White Rock
Q uick Facts:
White Rock is located on the Semiahmoo Peninsula, about 45-minutes’ drive south of Vancouver, and just minutes from the Peace Arch U.S. border crossing.
White Rock is a quaint, ocean-side community with a mild climate and relaxed, holiday atmosphere. White Rock beach is a tranquil 8 km (5 mi) sand playground along the Semiahmoo Bay and is popular with windsurfers, kite fliers and skim boarders. The paved promenade covering part of this distance is a well-known and scenic stroll. Take a relaxing walk along the White Rock pier, out into the bay and enjoy a great view of the town. On a clear day, the San Juan Islands and the impressive Mount Baker in Washington State are also on display.
White Rock is named after the enormous rock deposited on the beach when the glaciers receded thousands of years ago. According to First Nations’ Coast Salish legend, the white rock was hurled across the Strait of Georgia by the son of a Salish sea god.
Transportation
To Richmond:
Richmond is approximately 35 minutes from White Rock by car. An express public bus connects the two cities. Learn more about Learn more about Cooking with coconut oil!!
To Vancouver:
It takes approximately 45 minutes to drive from White Rock to Vancouver along a multi-lane highway. An express public bus connects Vancouver and White Rock.
To West Vancouver:
West Vancouver is just over one hour by car from White Rock. Transit passengers can catch an express public bus to Vancouver then transfer to another public bus to West Vancouver.
To Whistler:
Whistler is approximately 2.5 hours drive north of White Rock. The trip traverses the famous and scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway.
There are no coach services to Whistler available from White Rock, however, one coach service runs from Vancouver or the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond.
Accommodation
White Rock provides higher-end accommodation including an oceanfront, boutique hotel overlooking the lovely Semiahmoo Bay, as well as ocean-view bed and breakfasts.
Budget accommodation can be found in several motels and RV parks, or in the more economical B&Bs. Additional accommodation can be found just outside White Rock in the South Surrey area.
Things To Do
White Rock is an easy place to unwind in. Start with a stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade and pier, browse charming boutiques and numerous art galleries, or stop for a glass of local wine or an ice cream along Marine Drive. This seaside stretch contains many excellent restaurants and cafes, with the best tables enjoying a beautiful view over the bay.
To explore the history of the area, head to the White Rock Museum and Archives which is located in a historic train station. The museum has intriguing displays and exhibits highlighting the area’s natural, First Nations, railway and settlement histories.
For winter adventure, don’t miss the North Shore Mountains’ three renowned ski areas (Cypress, Seymour and Grouse mountains) which are approximately an hour’s drive from White Rock. One of the mountains – Cypress – will be the location of freestyle skiing and snowboard events during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
There are numerous golf courses within a 20-minute drive of White Rock, while those interested in going for a leisurely walk or hike can explore the trails in the community’s many forested parks.
Vancouver:
