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Places of Interest for Canadians
Skyscrapers, international firms, lawyers, bankers, accountants and other professionals all nestle in the Central, the central business district in Hong Kong. It doesn't sound like a tourist attraction except the upscale shopping malls where you can test the maximum limit of your credit card. However, Pedder Street located in the Central district is a special place for Canadians. In late 1920's, the Exchange Building on Pedder Street housed the Office of the Commercial Delegate of Canada. The Office, as one of Canada's first trade missions, was established in May 1928, only one year after the opening of the Canadian Embassy in Washington. Prior to the establishment of the Commercial Delegate's Office, Canadian trade with Hong Kong was managed by the Canadian Pacific Steamships and Dominion Express Limited just down Pedder Street in the Union Building. Pedder Street is no doubt a historic symbol of Canada's commercial outpost in Hong Kong. Walking up Pedder Street to Lan Kwai Fong, you will find a cluster of pubs and restaurants as enchanting as those in Old Montreal. And the gentleman who transformed the alleys in this enclave into an acclaimed hub of wining and dining is a Canadian from Montreal. He is now nicknamed the father of Lan Kwai Fong and sits on the Hong Kong SAR Government's Advisory Committee on Tourism. Canadians are proud of their national parks. You may believe that a cosmopolitan city like Hong Kong won't have much to offer for hikers and nature-lovers. You're wrong. Many Japanese tourists come to Hong Kong specifically for the trails in the countryside. You will be amazed by the landscape, the natural habitat and historical relics along the trails. You may not be able to find a maple tree in Hong Kong. But you may wish to search for the tallest Christmas tree in public display in Hong Kong if you happen to be in town around Christmas. Each year, the B.C. government sends a Christmas tree to Hong Kong people as a Christmas gift. Of course, having a dip is probably a better alternative to hiking during the hot and humid summer in Hong Kong. For divers, there are three marine parks and reserves to choose. What about paddling? Dragon boat races is no strange thing to Canadians. There are dragon boat festivals in major cities across Canada. But the festival in Hong Kong is much more international with teams coming from around the world. In fact the winners of the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race participate in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Race held in May/June every year. You may have heard of the Chinese white dolphin, Hong Kong people's icon for the environment. They can sometimes be seen in Hong Kong's western waters, including outer Deep Bay, north, south and east Lantau, and west Lamma, but never in the eastern water. Try your luck! As a matter of fact, there are eco-tours organized specifically to catch a glimpse of this adorable creature. Turning to something more serious. During the Second World War, two Canadian battalions from the Royal Rifles from Quebec and the Winnipeg Grenadiers helped defend Hong Kong against Japanese invasion in 1941. The statue of Sergeant Major John Osborn VC was erected in Hong Kong Park, reminding people of the bravery of the 550 Canadians who died during the battle or in prison camp thereafter. Each December since 1948 the Canadian community in Hong Kong has commemorated these heroes in a memorial service at Sai Wan Military Cemetery. For those who would like to learn more about the city's history, heritage and culture, a guided tour is ideal for you. You can enjoy the Heritage Tour and visit some of Hong Kong's oldest and most fascinating sights, including a walled village, a century-old temple, the ancestral hall of an original Chinese clan and an opulent stately home. Or you can join an Architecture Walk hosted by a local architect to appreciate Hong Kong's buildings, old and new. Experience Chinese traditional lifestyles with this 4.5-hour tour which features traditional systems of exercise, feng shui and tea drinking etiquette. |