White Rock is a small community in Vancouver's southern suburbs surrounded on three sides by the city of Surrey, and to the south by the waters of Boundary Bay. The city is named for the 400-ton white rock that sits on the beach in the town centre. Its beach has long made it a weekend getaway for Vancouverites.
While the area to the northwest of the city of White Rock, along Crescent Beach as far as Blackie Spit, is formally South Surrey, locals commonly refer to it as "Crescent Beach" and think of it as White Rock. This guide will too.
Get in
White Rock is just off of Highway 99, about 45 minutes south of downtown Vancouver by car. If you're in Surrey, take 152 St south.
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White Rock is part of the Translink regional transit system. A couple of buses provide links to other municipalities in the region and the Skytrain.
- Bus #321 provides service from the Surrey Central Expo Line Skytrain station in Surrey.
- Bus #351 provides express service from the Bridgeport Canada Line station in Richmond.
Standard adult transit fares (effective July 2019) to White Rock from Vancouver are $5.75 on weekdays and $3 on weekends and evenings after 6:30PM. Fares from elsewhere in the Vancouver region will vary between $3-$5.75.
Get around
White Rock town centre (Marine Drive along the beach) is at sea level, while the rest of the town is perched on a bench several hundred feet above. The town center is walkable but it is steep if you want to see other parts of the city.
The broader area — usually referred to as South Surrey but often referred to as White Rock — is quite large and will require a car to get to some areas. Translink operates bus service for all of Greater Vancouver. In White Rock and South Surrey most local buses are community shuttles. Most tourist areas of South Surrey are accessible by Translink.
Parking
Most parking in White Rock is pay parking. The cost fluctuates but it is most expensive off Marine Drive by the beach ($3.75 per hour in high season). The new pay-by-space system makes buying or adding time simple. Just enter your space number on any nearby dispenser, pay, take your receipt and walk away. There's no need to return to your vehicle or place your ticket on your vehicle's dash. If you want to add time later, just enter your stall number (printed on your receipt) at any one of 36 dispensers along the beach and choose your payment method. You can even pay by cell phone. (Requires registration with Verrus Mobile Technologies Inc. You'll must use a credit card the first time you call. Nominal user fees apply.) Details at the city's Parking page.
See
- 1 The White Rock, White Rock Promenade (about 100 m south-east of the White Rock Pier). The town's namesake is on the beach near the White Rock Pier. The rock was named for the large quantity of bird guano that covered it, but today is kept white by regular coats of white paint. Free.
- 2 White Rock Museum and Archives, 14970 Marine Dr, ☏ 1 604 541-2222. M-F 10:30AM-5PM; Sa Su 11AM-5PM; holidays noon-5PM. A small museum in the old train station. It has displays on the city's history and a re-creation of the station's office. $3/$5 (students & seniors/adult). Children under 12, and Museum members, are free.
- 3 Peace Arch Park. An international park consisting of Peace Arch Historical State Park in the United States and Peace Arch Provincial Park in Canada. The park straddles the international boundary between the two countries at the extreme western end of the main contiguous section of the two countries' land border, between Blaine, Washington, United States, and Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, where it reaches Semiahmoo Bay of the Salish Sea on the continent's Pacific Coast. The park's central feature is the Peace Arch. The Peace Arch, dedicated in 1921, commemorates the Treaty of Ghent and the Rush-Bagot agreement, which "provided for peaceful resolution of U.S.—British disputes and an unguarded U.S./Canadian border."
Do
The Beach
- 1 White Rock Beach, Parallel to Marine Drive. The big white rock, that gives the community its name, is on the beach near the pier on Semiahmoo Bay between Blaine in Washington State and White Rock. Nineteenth-century sailors used this rock as a beacon. The White Rock is visible while entering customs coming into Canada from across the bay. Some people claim to have had luck on the lottery by rubbing their tickets on the 486-tonne boulder resting on the beach. White Rock Beach is the waterfront area of the City of White Rock in the southwest corner of the lower mainland of British Columbia, bordering Washington State.
- 2 White Rock Beach and Promenade, Parallel to Marine Drive between Bay Street and Finlay Street (north-west end is at Bay Street and Marine Drive). Free.
- 3 [formerly dead link]White Rock Promenade, south-east (Finlay Street) end, Marine Drive and Finlay Street (at the western tip of Semiahmoo Park). Free.
White Rock has the largest and one of the most popular beaches in the Lower Mainland, located on the southern edge of the city alongside Marine Drive. The long sandy beach is perfect for everything from picnics to a game of frisbee. When the tide goes out there are many tidal pools that are left exposed and is a great place to see marine life up close. British Columbia's south coast is sheltered by Vancouver Island, because of this the water temperatures are relatively warm. If you don't want to walk in the sand, the White Rock Promenade stretches for 2.2 km (1.4 miles) next to Marine Drive.
