White Rock is where I grew up, and I spent many happy teenaged days strolling along the beach, hanging out at the pier, and watching the cool kids “cruise” in their cars along Marine Drive. It’s a lovely little beach town that’s more than worth the short drive from Vancouver.
The bonus: Environment Canada data shows that White Rock does in fact get more sunshine than its big city neighbour—and there’s no better place to take advantage of those extra rays than at the beach.
Stroll the beachfront promenade
Locals talk about White Rock Beach as two separate areas: East Beach and West Beach, separated by a large hill known as “the hump.” East Beach is the sleepier of the two sides, and perfect for families with its vast stretches of sandy shore when the tide is out—it feels like the water retreats almost all the way to the U.S. side of the bay, which you can see in the distance. East Beach is a great spot for swimming on hot summer days, or for a (very) quick dip from late spring through early fall. Or just stroll on the rippled sand to explore the tidal pools and watch the local kids on their skimboards. Then head west along the 2.19-kilometre waterfront promenade, a flat easily strollable red brick path running between the train tracks and the beach, close enough that you can wave to conductors as the trains roll by. There are plenty of bright yellow Expo ‘86 benches to rest on should you need a break along the way.
Visit the eponymous white rock
Yes, there is a white rock, right on the beach —and it’s a big one: more than four metres high. This glacial deposit is naturally white in colour, but these days it’s regularly painted to keep it gleaming and graffiti-free.
For the Semiahmoo First Nation, the rock plays a key part in the history of Semiahmoo Bay, their traditional territory. Known as P’Quals, the rock marks the place where the son of the protector being of the Salish Sea made his home with the Cowichan chief’s daughter after their parents denied their request to wed. On your way to the rock, look up the hill towards Marine Drive to spot a pair of totem poles placed here in 1999 at a site blessed by the Semiahmoo people.
Walk over water on Canada’s longest pier
At 470 metres long, this is Canada’s longest pier, a fact proudly proclaimed by a wooden sign at the entrance to this local landmark. Split in half by a hurricane-force storm in 2018, the pier was rebuilt in 2019—look for the names of community contributors to the reconstruction effort on the new planks. At high tide, you’ll see local kids jumping off the pier into the water of Semiahmoo Bay. It’s also a great place to watch fishermen and crabbers bring in their catch. At the end of the pier, look down to spot fat purple starfish clinging to the rocks, and take a deep breath of that salty sea air that to West Coasters will forever feel like home.
Step back in time at the White Rock Museum & Archives
Located along the promenade in a charming 1913-built train station, the White Rock Museum & Archives is the place to learn about the history of Semiahmoo Bay. The permanent “City By the Salish Sea” exhibition tells the story of the Semiahmoo First Nation—the first residents of this land—through artifacts, photos, and multimedia elements. There’s also plenty to learn about the railway, and how its development paralleled the growth of the town itself. But perhaps the best part of a visit to this little museum is the chance to explore the gift shop. It’s a really beautifully curated collection of products from local craftspeople and artists, along with stunning photo prints and calendars with scenes from the area. I got one of my favourite T-shirts here, so be sure to check the clothing shelves, too.
Head uptown to the local breweries
When White Rock locals say “downtown,” they mean Vancouver. So, White Rock’s central shopping area is instead called “uptown.” This is where you’ll find the local breweries. White Rock Beach Beer Company is the city’s first craft brewery, and it remains a local favourite with brews named for local landmarks like Oxford Hill (a Hefeweizen honouring White Rock’s steepest street up from the beach, on which I wore out a pair of shoes as a kid). Just around the corner you’ll find 3 Dogs Brewing, where the brew names take a decidedly canine turn (think Short Tail Pale Ale). Don’t miss the 3 Dogs soft pretzel made with spent grain from the brewing process. As you walk around this mini brewery district, don’t miss the White Rock Whaling Wall, a 1984 mural by artist Robert Wyland—one of a series of 100 murals painted around the world to raise awareness for ocean conservation.
Grab a bite overlooking the bay
With your thirst sated, it’s time to address your hunger. Head back down to Marine Drive, the street that runs along White Rock Beach, and you’re spoiled for choice for waterfront dining options. For dine-in, my favourite spot since way back in the days when I used to help my friends haul musical instruments up the back stairs is the Washington Avenue Grill. Better known as “the WAG,” this popular East Beach restaurant housed in a 1913-built former lumber mill has a beautiful airy solarium overlooking Semiahmoo Bay, along with an impressive patio. A perfect place to toast your perfect day on White Rock Beach, it’s a prime spot to feast on seafood specialities like scallop and prawn salad or pecan-crusted steelhead trout. Meat-lovers and vegetarians (I’m the latter) are also well taken care of—my favourite is the butternut squash ravioli. If you’d prefer to eat right on the sand, grab some takeaway fish and chips and roll out a blanket. Perennial favourite spots include Moby Dick and Coney Island, both located on a lovely block of Marine Drive on East Beach where you can also do some souvenir shopping or get an ice cream.
