White Rock between the beach, pier and promenade

White Rock is situated along the expansive sandy beaches and warm, shallow waters of Semiahmoo Bay. The coast shapes the character of this destination: the beach, pier and waterfront paths offer different ways to plan your stay. If you’re looking for a hotel in White Rock, you can start by considering whether you’re most interested in exploring the waterfront, local history or cultural attractions.

Promenade, Beach and Pier

The walkable promenade is 2.19 kilometres long and runs along almost the entire length of the beach. There are many access points to the beach and attractions along the promenade. White Rock Pier offers a different perspective: it’s a major attraction, 470 metres long, and extends north to south into Semiahmoo Bay. This unique wooden structure was built in 1914. The two coastal features differ in scale and form: the promenade follows the beach over a longer stretch, while the shorter pier juts into the bay as a single structure.

Paths Between the Waterfront and Uptown

Eight Hillside Walkways connect the waterfront with Uptown and extend for 1.5 kilometres. They offer views and opportunities to enjoy nature. Unlike the promenade, which runs along almost the entire length of the beach, the defining feature of the Hillside Walkways is their connection between the waterfront and Uptown. This distinguishes the walking routes by their direction: along the beach or between the waterfront and Uptown.

History and Art

The White Rock Museum and Archives is housed in White Rock’s railway station, built in 1912. The museum features informative exhibits and insights into the coastal community. Its location therefore brings together a historic building and an exploration of the community. If you’re interested in White Rock’s local history as well as its scenery, the museum is a good place to start.

The Art Walk is along the promenade, west of the White Rock Museum and Archives, and gives visitors the opportunity to meet artists and admire their work. If you’d like to focus on artists and their work, this offers a different perspective from the museum, where exhibits and insights into the coastal community take centre stage. The two experiences therefore differ in focus: meeting artists or viewing exhibits about the community.

The Semiahmoo First Nation know White Rock as P’Quals. P’Quals is located at West Beach and is a popular spot for photographs. White Rock’s beaches are also part of the Boundary Bay Wildlife Management Area.

Uptown Farmers Market

At the White Rock Farmers Market, local growers bring seasonal food to Miramar Plaza in Uptown White Rock. The market features live music, children’s activities and craft displays. The seasonal market adds a distinct Uptown destination to the area’s coastal and cultural attractions. If you’re planning a visit to the farmers market, check in advance when it’s held.

Discover more destinations: North Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Bowen Island, New Westminster, Richmond

For the regional travel overview: Metro Vancouver.