If you’ve landed in Vancouver for a visit, know this – your plane touched down in Richmond. Quite weirdly, and interestingly, Richmond is where the Vancouver International Airport is. An adjacent city to Vancouver, Richmond, BC has one of the best night markets in Canada – the popular Richmond Night Market, founded by Raymond Cheung.
Vendors put up their food stalls and food trucks there, and if you are a foodie, you will love this place. You can hang out with your family and friends, eat, and enjoy your time in B.C. We recommend going to the Night Market after day spent exploring Granville Island and Stanley Park, or the world-famous Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Richmond Night Market is Only Open from Spring to Fall
The night market generally opens from April end to early November.
Most vendors sell food, though there are plenty of live entertainment options, live music, interesting carnival games and midway games. There are also oversized prop chairs and activities like martial arts.
Kids love the oversized prop chairs – and that’s perhaps why the night market attracts nearly one million visitors each year. In 2022, the finale show of The Amazing Race Canada Season 8 happened there, and large crowds arrived to watch the finale.
It didn’t use to take place where it happens now
The first night market was held at the Continental Centre in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. Soon though, it became difficult to handle the traffic due to the reduced capacity in Continental Centre. And with no parking facility, traffic increased on the roads. All this happened because the market was held in a parking lot.
After that, it was held at several places at once – but not anymore. Today, you will find it happening yearly at 8351 River Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 1Y4, Canada.
In fact, if you’re staying near the Vancouver (YVR) airport, Richmond Night Market is 6 minutes away, and situated near River Rock Casino Resort. It will take around 45 minutes to reach if you are going from Metro Vancouver. And almost 20 minutes from Downtown Vancouver. The Bridgeport Station on Canada Line is the nearest.
How Early can You go to The Night Market in Richmond?
While the opening hours of the Night Market differ a bit each year, this is the timing that they have followed for the last few years.
- Friday – 7 pm to 12 am
- Saturday and Long Weekend Sunday – 6 pm to 12 am
- Regular Sunday – 6 pm to 11 pm
- Long Weekend Monday – 6.30 pm to 11 pm
How much does it cost to get access?
The general admission at the Night Market will cost you around $8, though prices do change yearly. Normally, you can get free senior (60+ years) and kids (up to 7 years) passes.
Should you be in a hurry, go for the Zoom or express pass, which helps you skip the line, and allows multiple entries- including six of your family/friends.
Food Selection
The night market has been regarded as a great opportunity to eat a variety of street foods. You get to experience unique dishes like mochi waffles, crispy chicken skin, flying cup noodles, and hot pots. Several food booths are also uniquely displayed and lit up.
One of the crowd favourites? The BBQ Squid.
What else should you keep in mind when heading out?
Well, while parking is available, but it is so limited. Despite this fact, it is also very popular. So, either reach early or very late to the market. Or, go for paid parking nearby. Street parking in Richmond is free but you will probably not get a place to park till several streets away.
Also, if you’ve brought your pet along with you on your travels, the night market is pet-friendly, and you even have a separate designated dog play area, though only one per family is allowed. Finally, remember that not all vendors accept cards – so don’t forget to carry cash. There are a few ATMs nearby, should you need them.
Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by soubhik
