About White Rock
The city of White Rock is a gorgeous waterfront city that neighbours Surrey, BC and is close to Langley and Delta.
It’s known for the beautiful sand and rock mix beaches, a city that sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. It has a great mix of small business, residential and other commercial complexes and businesses. A great place for families and retirees.
White Rock, BC is a city located in the lower mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It makes up a part of the Metro Vancouver municipalities.
The city has an approximate population of 119,672 according to the 2021 census for South Surrey-White Rock region. The area is mainly a suburban city with various shopping centres and parks nearby.
History of the city
White Rock has long been home for indigenous people, specifically Semiahmoo First Nation people. More farming began on the banks of the city when Europeans began settlement in the 1850s.
The city really began to grow after the 1915s as the railway running through the city opened and began a huge expansion of the city’s capabilities and resource shipments. And in the 1950’s further expansion began with grants from the government, opening the Peace Arch Hospital. From there, the city began to get attention and grew from there.
Appeal
Families
Rent in White Rock for a 1 bedroom apartment averages $1,149 and around $1,385 for a 2+ bedroom according to CMHC 2021. The average price for a single detached home is $1,502,421 from homeworthbc.ca statistics.
White Rock is great for families as it offers the perfect place to interact in a friendly community. There is a large number of detached homes for those looking to have a house with a yard, making it an ideal place to raise kids as they have a place to grow into.
With close access to the beach, amenities and other parts of the lower mainland, White Rock can be a peaceful place to raise a family.
Retiring community
This city is also perfect for the retirement community as it offers access to all the amenities in a close vicinity with peaceful beaches and walkways to explore. In fact, over 25% of the White Rock population is over the age of 65, with lots of activities and other fun things designed for this age group and community.
Things to do in White Rock
White Rock Pier & Promenade
Head out for a walk along the beautiful stone and sand beaches in White Rock. Along the way, be sure to head down to the famous White Rock Pier. You’ll experience the amazing sea breeze and get views of the ocean and city that cannot be seen anywhere else.
It stretches 470-meters long and is the largest pier in Canada and has recently gone through a re-build in 2019, when it was extensively damaged by storms on the coast.
If you’re looking to stretch the legs and then head for a beach picnic, the White Rock Pier is at the top of the list for things to do in White Rock.
After the pier, take another stroll down the main Promenade in White Rock. It’s the perfect place for a walk or a run. But note that bikes, skateboards and inline skates are prohibited. The Promenade is the perfect walk if you want to check out both the East beach and West beach.
Peace Arch & Park
The Peace Arch is an iconic statue, technically located in Surrey, but a must see and activity if you live in or are visiting White Rock. Specifically, it’s located on the Canada and United States border and the Peace Arch represents the Treaty of Ghent and the longstanding peace between the two countries.
The surrounding park is busy with visitors from both the USA and Canada, as it’s an international park that both sides can visit as long as boundaries are followed. Grab the family or your friends and head down there for a park and check out the huge Peace Arch.
Ruth Johnson Park
No matter what city you live in around Metro Vancouver, there is always access to nature. The Ruth Johnson Park and Trail is a dense and abundant trail that heads towards the waterfront of the city. The trail is also dog friendly, they just have to stay leashed.
The park is also very close to the Centennial Park, which has access to amazing features like a playground, softball diamond and a tennis court so you can get active anyway you like.
White Rock Museum
The historic White Rock Museum is conveniently located beside the historic 1912 train station, close to the waterfront of the city. This museum features historical White Rock history. From how the town was established, to some of the other historic moments that helped to establish the city and community for what it is today.
So, if you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day, head down to the museum, learn about the history of White Rock and see some amazing local art.
White Rock Sea Festival & Semiahmoo Days
During BC Day, the city of White Rock hosts the Sea Festival & Semiahmoo Days. This is a multi-day festival that is friendly for all ages, families and friend gatherings.
This event changes every year and recently it kicked-off with a salmon barbecue, talent show, car show and ending with an outdoor movie friendly for all.
The next day is usually jam packed with awesome activities like Yoga, Zumba, live music, kite flying, barbequing and so much more. No matter what you’re into or want to try something new, this festival can provide it. Making it one of the best events that the city hosts.
This festival is a huge event because it showcases the partnership between the city and the Semiahmoo First Nations, and is the perfect event to get out of the house, enjoy the sun, community and fun activities the festival offers.
Leisure and Hobbies
Get out in nature
Although White Rock is known for its sprawling access to the beaches, there is amazing nature access at your doorstep. Head over to Ruth Johnson Park and make your way through the dense trees, ferns on a winding path that’s well established and highly maintained.
Or visit the Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest (technically in Surrey) to access over 320 acres of forested area, and an easy 2-5km walkway.
Check out the seas
With the city lying along beautiful waterfront coastlines, checking out the ocean and taking in the amazing views is one of the many popular things to do in White Rock.
While taking a stroll down the pier and promenade, you can visit the different beaches and trails that run along the waterfront.
From both stone to sand beaches, one can access it all in White Rock. This aspect makes it particularly attractive for retirees who want lots of beach access while still living in Canada.
Recreation in White Rock
White Rock has lots of parks, tennis courts, trails and outdoor workout areas that make it a great place to get some exercise. Visit the Centennial Park or one of the many recreation fields the city has to offer.
Also, White Rock is close to Delta and Surrey, which also have many more parks and recreation centres.
Education
In White Rock, the educational community is small because of the small city limits. There are three elementary schools, and one secondary school. It’s not uncommon for kids and teens growing up in White Rock to go to schools in South Surrey or other cities. In the South Surrey area there are 16 elementary schools, 3 secondary schools and 1 private school for both elementary and secondary.
Future of White Rock
The future of White Rock is a much quieter area when compared to some of the other major growing cities in Metro Vancouver, like Vancouver. While there is new construction along the waterfront, it’s being built with the purpose of adding value and great views instead of density like a city of Coquitlam is targeting.
The city is targeting to improve transit, housing affordability and making the waterfront access and walkways even more beautiful. Priming the area to be the perfect place for a community for both families and those who are looking to retire or a loser pace of life.
