Shop at a market instead of a mall to interact with locals, find unique gifts, and meet independent designers. In the market set-up you can browse the stalls, chat with the vendors, haggle for a bargain, and likely snag a fantastic deal. Vancouver markets range from the Chinatown Night Market to the Granville Island Public Market, with craft fairs, holiday events, and farmers' markets in-between.
1. Asian Night Markets
© Chloë Ernst
Wander the eclectic vendors and food stalls at these Asian-style night markets:
- Summer Night Market in Chinatown: Browse the stalls in the colorful heritage setting of Vancouver's Chinatown.
Where: The market sets up along Keefer Street, between Main and Columbia streets.
When: Fri-Sun from mid-May to early September - Summer Night Market: It's a worthwhile transit ride out to Richmond, where the Asian night market has hundreds of vendors who import bargain-priced goods from across the Pacific. For more shopping in Richmond, visit the city's major Hong Kong-style shopping malls.
Where: 12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond
When: Fri-Sun from mid-May to mid-September - Richmond Night Market: Also in Richmond and new in 2012, this night market is busy with vendors, shoppers, and entertainers. It's situated near the River Rock Casino.
Where: 8351 River Rd, Richmond (near the Bridgeport Canada Line station)
When: Fri-Sun from mid-May to early October
2. Public Markets
© Chloë Ernst
Shop for groceries or just browse at these markets that are open daily:
- Granville Island Public Market: There are the makings of a fantastic picnic at the Granville Island market, with seafood, wines, fresh breads, cheese, and local produce. Edible Canada runs daily tours, and buskers regularly perform nearby.
Where: 1669 Johnston St., Granville Island
When: Daily 9am-7pm - Lonsdale Quay Market: This is a rival to Granville Island for the vibrant hum. The vendors are less food-focused (although there’s still enough to wrangle a picnic). Others sell gifts, clothes, and specialty items.
Where: 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver (near the SeaBus terminal)
When: Daily 9am-7pm
3. Vancouver Farmers' Markets
© Chloë Ernst
Find out about the locavore movement at the grass-roots level.
Thursdays:
- Granville Island: This market sets up near the public market.
Where: Triangle Square, Granville Island
When: Thursdays, from early June to mid-October
Saturdays:
- West End: This market is handy to downtown, and has the usual mix of organic veggies and homemade goodies.
Where: Comox Street, between Thurlow and Bute streets
When: Saturdays, from early June to mid-October - Trout Lake: This market ties in with the eclectic feel of Commerical Drive.
Where: John Hendry Park, near E. 13th Avenue at Lakewood Drive
When: Saturdays, from mid-May to mid-October - Lonsdale Quay: Browse vendor stalls within easy reach of the SeaBus terminal and the Lonsdale Public Market.
Where: 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
When: Saturdays, from early May to late October
Sundays:
- Kitsilano: Located off West 10th Avenue at the local community center in laid-back Kitsilano.
Where: Kitsilano Community Centre, 2690 Larch St.
When: Sundays, from mid-May to mid-October - Ambleside: Also on the North Shore, this farmers' markets is near the pretty waterfront Ambleside Park and seawall.
Where: On Bellevue Avenue between 13th and 14th streets, West Vancouver
When: Sundays, from early May to late October
4. Flea Markets
In addition to the regular weekend Vancouver Flea Market, check classified ads and websites for any yard sales.- Vancouver Flea Market: An old-school flea market offers up everything from toys to antiques. Arrive early for the best selection.
Where: 703 Terminal Ave.
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-5pm, holidays 10am-4pm
5. Craft, Art, and Fashion Markets
Fashion and craft markets are busy with local designers and trend-setters:- Portobello West: Happening on a seasonal basis, this art and fashion market stocks funky, cutesy, cool, or trendy goods from local designers and artisans.
Where: Creekside Community Recreation Centre, 1 Athletes Way
When: Seasonal, check their website for dates - Got Craft?: Held twice each year, this market promises hand-made goods.
When: May and Christmas - Nifty for Fifty: This annual event in Mount Pleasant delivers bargain-priced items from local designers.
Where: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St.
When: April 22, 2012 - Make it! Vancouver: Music and handmade goods mix to create a funky and friendly vibe. The show is held twice annually.
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive
When: April 20-22 and Nov. 8-11, 2012
6. Seasonal, Holiday, and Christmas Markets
© Chloë Ernst
Holiday markets are as much about the atmosphere as the goods:
- Vancouver Christmas Market: A German-style holiday market with a traditional, outdoor feel.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, 649 Hamilton St.
When: Nov. 24-Dec. 24 - Circle Craft Christmas Market: It started as a hippie fair in 1972, but has since matured into a well-loved craft co-operative.
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place
When: Nov. 7-11, 2012 - One-of-a-Kind Show and Sale
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place
When: Dec. 6-9, 2012 - Urban Artisans Craft Fair
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews
When: late November
