There are many things to do in White Rock, Canada, that will blow your mind. It is the ultimate Canadian beach town, seducing travelers who visit with its irresistible combination of dining experiences and natural beauty. White Rock welcomes everyone and beneath the sand is a breathtaking world where crabs are teaming up with colorful fish.
If you’re planning on visiting this beautiful suburb of Vancouver, peruse this list of the top things to do in the area and start planning your itinerary!
1. Go where Canada meets the U.S.
Peace Arch Provincial Park is a symbol of peace between Canada and United States. A famous border crossing between the two countries, this is one of the best places to enjoy a day with your family, on a budget. Visit the park and watch the sunset or indulge in any of the nearby activities. It’s a neat neutral border area adorned with beautifully landscaped gardens. So, if you are planning to visit the park, make sure you spend enough time to explore the area and take pictures.
Address: Surrey, BC V3S 9R6, Canada
Website: Peace Arch Provincial Park
2. Grab an ice cream and walk the pier
The White Rock Pier has different meanings for different people who visit the place. For kids, it is the best place to jump and dive in the sea, for lovers, it’s a great place to capture memories in camera, for fishermen, it’s a place to try luck and catch some crabs. For all the travelers who come from different corners of the world and spend some time in White Rock, the pier, in fact, is a great place to enjoy a peaceful environment, have discussions with loved ones. Walk on the pathway holding an ice cream in hand is one of the best things to do in White Rock, Canada. The pier was built in the 1920’s and even today it doesn’t fail to attract people.
Address: 1E2, White Rock Promenade, White Rock, BC V4B, Canada
3. Go take some photos of the actual White Rock and learn about its history
When you’re in White Rock, you can actually see the White Rock. A white-colored boulder near the beach is the reason why the town got its name. Geologists say that it is one of the remaining parts of a glacial erratic, but locals don’t care what the science has to say. Some people believe a legendary tale, suggesting that the rock is situated at the landing spot of a stone hurled by a young sea god, who threw it across the Strait of Georgia. It is believed that he did so because he and his bride decided to move from Vancouver Island to wherever the stone landed, to build their house.
4. Watch the tide go out and enjoy the 8 km (5 miles) of sand
White Rock Beach is divided into two parts - East Beach and West Beach. There is a fine rise in the shoreline that divides the beach and this is called the Hump. The famous pier is on West Beach and here you can see children trying to catch the crabs, which can easily be seen because the water is crystal clear.
The long sandy beach is great if you to want to play games or build sandcastles. The coast is sheltered by Vancouver Island and, as a result, the water remains calm while giving you lots of opportunities to spot marine life.
5. Meet friendly farmers & find a great variety of goods
White Rock, with its beautiful beaches and a lot of activities, is a fabulous place to visit during the summer. If you are visiting the town on a Sunday, make sure you attend the Farmers Market, to browse and buy some fresh food and other local items. With deep community roots, this market serves more than 2000 visitors on an average market day.
Many vendors come here to sell their products and handicrafts. In case you are visiting White Rock during the winter, there’s a different venue for the market, so check the website for more information.
Address: 15154 Russell Ave, White Rock, BC V4B 2P6, Canada
Website: White Rock Farmers Market
6. See how a historic train station turned into a fascinating museum
No trip is complete unless you take in some of the local history of where you are spending your time. Visiting the White Rock Museum is one of the best things to do during your holiday here. Go inside the museum and learn about how the railway lines came into existence in this area. There’s so much to learn about the community’s history and, in fact, the museum is located in a train station, built in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway.
Here you’ll find a collection of photographs and artifacts that highlight the region’s history. There’s also a gift shop and some guided walking tours are also available.
Address: 14970 Marine Dr, White Rock, BC V4B 1C4, Canada
Website: White Rock Museum
7. Visit this incredible music venue, that only a few people know about
Blue Frog Studios is one of the country’s greatest recording studios and live venues. This recording studio hosts several events throughout the year, in which you can find some of the world’s most talented artists performing. The world-class infrastructure attracts many tourists to the town and it is also a home to a production team, working on the latest audio and video technology.
So, if you are planning to visit White Rock, make sure to check their events listing. If the studio has something exciting, plan your holidays accordingly and book tickets in advance because the tickets sell fast as space is limited.
Address: 1328 Johnston Rd, White Rock, BC V4B 3Z2, Canada
Website: Blue Frog Studios
8. See the two tall totem poles - a fun place to walk your dog or relax
If you see the two tall totem poles in White Rock and are wondering what they are, there’s a story behind their existence. The two tall poles are located in Totem Park and are a tribute to the Semiahmoo First Nation. They were hand carved using the Western Red Cedars available in the region.
Totem Park is located on the waterfront and is a good place to learn about the history of the community as there are information boards available. You can relax and spend time with nature here and, if you are accompanied by your dog, you can go for a walk while seeing the beautiful treeline.
Address: Marine Dr, White Rock, BC V4B 1E2, Canada
9. Catch the sunset on the White Rock Promenade
The White Rock Promenade, at sunset, turns into a pleasant area for those who love a pre-dinner walk. Park your vehicle and walk down the beach and return back. The 7,200 foot (2,194.6 meter) long promenade enables visitors to enjoy different nearby attractions. You can reach the pier via this path or, if you choose to go to Semiahmoo Park, it is also found by walking down this pathway.
If you get tired of seeing nature and water, cross Marine Drive where the Moby Dick is located and here you’ll find many restaurants to end your dinner time walk and you can start picking something from the different menus.
Address: White Rock Promenade, White Rock, BC, Canada
10. Enjoy White Rock’s food and drinks - Eat in or take out
Whether you are looking for a romantic table for two or you are a solo traveler excited to taste the local delicacies, White Rock has something for everyone. No matter what you want, you’ll get it in White Rock as the town houses some of the best restaurants, including Giraffe, Moby Dick, and Charlie Don’t Surf.
Giraffe has been serving seafood and meat since 1989, while the famous creamy tartar sauce from the secret recipe of Moby Dick is something you won’t want to miss. If you want to taste authentic Canadian food, go to Charlie Don’t Surf, as it is popular among those who love enjoying their fish and chips on the beach.
Address: 15011 Marine Dr, White Rock, BC V4B 1C3, Canada
Website: Charlie Don’t Surf
Be here now...
When you’re on a beach, everything suddenly changes. No more vehicles, no more billboards, no more shops - only the wind, water, you and your loved ones. But other than the beach, there’s a lot more to White Rock that gets everyone’s senses tingling. While much of the world thinks that Canadian beaches are rugged and unapproachable, everyone who visits White Rock returns with unforgettable memories. The town is replete with adults and kids playing in the water, taking a walk and enjoying a weekend with family and friends.