The White Rock Promenade can be a pleasant dinnertime walk, especially at sunset, ideally with a low tide. Find a parking spot to the west part of Marine Drive, say near Bay St or Oxford Street. Walk eastwards down the beach. When you reach the pier, walk to end of it and back. Continue eastwards until the beachfront strip ends, at Finlay Street where Semiahmoo Park begins. There, you've done the nature/ocean thing. Now, cross Marine Drive. Walk back along the long line of restaurants, and get an idea from the vibe and the menus out front if you like them. Pick one for dinner, or make a reservation for later.
The Pier
- 4 White Rock Pier, 15044 Marine Dr (Opposite Dolce Gelato). Apier that juts out nearly 500 meters from the shore. It is a popular place for a walk. During the summer some locals jump off the end of the pier, although this practice is discouraged and diving can be dangerous. Free.
The original version of the pier was built in 1912 and resembled nothing more than a floating dock about 300 feet in length. It was destroyed by winter storms in 1913.
In 1914 the pier was rebuilt with an eye to making it an international port. Although it was completed in August of that year, the onset of the First World War pushed the official opening back to November 14, 1914.The pier, now about 800 feet long, was granted a federal government approved extension in 1915 to 1542 ft.
The pier fell into disrepair several times over the years, often requiring government funding and community fundraising to restore it.The constant battering by storms and subsequent damage finally led to the completion in 1953 of a permanent rock breakwater at the end of the pier.
The pier almost caught fire a few times due to the proximity of nearby burning buildings and the fact that the pier was made of wood.In the 1940s & 1950s, the White Rock Pier was home to the Dolphin Restaurant. Around the same time, cars were allowed, leading to teenagers holding drag races on the pier, further damaging the structure.
On December 20, 2018, the Storm of the Century, with the equivalent of Category One hurricane force winds and damaging waves, ripped the sailboats from their moorings and forced them under and up through the pier, taking out a large midsection. A stranded pedestrian also required a Coast Guard rescue.
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach, White Rock's "alternate beach" area, runs from White Rock north-west, around the Ocean Park neighborhood of Surrey, and is capped off by Blackie Spit. The neighbourhood where the beach meets Black Spit is much cozier and quieter, with a handful of nearby establishments specializing in organic, ice cream, fish and chips, coffee houses, and of course fabulous sit down dining experiences. Crescent Beach radiates a small-town, seaside feeling. In the winter, Crescent Beach is a bird watching paradise, and known for Bald Eagle nesting and hunting grounds. Paddling and windsurfing activities are common in the summer. To get here, follow Crescent Road off the King George Highway. If starting from White Rock, head east on North Bluff Road/16 Ave, right to the end.
- 5 Blackie Spit, 3136 McBride Avenue, ☏ 1-604-501-5050, ✉[email protected]. This Surrey city park sits on a peninsula at the mouth of the Nicomekl River, where it empties into Mud Bay. A self-guided 5km nature trail provides water views and bird-watching. There is also a sailing club, swim club, and off-leash dog park. Free.
Buy
- 4 The White Rock Beach Gallery, 14970 Marine Dr (Waterfront promenade,just west of the White Rock Museum). M-F 10:30AM-4PM; Sa Su 10AM-5PM; holidays 10AM-5PM. White Rock, South Surrey, and wildlife of Canada postcards and greeting cards.
Eat
Restaurants in White Rock are split between those on the beach, usually offering patios and ocean views, typically on Marine Drive; and restaurants in the main commercial area away from the water. Restaurants in the Crescent Beach area (formally part of Surrey, but commonly grouped with White Rock) are mostly clustered on Bleecher Street near Blackie Spit, with a few near 128 St and 16th Ave.
On the beach
Marine Drive is packed with restaurants, from standards like fish and chips to ethnic restaurants to pub
- 1 Dolce Gelato, 15045 Marine Dr., ☏ 1-604 535-1070. Hours "unpredictable". Highly regarded for delicious and authentic gelato in a wide range of flavours. Cash only. Price "not cheap, but worth it".
- 2 Kahunas Fish & Chips, 15519 Marine Drive, ☏ 1-604 542-9403. The colourful, Hawai'ian vibe frames fish and chips, seafood and beer featuring local ingredients.
- 3 Little India, 15081 Marine Dr (near Martin St.). M W Th 5-9PM; F Sa Su 11:30AM-2PM, 5-9PM; Tu closed. Highly praised for the friendly host Peter, and the delicious flavours. Try the garlic naan. entrees $9-16.
- 4 Uli's Restaurant, 15021 Marine Dr, ☏ 1 604 538-9373. Daily 10AM-10PM (Brunch Sa Su 10AM-4PM). On the beach for over 30 years, the euro-inspired cuisine features local ingredients and creative wine and beer pairings. Minimal vegetarian and gluten free options. entrees $15-27.
