'''White Rock''' is a small community in Vancouver's southern suburbs surrounded on three sides by Surrey. '''Boundary Bay''' makes up the fourth side. It is named for the 400 ton white rock that sits on the beach in the town center. The rock was named for the large quantity of bird guano that covered it, but today is kept white by regular coats of white paint. The town center is at sea level, while the rest of the town is perched on a bench several hundred feet above.

Get in

  • '''Highway 99''' travels south from Vancouver and north from Seattle.
  • '''Translink Bus #351''' provides express service from downtown Vancouver.
  • '''Translink Bus #321''' provides service from the Surrey Central Expo Line Skytrain station.
  • Get around

    The city of White Rock itself is considered to be walkable. However South Surrey (often refered to as White Rock) is quite large and will require a car to get to some areas. Translink [http://www.translink.bc.ca] operates bus service for all of Greater Vancouver. In White Rock and South Surrey most local buses are community shuttles. Most tourist areas of South Surrey are accessable by Translink.

    Parking

    Most of White Rock is pay parking. The cost fluctuates but it is most expensive off Marine Drive by the beach. The new pay-by-space system makes buying or adding time simple. Just enter your space number on any nearby dispenser, pay, take your receipt and walk away. There's no need to return to your vehicle or place your ticket on your vehicle's dash. If you want to add time later, just enter your stall number (printed on your receipt) at any one of 36 dispensers along the beach and choose your payment method. You can even pay by cell phone. (Requires registration with Verrus Mobile Technologies Inc. You'll need to use a credit card the first time you call. Nominal user fees apply.) Learn more at www.city.whiterock.bc.ca.

    See

  • '''White Rock Museum and Archives''' [http://www.whiterock.museum.bc.ca/], 14970 Marine Drive, ''+1 604'' 541-2222.
  • Do

    The Beach

    White Rock has the largest and one of the most popular beaches in the Lower Mainland. The long sandy beach is perfect for everything from picnics to a game of frisbee. When the tide goes out there are many tidal pools that are left exposed and is a great place to see marine life up close. British Columbia's south coast is sheltered by Vancouver Island, because of this the water temperatures are relatively warm.

    The Pier

    White Rock is famous for its large White Rock and its pier that juts out over 500 meters from the shore. Its a popular place for a walk. During the summer some locals jump off the end of the pier, although this practice is discouraged and diving can be dangerous.

    Eat

    Marine Drive (the street right across from the beach) is packed with restaurants, from standards like fish and chips to exotic ethnic restaurants.

    On the beach

    Here are a few of the many eateries in White Rock. All of them are on Marine Drive.

  • Washington Ave. Grill
  • Sheesh Mahal Restaurant
  • Moby Dick's Fish and Chips
  • Uli's
  • The Pier
  • DOCK'S Fish & Chips
  • Caribbean Breeze
  • The Boathouse
  • Charlie Don't Surf
  • Ceilo's
  • Fronds Bistro
  • Iguana's Restaurant
  • Little India
  • Dolce Gelato
  • Off the beach

  • Leela Thai - 1310 Johnston Rd. Tel:604-541-9631
  • Hoy Tao Kok Szechuan - 15246 Russell Ave White Rock Tel:604-531-6671
  • Shin Ji Ru Japanese Restaurant - 15171 Russell Ave. Tel:604-531-9657
  • Drink

    Due to White Rock's location just minutes from the Canada/USA border, it is a common place for Americans (especially those under 21) to drink.
  • Ocean Beach Club and Grill [http://www.clubzone.com/c/Vancouver/Nightclub/Ocean_Beach_Club_and_Grill.html], 14995 Marine Drive.
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Ocean Beach Hotel''', 14995 Marine Drive. There is a night club and restaurant below.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Pacfic Inn''' [http://www.pacificinn.com/], 1160 King George Highway. Also known as the Pink Palace it is the largest hotel in White Rock. $99-$200.
  • Get out