White Rock is a small city south of Vancouver and just north of Washington state. It abuts beautiful Semiahmoo Bay. A railroad track (currently BNSF) extends down the promenade in White Rock and connects British Columbia with Washington state. The railway is an important route for the transportation of goods between Canada and the USA.
White Rock is named for a large (486 ton) white boulder sitting on its lengthy beach. The rock is thought to be a glacial erratic – a rock moved by glaciers during the last ice age which was deposited here when the glacier melted. The White Rock, in past years , was splashed white by bird guano and the rock was a navigation landmark for sailors. Today the rock is painted white and mostly used by visitors as a place to sit.
Last weekend’s One Clue Mystery photo (see below) featured the White Rock. As usual, it was recognized by George G — congratulations, George!
White Rock Pier
Located near the large white boulder is the longest pier in Canada. The pier originally opened in 1914 and functioned as a mooring place for boats.
The pier has had its ups and downs, most recently in 2018 when during a severe windstorm the White Rock Pier was severed and a 30 meter section was destroyed; at least 15 boats sank. The pier was closed for about a year while it was repaired.
The pier extends some 470m/1542 ft into the ocean and is the main attraction in town. People are drawn to it; after walking on the promenade they make their way to the pier and walk to its far end. Here you can see the breakwater, people fishing, and gain some nice views of the San Juan Islands and Pacific coast.
Railroad Station
Located near the pier is a railway station which opened in 1913 when it serviced the Great Northern Railway. In early years the railway provided access to White Rock’s great beach for people from Vancouver who wanted a nearby beach getaway.
Today the train station has been converted into a museum highlighting the town’s history and the railways’ ties to it.
White Rock gained a reputation as being an affordable place to live, and drew a number of retirees. Its proximity to the ocean acts as a moderating effect on the climate, which is quite mild by Canadian standards. The community has grown significantly in recent decades. It has lots of restaurants and shops and is a great place to spend an afternoon.
I’d forgotten how much Canadians like to use signs in their public places. Here’s some of the ones I saw on the White Rock Pier.
If you are visiting Vancouver and would like to enjoy a smaller beach-front community, consider heading to White Rock.
I enjoyed your article. I love to explore communities off the beaten path.
Thanks, Marilyn! I often found small communities give me the best travel experiences.