It wouldn’t be a summer in Vancouver without a trip to a night market. We’re lucky to be spoiled with choice in our city with three amazing and diverse night markets to choose from – all a short distance from Downtown. If it’s exotic food you’re looking for, the Richmond Night Market has over 100 booths to tempt your tastebuds. Partial to food trucks and beer gardens? North Vancouver might have your new favourite Friday night hang out. Rather see a market that truly lights up the night? The Illumination Night Market may be what you’re after.
We’ve put together the essential details you’ll need to know about each night market below. If you can’t decide which one to go to, why not check them all out!? But hurry, you only have three more months of summer left! (You know those months are going to fly by). Check out your guide to the 2017 summer night markets in Vancouver below:
Richmond Night Market
When most people think “Vancouver night market”, they tend to think of the Richmond Night Market. An impressive collection of interesting food (bbq squid or dragon’s beard, anyone?), animatronic dinosaurs, and more $2 socks than you can shake a stick at, the Richmond Night Market is an experience you’ll never forget.
If there’s only one thing to remember when going to the Richmond Night Market, it’s to go there with a completely empty stomach. The food is the priority at this market, so make sure you’re aching for a freshly fried rotato. Also, try and get there early or head there late. Crowds can get pretty intense at peak hours.
Location: 8351 River Road, A short walk from the Canada Line Bridgeport station
How to get there: Take the Canada Line, parking is notoriously hard to navigate. Get off at Bridgeport station and follow the crowds.
Dates: May 12 – October 9, 2017
Hours: Friday & Saturday Night – 7pm to midnight. Sunday & Stat Holidays – 7pm to 11pm
Price of Admission: $3.25 for adults. Kids and seniors can enter for free.
Illumination Summer Night Market
What was once known as the International Night Market was re-branded last year as ‘Panda Market’. In 2017, this Richmond night market (but not the Richmond Night Market) has re-branded again to the Illumination Summer Night Market.
This market is similar to the Richmond Night Market in terms of vendors and food. However, the Illumination Summer Night Market also includes North America’s first and largest ever summer lighting show. Along with the theme, there will be giant teddy bears across the market, lighting worldwide landmark buildings and signature food from all over the world.
Location: 12361 River Road, located behind Home-Depot, just west of Knight Street Bridge in Richmond.
How to get there: Bus: Route 407 or 430, Bridgeport Rd at Sweden Way station, walk north on Sweden Way to the very end, and turn into Vulcan Way, walk along side of the parking lot. Drive: Drive north on No.5 Road to the very end and turn right on River Road, you will see the only entrance for all vehicles to the night market. (Parking is Free!)
Dates: May 5 – September 10, 2017
Hours: Friday & Saturday Night – 7pm to midnight. Sundays – 7pm to 11pm
Price of Admission: General admission: $3 (Children under 5 years old and Seniors over 65 years old are free)
North Vancouver Night Market
If you’re looking for something a little closer to Downtown Vancouver, the North Vancouver Night Market is a great option for a sunny Friday night. The Shipyards Night Market is held one night a week during the summer, when Lower Lonsdale is transformed into a vibrant market.
This free event features a full farmers and artisan marketplace as well as a wide variety of local food trucks and live entertainment in a picturesque waterfront setting. When we say a wide variety of food trucks, we mean it – almost all of the food trucks in the city make their way to North Van for the weekly market! You can find anything from Thai food to street tacos to home brewed kombucha at this market. Best of all, there’s a beer garden with local craft beer and cider served with live entertainment throughout the night.
Location: Shipbuilders’ Square next to Lonsdale Quay
How to get there: If you’re coming from Vancouver, take the sea bus!
Dates: May 5 – September 29, 2017
Hours: Friday nights from 5 – 10pm
Price of Admission: Free!
Which one is your favourite night market in Vancouver? Let us know in the comment section below!
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