Vancouver Chinatown Night Market. Photo: Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association

Hot on the heels of the summer-season opening of the colossal Summer Night Market in Richmond comes the opening weekend of Vancouver’s own Asian-style night market: the Chinatown Night Market kicks off its summer season this Friday, May 20.

When it comes to size and scope, Vancouver’s Chinatown Night Market can’t compare to Richmond’s Summer Night Market. But the Chinatown Night Market has a charm and spirit just as big as its sister market, and its urban, neighbourhood setting in the heart of historic Chinatown gives it a street-festival atmosphere that makes it just as worthy of a visit.

Of course, there are many things the two night markets have in common. Like the Summer Night Market (though on a much smaller scale), the Chinatown Night Market is packed with Asian food, cheap wares, handcrafts, and live entertainment. Bring cash and enjoy browsing the booths and eating dinner—including freshly-seared squid—off skewers and toothpicks.

Squid at the Vancouver Chinatown Night Market. Photo: Dana Lynch

As mentioned, the real charm of this night market lies in its location. Spanning Keefer Street from Main to Columbia, the colourful awnings of the Chinatown Night Market lead visitors from the bustling commercial districts of Chinatown to some of its most beloved landmarks: at the end of the market, looming above, is the roof of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the towering Monument of Canadian Chinese. (A visit to the Chinatown Night Market is the perfect end to day spent exploring this exciting neighbourhood; it’s within walking distance of all of the Top 5 Vancouver Chinatown Historic Attractions.)

The Chinatown Night Market is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30pm – 11pm, May 20 – September 11, 2011.