of Your Favourite Foods
From salads to sandwiches to ice cream cones—we've got the scoop on the history of your favourite foods.
The River of No Return
When a rock-climbing trip goes disastrously wrong, a 13-year-old boy is forced to make a heartrending decision: should he leave...
Back to Life: The Incredible Story of the Boy Who Died for Two Hours
When two-year-old Gardell Martin fell into his backyard creek, his heart stopped. Dead for over two hours, it would take...
A Mysterious Hum Has Been Haunting the Town of Windsor for Years
For years, residents of Windsor, Ont., have been plagued by a spectral noise. So far, nobody’s been able to explain...
