Hong Kong is not only a great Air Canada destination, but one that now uses the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It’s a stunning plane, with cool lighting, comfortable seating and a sleek, stylish design. International business class features 180-degree lie-flat seats, which I got to try out a few months ago and found to be a terrific feature.

Here are some great things to see and do on your next trip to Hong Kong with Air Canada.

WORLD’S BEST INEXPENSIVE DIM SUM

Tim Ho Wan in the district of Sham Shui Po (on the Kowloon side) has won awards as some of the best – and most affordable – dim sum spots around. Not much in the way of decor, but the food is out-of-this-world good. Some have called this place the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. Have a look at the kitchen on the way out; it’s about the size of some Canadian closets.

OUTLYING ISLANDS

I enjoyed Lamma Island when I went a few years ago. There’s a nice beach and the main town has great seafood. On my last trip I did a short hike on Cheng Chau, easily reached by ferry boat. The most popular route is a fairly short hike that combines strolling past waterfront restaurants and small alleyways with a great beach and a pretty pavilion on top of a hill. Be sure to check out the rich colours and vivid carvings at the Pak Tai Temple.

THE PEAK TRAM

This, again, is one of the most iconic urban journeys in the world, a funicular railway that’s been around 130 years. You’ll go from just a few feet above sea level to far above the tallest of skyscrapers in about seven minutes, passing towering apartment buildings and hills covered with thick, rainforest jungle. Amazing. Once you’re at the top of the hill, I prefer to skip the shops and head up to the walking trail that takes you around Victoria Peak (roughly 4 km’s). The walk begins on Lugard Road, near the Peak Tower. Morning or late afternoon are best for photos. You’ll pass secluded mansions and more thick rainforest, complete with Tarzan-like hanging vines and wildflowers on an easy, flat circuit that can be completed in less than a half-hour if you rush. But take your time, because the views are stellar. Warning: The Tram is due for upgrades starting in April of next year so check online before you head to the station. The lower station is on Garden Road in HK Central.

A FAMOUS FERRY

The Star Ferry is a Hong Kong institution; a short but oh-so-dramatic ferry ride from HK Central or Wan Chai (a longer trip) to the Tsim Sha Tsui terminal on the Kowloon Peninsula. The ride is only a few dollars. They also do cruises of Hong Kong’s amazing harbours.

SUPER SHOPPING

Hong Kong’s markets are justifiably famous gathering spots for all sorts of gear; shoes, purses, brightly coloured towels, approximately 1.35 billion cell phone covers, and lots more. The Apliu Street Market is famous for electronics, while Cat Street is popular for antiques. Of course, you’ll also find super high-end shops such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Pacific Place has 140 shops and restaurants, a department store and four 5-star hotels.

THE BIG BUDDHA

On Lantau Island, home of the Hong Kong Airport, you’ll find two of Hong Kong’s most celebrated attractions; the Big Buddha (technically the Tian Tan Buddha) and the Po Lin Monastery. You can hike, but it’s quite difficult, so most folks can an aerial tram to the top of a steep hill and go from there. There are some touristy shops when you exit the tram, but you can avoid those easily if you prefer and head to the giant Buddha, which is 34 meters high and utterly magnificent. Not far away is the Po Lin Monastery, a beautiful building and a wildly popular spot with visitors where they serve vegetarian lunches.

HIKING HEAVEN

Most folks know Hong Kong for its urban charms, but you’ll also find amazing hiking a short bus ride away from the office towers and apartment buildings of Hong Kong Central. The best-known hike is called the Dragon’s Back and is easily accessible from the main areas of Hong Kong. It’s a fairly arduous trail that goes on for as much as 50 km’s and takes up and over dramatic headlands spiked with acacia trees and sweet-smelling pines. The hike finishes up at Big Wave Beach, a popular surfing spot that also surprises many visitors and has a couple of fine cafes for a coffee or a cold beer. If you don’t want to do the full 50 km, and it’s a lot, check online for one of the shorter routes. I found the one that starts near Shek O Peak to be more than enough; a hike that took us several hours.

CITY TRAMS

Climb on board one of the city’s clambering double-decker trams or trolleys for an up-close and personal look at how Hong Kong residents live their lives. You may not have much leg room, but you’ll go through historic neighbourhoods and past wonderful parks and alleyways teeming with crowded shops as you make your way along the island. Rides are less than a dollar.

HOTEL EXPLORATION

Some of the world’s best hotels are in Hong Kong, and they’re well worth a look. The Langham is a marvellous property with a million shades of pink, the hotel’s official colour. The Peninsula might be the granddaddy of them all; an opulent palace with Rolls Royce cars parked out front. The Ritz Carlton is still relatively new and features amazing views from the 102th floor lounge and bar. Rooms are equally stunning if you can manage it. The Four Seasons has a lovely lobby and a wonderful swimming pool.

For information on Air Canada flights to Hong Kong, visit www.aircanada.com