- 5 Washington Avenue Grill, #5 - 15782 Marine Dr (Between Kent and Parker Streets, south side.), ☏ 1 604-541-4244, ✉[email protected]. 11:30AM-4PM, 5PM-close. The upstairs dining room overlooks the bay. The seafood and gastropub fare is skillfully done and well served. Plentiful vegetarian options. Live music, W-Sa, is invigorating or a din, depending on your taste. lunch set menu $16-26, dinner set menu $30-40.
Off the beach
The "five corners" intersection in the main commercial district, just up the bluff from the beach, anchors the restaurant area. Many more restaurants are along or near Johnston Street as it heads north.
- 6 Dining Wok Shanghai Restaurant, 15246 Russell Ave (at George St.), ☏ 1 604 531-6671. M W-F 11:30AM-2:30PM, 4PM-9PM; Sa noon-2:30PM, 4PM-9PM; Su 4PM-9PM; Tu closed. Sichuan, Shanghai, and Peking cuisine. Group menu available. Main dishes $10-15, some $20.
- 7 Leela Thai, 1310 Johnston Rd, ☏ 1 604 541-9631. Lunch: M-F noon-2:30PM, Dinner: daily 5PM-10PM. A variety of chicken, pork, seafood and vegetarian Thai dishes. $10-15 per dish.
- 8 Penang Restaurant, 15228 Russell Avenue, ☏ 1-604-538-1700. M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM, 4:30-9PM; Sa 4:30-9PM; Su, hols closed. Szechuan, Malaysian, and Indonesian cuisine. Takeout available. entrees $9-15.
- 9 Shin Ji Ru, 15171 Russell Ave (1 block west of Johnston St.), ☏ 1 604 531-9657. Japanese restaurant with the usual sushi, sashimi, tempura, udon, etc. dishes. Reviewers indicate the meals are good value.
- 10 Taka's Take-out Sushi, 15214 Pacific, ☏ 1-604-538-8587. Tu-Su 11:30AM-"late"; M closed. An unassuming but highly-regarded sushi restaurant. In addition to the usual sashimi, nigiri, maki, and appetisers, they offer "aburi" (flame-seared) sushi and "wagyu" (Japanese beef). Sashimi $10-17/5pc. Nigiri $2-$4/pc. Maki $3-13/roll. Lunch menu $9-14.
Crescent Beach area
Although Crescent Beach runs along the west side of the peninsula northwest of White Rock, most of the restaurants thought of as "Crescent Beach" are clustered on Bleecher Street near Blackie Spit. A few are at the south part of the peninsula, near 128 St and 16th Ave.
- 11 The Cabin at Crescent Beach, 12302 Beecher Street, ☏ 1-604-541-8432, ✉[email protected]. Daily 11:30AM-late. Seafood, steaks, pasta, beer, and wine with "upscale casual" vibe. appetisers $10, mains $16-27.
- 12 Hooked Fish Bar, 12157 Beecher Street, ☏ 1-604-542-4665. Daily 11AM-close. The wrap-around deck makes the most of the beachfront location. In the spring you can watch migrating birds play as you dine. If you prefer, order to take out, and eat while strolling the beach. Much of the menu is ocean-inspired: fish and chips, chowder. $12-18.
- 13 Delrios Restaurant, 1669 128 St, ☏ 1 604 536-2544. Su-Th 11AM-9:30PM; F Sa 11AM-10:30PM. Pasta, burgers, steak. Highly rated. entrees $15-18.
Drink
Due to White Rock's location just minutes from the Canada/USA border, it is a common place for Americans (especially those under 21) to drink.
- Ocean Beach Club and Grill[formerly dead link], 14995 Marine Drive.
Sleep
Budget
- Ocean Beach Hotel, 14995 Marine Dr. There is a night club and restaurant below.
Mid-range
- Pacfic Inn (Pink Palace), 1160 King George Highway, ☏ 1 604 535-1432, toll-free: 1-800-667-2248. The largest hotel in White Rock with a mix of standard guestrooms and suites. The hotel has a tropical theme and includes a health club, indoor pool and whirlpool spa. Guestroom $120-160, suite $250-260.
Go next
Richmond, with its historic fishing village and Buddhist temple, is 20-30 minutes north on Highway 99. Going south on Hwy 99 will bring you to the U.S. border, with Seattle being a couple of hours south.
The Fraser Valley, with gardens, outdoor recreation and wineries is to the east.
| Routes through White Rock |
| END ← Surrey ← | N  S | →  (Truck & bus crossing) → becomes  → Blaine → Seattle |
| Vancouver ← Surrey ← | N  S | → (Peace Arch Park) → becomes  → Blaine → Seattle |