4 Best Sights in Vancouver, British Columbia

The dozens of stalls in this world-renowned market sell locally grown fruits and vegetables direct from the farm and beyond. Other stalls stock crafts, chocolates, artisanal cheeses, pastas, fish, meat, flowers, and exotic foods. On Thursday in the summer (July to October), farmers sell fruit and vegetables from trucks outside. At the north end of the market, you can pick up a snack, lunch, or coffee from one of the many prepared-food vendors. The Public Market Courtyard, on the waterside, has great views of the city and is also a good place to catch street entertainers. Be prepared to get roped into the action, if only to check the padlocks of an escape artist's gear. Weekends can get very busy.

Now a flagship summer event and an experience unmatched anywhere else in Canada, the bustling Richmond Night Market has grown to include more than 100 Asian street food stalls, 250 retail booths, carnival rides, children's amusement area, and family-friendly entertainment. Just steps from the Canada Line's Bridgeport Station beside the River Rock Casino, the market is open nightly Friday to Sunday and holiday Mondays from end of April through mid-October. For those driving, there are more than 1,000 free parking spots available.

At this two-level indoor market—less frenzied than its Granville Island counterpart—vendors sell prepared foods, just-caught seafood, and fresh produce. You can also shop for crafts, kitchenware, and toys, or sample the beer or kombucha at Green Leaf Brewing. Outside you can wander the quay and enjoy the views of the Downtown skyline across the water. The market is a short ride from Downtown on the SeaBus and just steps from the Polygon Gallery, MONOVA, and the Shipyards District.