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Image courtesy of toffee_maky | flickr.com

You know it’s officially summer time when the Vancouver night markets open up again for the season. This Friday the two extremely popular Richmond Night Markets are opening up just in time for the May long weekend.

Thousands of people crowd to each of these night markets (plus the ones in North Vancouver and Downtown) every weekend in the summer for good reason. The food is mouth-wateringly delicious (if you know what to get) and the experience is something worth writing home about!

Without further ado, here’s our 2015 edition of the Essential guide to the Vancouver Night Markets this summer:

Photo Credit – Vikki Leung for tvan_vc (instagram)

Richmond Night Market

The “official” Richmond Night Market situated next to the Canada Line Bridgeport Station is a huge weekly festival of food, cheap socks, and more food. If you’re not coming to this Vancouver night market with an empty stomach, you’re doing it wrong.

Not only is the Richmond Night Market convenient to get to, but it also has the largest and most diverse number of food stalls in Vancouver. Check out our post on the 5 top things to try at the Richmond Night Market to prepare yourself for what to expect!

Hours: Open 7pm to midnight on Friday & Saturday, and 7pm to 11pm on Sunday & Stat Holidays
Location: 8351 River Road, adjacent to the River Rock Casino (map)
Best way to get there: The Canada Line! Parking is very hard to find
What to expect: Lots of food, lots of lineups, lots of people, and lots of cheap socks!
Price of admission: There is a $2.75 fee for regular admission. Free admission for children 10 & under and Free admission for Seniors 60 & up.

Image courtesy of International Summer Night Market | Facebook.com

International Summer Night Market

The “other” Richmond Night Market is the original and some would say best night market in Vancouver. It’s got a lot of good things going for it including free entry, free wifi (so you can post your instagram pictures immediately!) and free street parking.

The International Summer Night Market is not as popular as the Official Richmond Night Market, but for some — that’s a good thing! Less people means that there is less of a lineup when you’re trying to get some barbecue squid. However, there are still big crowds as this night market has got a great reputation for food (plus it’s free!)

Hours: Open 6pm to 11pm on Friday & Saturday, and 6pm to 10pm on Sundays
Location: 12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond, BC V6V 1J7
(Behind the Home Depot) (map)
Best way to get there: If you’re not driving, take the Canada Line and get off at Bridgeport Station, then you can take a free shuttle bus to the market
What to expect: Entertainment, free admission, and lots of food options
Price of admission: Free!

Image courtesy of Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism | Facebook.com

Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver

Take the sea bus over to the North Shore for an evening of great food, art, music, entertainment and shopping! The North Vancouver night market is back again for 2015 at the Shipbuilders’ Square near Lonsdale Quay.

The main bonus of this night market that the other one’s don’t offer is the Beer Garden stocked with local beer, organic Betty’s Vodka Iced Tea, and your favourite wines and ciders. The Shipyards Night Market features with local products, showcasing BC’s artisans, bakers and farmers. Products include; jewellery, clothing, kids wear, bakers, produce, preserves, soaps, organic meats, honey, plants, chocolate and many handmade products.

Hours: Friday Nights 5-10pm – May 1 to September 25, 2015
Location: Shipbuilders’ Square – Wallace Mews Rd, North Vancouver (map)
Best way to get there: Take the sea bus! Get a great cruise of the harbour, wander through the Quay, and then check out the outdoor market!
What to expect: Families, beer gardens, lots of food truck goodies
Price of admission: Free!

Image courtesy of james_sickmind | Flickr.com

Plaza of Nations Saturday Night Market

Since the end of the Chinatown Night Market, we haven’t had a night market in the downtown core since 2013. Luckily, this will be rectified with the opening of the Plaza of Nations Saturday Night Market series starting up on June 20, 2015.

Similar to the Shipyards night market, this market will feature local food trucks, music, and a beer garden featuring craft beer, wine, and ciders.

Hours: Saturday Night from 5-10pm
Location: 750 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver BC
Best way to get there: By walking, biking, or taking the bus!
What to expect: Lots of great food trucks and local music!
Price of admission: Free!

Which one is your favourite night market in Vancouver? Let us know which one and why in the comment section below!