White Rock Beach and Pier
Enjoy a classic seaside experience with a long sandy beach, a historic pier, and a vibrant waterfront promenade.
Located on the sun-drenched shores of Semiahmoo Bay near the US border, White Rock is a charming city sloping down to the sea. Famous for its namesake white boulder and receiving less rain than Vancouver, it's a popular day-trip destination. A trip here can easily fill a day with a stroll along the 2-kilometre promenade, a walk out onto the long pier, and a delicious meal at one of the many quaint waterfront restaurants.
Why Visit White Rock?
- The Historic Pier & Promenade: Take a long stroll on the iconic 470-metre (1,542 ft) pier for stunning views, and walk the vibrant waterfront promenade that stretches for kilometres.
- Classic Beach Town Vibe: With its waterfront restaurants, ice cream shops, and unique boutiques, White Rock offers a perfect seaside escape.
- The White Rock: See the city's namesake, a massive glacial erratic boulder weighing 486 tons, which is now kept painted a brilliant white by the city.
- Sunnier Weather: Located in a "rain shadow," White Rock often enjoys sunnier skies when other parts of Metro Vancouver are cloudy.
What to See & Do
- Walk the Pier: The restored pier is the main attraction. It's perfect for a walk, fishing, crabbing, or just enjoying the view.
- Stroll the Promenade: The paved, level promenade is ideal for a walk or bike ride along the waterfront.
- Relax on the Beach: Enjoy the long sandy and rocky beach, perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and building sandcastles.
- Visit the Museum: Explore the White Rock Museum & Archives, located in the historic 1913 train station right by the pier, to learn about the area's history.
- Browse the Shops: Cross Marine Drive to explore the many quaint specialty and gift shops.
Food & Drink Options
- White Rock is famous for its fish and chips, with numerous restaurants along Marine Drive serving up delicious battered cod and halibut. You won't be disappointed!
- The waterfront is lined with a huge variety of dining options, from casual cafes and ice cream parlours to upscale restaurants with patios.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Check the Tides: At low tide, the beach expands significantly, offering a huge sandy area to explore.
- Allow Plenty of Time: The bus ride from Bridgeport Station takes about an hour, so plan for a half-day or full-day trip to make the most of it.
- Walk East Beach: While most activity is on West Beach near the pier, a walk east along the promenade leads to the quieter East Beach and the famous white rock itself.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoWhite Rock Beach Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Address: White Rock, BC V4B 1E2, Canada
Official Website: White Rock Beach
White Rock Beach Reviews
Rated out of 5
Good Place. Not really a sea. But you can stay some time calmly and bath, swimming and take your own boat ride and scrabs catching. Evening is good. But you can go in morning and stay there with natural sunlight with summer vibes.
Ravindu Srimal Wickramasinghe - 2 weeks ago
White Rock Beach is a peaceful and scenic spot perfect for a family day out or a quiet solo walk. The long promenade, clean sand, and stunning ocean views make it a relaxing place to unwind. The pier is iconic,especially at sunset and there are plenty of cafés and small shops nearby to explore.
Parking can get a bit busy on weekends, and the tide timing affects how much beach is available, but overall it's a lovely spot to enjoy nature. Great for photos, picnics, or just soaking in the sea breeze.
Explore with Zilly - a month ago
White Rock Beach is a clean and beautiful spot with stunning views. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, making it perfect for a relaxing day by the water. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby, so you’ll have lots of great options for food and drinks. A wonderful place to visit!
Afsaneh Zandi - a month ago
Discover the enchanting walkways, vibrant boardwalk, and captivating pier that bring this scenic waterfront to life! Perfect for a leisurely stroll, you'll be mesmerized by the breathtaking ocean views at every turn. The pristine beach is not only well-maintained but also an ideal spot for delightful picnics under the sun.
As you meander along the promenade, you’ll find an array of charming shops, inviting restaurants, and cozy cafes just waiting to be explored. With clean public washrooms on-site and convenient paid parking available, this destination is a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike. Dive into the excitement and make unforgettable memories here!
Bernie - 3 months ago
This beach is beautiful. It has a great walking path, and it is best when the tide is low for suntanning and sand castles
Matt C - a week ago
Directions
| SkyTrain and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Line & Bus | Bridgeport Station | ~1 Minute |
How to get to White Rock Beach by SkyTrain and Bus
From Bridgeport Station (Canada Line), find Bay 4 and take the #351 Crescent Beach or #354 Bridgeport Station express bus to the White Rock Centre bus exchange.
At White Rock Centre, transfer to #361 Ocean Park at Bay 9 and ride down the hill to Marine Drive, which runs along the beach and promenade. Starting with Maple Street, there are several stops along Marine Drive where you can get off to explore the beach, pier, and waterfront restaurants. The 15000 Block Stop is the closest to the pier.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near White Rock Beach:
Photo Gallery
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The White Rock after which the city got its name cc licensed photo by Hailey G. Pinto -
There are many great places to eat at along the beach cc licensed photo by fboudville -
Photo Credit: IainCameron - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: IainCameron - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: IainCameron - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: IainCameron - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: IainCameron - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: IainCameron - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: michaelnugent - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr
