Jamie RamsayIf you ever need a quick break from the city, or just want your kids to have a different place to play and run around, then a drive to White Rock Beach will definitely do the trick!
You don’t need to wait for the next summer to enjoy the warm ocean breeze as White Rock Beach is just less than an hour away from downtown. We can easily spend an afternoon walking along the pier, or just set a picnic blanket by the beach!
So if you’re looking for a place to unwind and have fun without the hassle of driving for hours, then it’s time to plan that trip to White Rock Beach. Remember to read this guide before heading out so you can make the most out of this trip!
White Rock Beach: An Overview
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White Rock Beach in British Columbia is one of the go-to destinations of Vancouver residents who crave for an instant vacation. And since it’s just a 44-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, people can just pop here any day that they want.
This beach is known for its long waterfront promenade, including the White Rock Pier, which is considered the longest pier in the country!
This beach is divided into two—the West Beach where there’s more fun and action, dining, and shops, and there’s the East Beach for all those who want a more peaceful stay near the waters.
For those who are wondering—yes, there’s an actual white rock along the beach. You can find it along the shoreline (which we’re pretty sure you wouldn’t miss as people flock to the area to take photos).
There’s also the Semiahmoo Bay Resort if you want to try other beach and nature activities near White Rock Beach. And there are also the white totem poles to remind you that we’re standing on traditional, unceded territories of our ancestors.
During summer, the beach becomes more lively with several events such as the White Rock Sea Festival and concerts from different bands and artists.
Attractions at White Rock Beach
East Beach and West Beach
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Of course, the main attraction would be the White Rock Beach. And White Rock Beach is actually divided into two–the East Beach and the West Beach.
The West Beach is actually where you’ll find the famous White Rock Pier, including other attractions that seem to be more favorable to tourists. If you love swimming, and even fishing, make sure to head over to this beach instead.
Here, you’ll also find beachfront restaurants and shops, so expect a surge of customers whenever you’re here. This beach spot is also a lot busier than its east counterpart, so make sure you’re ready to ride the wave (quite literally!).
You can also find several ice cream spots here, because well, a beach trip won’t be complete without a popsicle!
We were lucky to be serenaded by a busker when we visited a few months ago. So if you’re into live music, you’ll probably catch local artists here too!
Meanwhile, the East Beach is where you’d want to go if you’re looking for peace and quiet. This beach is generally more favored by locals and families because of its more relaxed atmosphere, so there’s way more breathing room here.
If you’ve got little kids, you may consider having picnics by the beach, and enjoy making sandcastles with them, away from the noise and the livelier vibe of the West Beach. It’s also a great spot to take your dogs off their leash, and just let them swim on the beach.
The water seems to be a little calmer here too, so don’t worry about letting your kids dip their tiny toes in the waters. Of course, with your supervision still!
There are also plenty of parking spots around East Beach, so in case there are no parking spots left on West Beach, then head to the east part instead.
White Rock Pier
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Everyone makes sure they step on White Rock Pier whenever they visit White Rock Beach, so there’s no reason that you shouldn’t!
First, it holds a significant history in the area. White Rock Pier was built in 1914, which served as a for the coastal steamships when the Great Northern Railway began its operation.
After 70 years, the pier has been restored, which now serves as a prime destination for those visiting White Rock Beach.
We didn’t expect to love the pier that much. We actually thought that we would just stop here to take some pictures and just leave right away.
We decided to visit around sunset, and it was one of our best decisions yet during this trip. As the sun set, the skies went from blue to pink and orange tones, which made our photos postcard-ready!
Be ready to smell some salt and seaweed when you’re here. But don’t worry, the smell isn’t too overwhelming so you can still take deep breaths while you’re here.
Just a little pro tip: ditch your hats (unless your hat has a tie thing on the chin), as it can get really windy here! We also saw a lot of people enjoying their gelatos and popsicles while strolling along the pier, which we kind of wished we did.
Once you reach the end of the pier, you can stop by the railing and just watch several sailboats. It’s a great way to relax before you head back.
We also recommend that you stay until the skies go dark so you can walk back to the shore with the pier lights on. It’s also a great time to take photos with the rest of the crew.
Semiahmoo Bay Resort
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For those of you who love boating, fishing, walking, and even biking, you can head to Semiahmoo Bay Resort. We recommend staying in this area if you’re planning an overnight trip.
We tried walking along the Coast Millenium Trail, and we kind of regretted not bringing our big cameras as the views from Mt. Baker, the Twin Sisters, Drayton Harbor, including the Strait of Georgia, really took our breaths away.
Meanwhile, if you’re curious about the fishing history in the area, you can find the Alaska Packers Association Museum here too.
It’s also a great spot for birdwatching. Here, you can spot sea ducks, blue herons, and bald eagles.
More bird species normally show up every winter, so you can plan your visit if this would be your main agenda!
And lastly, Semiahmoo offers a great spot if you want to catch the sunset over the Strait of Georgia.
White Rock Totem Poles
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As you walk along East Beach, you’ll surely see these tall totem poles in a small park near the waterfront. It is located in the Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Memorial Plaza within the Lions Lookout Park.
The totem poles serve as a tribute to the Semiahmoo First Nation, as a way to acknowledge that we are on the traditional, unceded territories of our ancestry.
These totem poles were named ‘The Gift’, which signifies the partnership between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the First Nations People, even if the relationship has not always been positive.
