More than 350 booths sell everything from stinky tofu (considered a Chinese delicacy, though it's an acquired taste for many) and hand-pulled candy (made while you wait) to embroidered silk purses and designer knockoffs -- and they keep the crowds pouring into this 12-acre outdoor summer market in British Columbia. Founded in 2000 by Raymond Cheung, a Richmond entrepreneur, and held at night, Friday through Sunday, overlooking the Fraser River, the Richmond Night Market is modeled on the traditional outdoor marketplaces found in Asia. It attracts an international audience and with its impressive range of offerings, now eclipses downtown Vancouver's Chinatown night market. Admission is free, and though you easily can be entertained till the wee hours by the excellent people-watching, there are often live concerts, amusement park rides, and other special events to round out the colorful shopping extravaganza.
12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond (20 minutes south of downtown Vancouver); 604-244-8448; www.richmondnightmarket.com. Open Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.-midnight, Sunday until 11, June through October.
