One of the greenest cities in the world, Vancouver is home to countless bird species. Eagles, herons, snow geese, owls, gulls, jays and sandpipers — you can find them all here. Casual watchers and serious ornithologists will enjoy the abundance of bird life in the region. The temperate rainforest, alpine landscapes and waterways bring you a variety of species like nowhere else in the urbanized world. You will be reaching for binoculars even downtown. Stanley Park, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, the Brackendale community and Boundary Bay are excellent places to see our feathered brethren. Check out the Nature Vancouver webpage for an impressive list of bird-watching spots.

On the corner of Špiro Brusina Street and Mihovil Klaić Street there is a simple and charming Gothic Church of St Michael’s, once a part of the Franciscan monastery. A Gothic portal, which is adorned by reliefs from the 14th century, dominates the facade. In its single-nave interior there is a painted wooden Romanesque crucifixion from the 13th century. There is also a small collection of art works in the monastery. The present church was built in 1389 and added to in the 19th century.

Just outside Kathmandu, in the village of Kapan, lies this Buddhist monastery. It is the perfect destination for a day-trip, or even a few nights in one of the guest rooms. The monastery is famed for its beautiful setting and peaceful, relaxing surroundings. Many visitors come here to attend courses in search of a spiritual experience.

A notable part of the great Benedictine monastery that was destroyed in World War II, the Church of St Chrysogonus houses beautifully preserved 13th-century frescoes and a Baroque altar.