Often compared to the night markets in Kowloon or Singapore, the Richmond Night Market (richmondnightmarket.com; entry $7) takes it to the next level with over 500 items to taste, served at the 100+ food stalls on-site. The largest of its kind in North America, the night market is a summer showcase of the city's culinary scene, highlighting the best Asian eats, along with bites and bevies from many other global destinations, including Indonesia, Turkey, Mexico, and Barbados. From Japanese poutine to churros and butter beer, you can feed for hours here, and then work it off with a stroll through the vendor stalls. There are always new offerings, so be sure to check the posted list of the 10 most popular vendors of the month on a supersized sign that you'll pass upon entry.
The food may be the biggest draw, but there's so much more to do here. A 15m live performance stage brings nightly entertainment such as musical acts, martial arts displays, dance showcases and more. For the kids, a larger-than-life, 18m-tall bouncy castle provides a fun place to jump the night away after stuffing their faces with sweet treats. A games area, a candy-colored forest and oversized prop chairs will also lure the little ones. Marvel at the moving velociraptors, triceratops and T-rex in the Magical Dino Park, and take a peek at the pooches in the dog play area, where four-legged friends can join in on the fun – as long as they stay away from the food. Want to see it all from the sky? The Richmond Night Market is home to the world's first and only zipline at a night market (adult/child; $25/15), a thrilling way to get a bird's eye view of the excitement below.
The market is handily located one block from Bridgeport station and 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Arrive early and be prepared to queue.
