White Rock, BC
I had the opportunity to visit White Rock this spring. I have to say I hadn't been here for well over twenty years. This quaint little town outside of Vancouver still resonated deeply with the small town girl in me.
White Rock History
White Rock marks its beginnings from the opening of the sea-shore rail line, and the Dominion Government's designating White Rock as a port of entry for customs and immigration purposes in 1908. In 1910 a New Westminster syndicate took over the original town site and began the promotion and sale of lots.
White Rock had its present pier built with Federal funds and it was officially opened on November 14, 1914. It was built to provide a deep-water wharf facility, and extended 1,616 feet from shore. However, its primary function was, then as it is now, to serve as a tourist facility for pleasure boats, for a promenade, and for fishing and swimming. Since its construction it has acted as the focus for White Rock's summer tourist activities.
White Rock has a moderate climate, with average daily high temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius in summer and 6 degrees Celsius in winter
White Rock Today
White Rock Beach is less than 2 hours north of Seatle Washington. The White Rock Beach district runs along Marine Drive and includes a 2.5 km waterfront promenade that overlooks the warm, shallow waters of Semiahmoo Bay. The actual city of White Rock is 45 minutes from Vancouver, BC and minutes from the Canada/USA border. The city dates back to the turn of the 20th century (1900) and has a population of 19,339 (2011)
Because of the popularity of the park, and to accommodate the growth of White Rock, the City is upgrading the Memorial Park space and adjacent pier washrooms. The approved concept design includes:
New Pier Washrooms
Improved Accessibility
Wider promenade at Pier Entrance
Splash Zone Water Feature
Flexible Plaza Space for Concerts and other performances
More Lighting for Added Safety
Sloped Green Lawn
Anticipated Completion:
Widened lower Promenade was completed by July 1, 2018.
Western portion of Memorial Park, Fall of 2018.
Eastern portion of Memorial Park, early 2019.
If you are in or around the Vancouver area and looking for a great way to spend an afternoon/evening, White Rock is the place for a quiet walk by the pier. Take in one of the fabulous local restaurants or pubs that line the street next to the pier.
Thank you White Rock for your hospitality while I visited!! I will definitely not wait another twenty years before returning.