There's no doubt about it – White Rock (pop. 18,755) exudes a carefree whimsy that only comes with seaside communities.
Located 48km/30mi south of Vancouver, and only a two-hour drive north of Seattle, White Rock's sunny disposition by the sea has made it a year round vacation spot, especially for day-trippers. With the Canada/USA border only 10 minutes away, it's also a popular destination for cross-border travelers, many of whom come for the golf – neighboring Surrey boasting some 15 golf courses – as much as they do White Rock's picturesque charm and family appeal.
Community in Bloom
Technically, the city of White Rock measures only 8sq km/5sq mi and, surrounded by the city of Surrey (pop. 462,516), the community has always shaped its pride and identity by its heritage and distinctive seaside locale. White Rock won a gold Communities in Bloom Award in 2008 and, invariably, the warm weather brings out a quantum number of convertible and classic cars to city streets.
White Rock Promenade & Pier
White Rock's famous promenade runs almost the entire length of the beach, offering plenty of access points, resting benches and attractions such as gaily painted washrooms – yes, they're actually an attraction, as well as the Grand Chief Bernard Charles Memorial Plaza that speaks to the community's strong ties to the Semiahmoo First Nation and grassy beachfront parks. The Railway Station House is a focal point. Restored and maintained as a surprisingly good museum, the house stands as testimony to White Rock's railway heritage. Today, an Amtrak train clicks along the same tracks between Vancouver and Seattle, though sadly, it does not stop.
The promenade also plays centre stage in White Rock's many festivals and events such as the Waterfront Concert Series, the Spirit of the Sea Festival and for watching the international Tour de White Rock cycling race. White Rock's landmark pier is a destination unto itself. Originally built in the early 1900s and restored some 70 years later, it is still a customs port of entry for small boats. Walk to the end to see how fishermen are faring. Savour the views of Mount Baker and San Juan islands in Washington State and stay for the breathtaking sunsets.
Seaside Attractions
Along the beach lies the historic white rock from which the city derives its name, as well as grassy verges for picnicking. The bay's protected waters are safe for swimming, kayaking and exploring tidal pools, especially when tide goes out. This is when the vast expanse of sand gives White Rock unparalleled wow factor. Little wonder that the community has doubled for Santa Barbara in the TV series Psyche and served as the back drop to films such as Buster Keaton and Juno.
Marine Drive runs parallel to the sea and bustles with patio restaurants (several are Zagat-rated), specialty shops and boutiques. White Rock is 100 per cent drive-thru free and its only chain name eatery, The Boathouse, has the best rooftop patio in town.
White Rock Neighbourhoods
Behind this activity sit colourful homes marching cheek by jowl up the cliffside towards a fast-growing community to neighbourhoods such as Five Corners with its coffee houses, art galleries and wellness practitioners, and the Upper Town Centre, the commercial hub for shops and event venues such as the Coast Capital Playhouse and the new community centre.
For maps and information on things to see and do, head to the White Rock Visitor Centre on the promenade at West Beach.
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