If you spend a summer in Vancouver, you are definitely in for a treat. Summer activities are lined up and chances are, you will never run out of things to do. There’s that picnic at the beach, a day trip on the island, hiking, strolling on a bike, dining out and about, and let’s not forget shopping. The list is just endless.

This year, I added another one on my list — the annual night market in Chinatown. It’s a great summer event for the whole family. Streets were closed off, a series of booths are erected on the busy street of Keefer, in between Columbia and Main Street. And although browsing booths can be exhausting, combing through the crowd is what I enjoyed the most. The streets are filled with huge variety of people, strolling around for different reasons. There was an array of booth selling food on one side of the street and all sorts of knick-knacks on the other.

One thing I enjoyed the most is the outdoor massage and reflexology booth. Sure it does feel awkward getting a massage in public, but let’s be honest now, I won’t say no to a good and ‘well-priced’ outdoor divatime.

I also stumble upon a booth by a publishing company based off of Vancouver called ReadLeaf. They mostly published Children’s books, and I’m such a sucker for a great book cover. I was smitten by a book called “A Graffiti of Cats” which is literally a booklet of detachable postcards of Cats in Graffiti.

And for the first time this year, one of my favourite boutiques in Vancouver, The Board of Trades Co. had their own booth at the market. Much like their two stores, they offer quality goods from up-and-coming local and international labels. I managed to pick up a new key holder and 5-panel hat from Korean label MONKIDS. My purchase also came with a bonus tote bag with an illustration of Maneki-neko (lucky cat).