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Tips From Travellers

A fun rainy day in White Rock

  With fall upon us, I thought you might like to read an article on the...

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Susan, Vancouver

Happy together.

 While Canoeing on the Nicomekl River I photographed this is a pair of Canadian Geese

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Phillip, New Westminster

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

  With all the rain, wind and snow that we have had in the south coast...

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Scott, White Rock

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White Rock Things To Do

Beach in White Rock - Tourism White RockNow a bona fide cultural and dining destination, White Rock rocks into high gear during the summer, but visitors can expect something to see, taste and do, year round. Walk along the beach and through picturesque neighbourhoods, browse art galleries, discover historic sites, eat at some terrific restaurants and make a point of joining in some of the many special events.

Water Activities

The beach is White Rock's biggest draw whether it's for family picnics, sandcastle competitions or kayaking excursions. Natural West Coast Adventures launches kayaks from the far west shores of West Beach, and provides instruction and rentals for the novice to experienced paddler. The pier is equally fun. With its boardwalk striding into the water for some 46m/1500ft, it's a favourite spot for fishing, crabbing, swimming and enjoying the views of Mount Baker and the San Juan Islands in Washington State.

Festival & Events

Benches along the promenade make good resting spots to share a sunset, enjoy a gelato ice-cream or simply enjoy the swirl of activity that always happens during one of the community's many events such as Spirit of the Sea Festival, the Polar Bear Swim and Tour de White Rock. Local painters, landscape artists and bead jewelry artisans often migrate their at-home studios to set up easels around the old Station House, now a delightful museum and gift store.

Shopping & Dining

Shopping in White Rock - Kent KallbergBusy Marine Drive always pulsates with people having a good time. Restaurant patios are numerous and spill over with patrons enjoying everything from traditional fish 'n chips at Moby's to top quality steaks at Pearl on the Rock. Shops and specialty boutiques invite browsing and range from beachwear and bling to intriguing book stores featuring local authors – W.P.Kinsella, Pumy Kaur and Kaylea Cross to name a few, while selling aromatherapy candles alongside palm-reading sessions.

Artist & Art Galleries

Head up the hill via the calorie-burning staircase pathways to explore Uptown White Rock and art galleries. In addition to exceptional showcases such as Mikelson Mind and Matter Art Gallery, look for the work of local talent in the historic Coast Capital Theatre and curated art shows at the Community Centre.

Land Activities - The Surrey Factor

Fishing in White Rock - Chris McBeathBordering City of Surrey, there's easy access to a myriad of other activities such as horseback riding, fishing, and kayaking the Nicomekl River and bay areas, as well as numerous nature walks. A favourite is the 4-km/2.5mi trail in Crescent Beach Park that leads to the namesake beach, and the self-guided interpretative walks at Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest; Wally Trail is wheelchair accessible.  Travel along 16th Avenue towards South Langley and discover Campbell Valley Regional Park, a 549h/1,357ac nature park with multiple facilities and hiking/bridal paths, including the moderately easy Shaggy Mane Trail that sweeps around the park's 14km/8.7mi perimeter. Mountain bikers can head for South Surrey bike park where trails include dirt jumps, obstacles and training areas for all skill levels.

Bird Watching

Because White Rock is so close to Boundary Bay, one of Canada's top places for bird watching, it's easy to spend an afternoon at Blackie Spit, Serpentine Fen, Mud Bay Park or Elgin Park. Free birding walks take place every third Saturday, September through May, come rain or shine.

Golf

There are more than a dozen golf courses within a 20-minute drive of White Rock, many of which are year-round destinations.  The closest courses to White Rock are the historic Peace Portal Golf Course, a tight layout established in 1928 amid 200 year old fir trees, Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club, a tournament course that also offers an extensive natural grass practice greens and fairway bunker, and Morgan Creek with its Thomas McBroom designed championship golf course.

For information about what to see and do in White Rock, head to the Visitor Centre on the promenade.