There’s no doubt about it – White Rock (pop. 18,755) exudes a carefree whimsy that only comes with seaside communities.
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.
And because of its proximity to Vancouver, there’s also an artsy sophistication here that puts beaches and swimming, fine dining, festivals and cultural fun at the top of the list. It’s also a pretty place for walking around and browsing art galleries.
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.
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.