The pole on the right, called Coast Salish House pole or Ka’Kan, signifies the Salish beliefs and traditions of the Semiahmoo people. It’s also a sign of protection and love of the creator of all living nature.
Meanwhile, the pole on the left is called Haida pole or Gya ana. This pole serves as a welcome to all visitors from across the globe who wish to see the area.
Seeing these totem poles will remind you that in life, there’s always a way to bridge the gap and encourage healing, no matter how ugly it seemed in the past. This totem pole is also facing the waters, welcoming guests from the Georgia Strait.
Make sure to stop by and take some photos, but expect pretty long lines especially during weekends.
Events and Festivals at White Rock Beach
White Rock Sea Festival
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Last year, we were able to attend the White Rock Sea Festival at White Rock Beach. It’s a weekend full of celebration, inviting thousands of people to the beach.
This festival has been ongoing for 73 years, and has been one of the most sought after and staple events during summer here in White Rock.
This festival isn’t just for the adults, there are also a lot of kid-friendly activities, so feel free to bring the whole family here.
On Friday evening, we were able to enjoy an open air movie (I think that was Kung Fu Panda 4) with the kids. It’s their way of kicking off the festivities, so we made sure we were ready with our blankets and movie snacks.
The gates opened at around 7 in the evening, so we secured our spot before 6 in the evening.
Come Saturday, you can expect different types of activities. Since we love starting the day with a good workout, we attended an oceanfront pilates class along East Beach.
You can continue the day by checking out the Environmental Zone filled with arts and crafts, and other interactive booths.
Make sure to check out the giant oceans map, especially if it’s your first time seeing the area. You’ll definitely learn more about Canada’s ocean waters and watersheds.
For those who love musical acts and music, make sure to head to the P’Quals Stage. You can also check out the Spirit Stage in Semiahmoo Park if you love rock, blues, and country music.
At night, we made sure to gather our kids so we could watch the Torchlight Parade together. Here, you’ll see lit floats and colorful costumes, making your night even more vibrant!
Meanwhile, there’s also a Kids’ Zone filled with fun activities and games for the kids on Sunday. You can let them play along with several inflatables, or just shoot their shot at the mini golf.
Of course, face painting is a huge thing for kids during festivals, so let the kids show their creative expression, too. And for the adults, make sure to try Semiahmoo First Nation’s famous salmon barbecue!
The festival ends with a grand fireworks display, so make sure to find a spot around 10 in the evening.
Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival
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If you happen to be in this area during springtime, you can catch the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival, a perfect event even if you’re just slightly into birds!
The festival is normally held at multiple venues—the Blaine Pavilion Community Center, Blaine Marina Park, Semiahmoo Spit, and Birch Bay
It is held annually during mid-March as a way to celebrate the migratory birds that grace the coastal waters of these areas.
Since it was our first time, we made sure to attend a guided birding trip along with wildlife cruises. For bird enthusiasts, we recommend the all-day birding expo, where you can catch speakers and even live raptor presentations.
Here, you can get a chance to see different bird species up close, such as the black oystercatchers, double-crested cormorants, and the dunlins.
Just make sure to wear your windbreakers as the wind can get pretty intense during your trip!
Concerts at the Pier
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Since 2017. White Rock Beach is also a go-to venue for concerts during summer. You can attend the concerts for free, so no need to save up the entire year just to catch your favorite artists.
For first-timers, make sure to bring a chair or a blanket so you can enjoy the three-hour show. Normally, they invite a main band with two front acts, which run every Thursday from late June until late August.
Here’s the 2025 lineup if you’re planning to attend this year:
| Date | Artist/Show | Venue |
| June 26 | Odds(Front act: Aidan Farrell) | East Beach |
| July 10 | Mostly Marley | Miramar Village |
| July 17 | Simply Queen: A Queen tribute concert(Front act: Avenue Elle) | East Beach |
| August 14 | sGaanaGwa(Front act: The Wilds) | West Beach |
| August 21 | Five Alarm Funk(Front act: Pax) | West Beach |
How to Go to White Rock Beach
From downtown Vancouver, you can go to White Rock Beach in multiple ways. You can drive your own car, book a taxi, take a ride-sharing service, or ride public transport.
Let’s go over each option:
- By private car: White Rock Beach is a 44-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Just take Highway 99 south to Exit 8A, and make sure to head south on 152nd Street to the town center.
- By taxi or ride-sharing service: Just hail the taxi or book a ride and ask the driver to drop you off at White Rock Beach.
- Bus and SkyTrain: Take the SkyTrain’s Canada Line from Vancouver to Bridgeport Station. Transfer to 351 bus to White Rock Center.
The trip will take around 90 minutes.
The Best Time to Go to White Rock Beach
The best time to visit White Rock Beach would really be during summer time. Though you really need to be ready for a larger crowd during this time too!
Nonetheless, it’s a perfect time to enjoy the beach, go paddleboarding, and other ocean activities that you can do with the rest of the family (yes, including your dogs!).
White Rock Beach is also more alive during summertime because of the several concerts happening from late June to late August, as well as the White Rock Sea Festival.
For those who love catching sunsets, consider visiting during late August. The skies look more golden compared to the other months, so for us, it looks more picture-worthy too.
However, if you prefer to visit the beach during the cooler months, then consider visiting early May or late September—it’s also probably where the beach is at its most peaceful state!
