Summer in White Rock is the stuff that memories are made of! Days are spent soaking up the sunshine on our wide sandy beaches, paddling Semiahmoo Bay’s warm clear water and knowing that your hardest decision will be choosing your gelato flavour. While evenings are for the sounds of summer concerts, romantic sunset walks and relaxing on the patio enjoying dinner and drinks.
White Rock exudes a carefree whimsy that only comes with seaside communities and if you are looking for the perfect way to kick off your summer, here are five (okay, maybe more than five) ideas to get you started:
Sunrise and Sunset
Mornings may not be everyone’s thing, but what better way to start the season than to begin your day watching the sunrise over the White Rock Pier. Pack a picnic breakfast, gather some blankets and head down to the beach early morning to witness the night turn to day and the sun rise up from the ocean. This experience is one you will not want to miss out on! And, if you are someone who just can’t make it out of bed in the morning for the sunrise, don’t worry because the sunset is just as magical. Whether you have just spent the day at the beach or have come to grab dinner, staking out a spot on East Beach is the perfect way to end a summer day. Be sure to check here to find out exactly when the sun rises and sets and time your visit just right.
Day at the Beach
There’s nothing better than a summer day at the beach! And, with 8 kilometres (4.9 miles) of sand and shallows, it’s not hard to find your very own patch of sand. Build an epic sandcastle, White Rock used to host a huge sand sculpture competition, so you know the sand is perfect for building, and try your hand at skimboarding in the warm shallows. The beaches are tidal, so be sure to check the tide tables to ensure that you time your visit for maximum sand time. There’s nothing more disappointing than arriving at the beach with kids in town to discover that there is no beach because the tide is high. Though that is the best time for paddling and swimming!
Paddleboarding
If you are looking for a fun summer day, then heading out on the water to paddle is a definite must-do. Standup paddleboarding is a great way to have fun with friends, get a workout in and, if you get too hot, you can jump into the ocean and go for a swim. Lessons are available from Stand Up Paddle Vancouver or, if you’re a paddle-boarding “expert” or even a strong beginner, head out with West Beach Paddle for a sunset tour. And test those balance skills with a SUPYoga Ocean class at sunset in Semiahmoo Bay. Stand Up Paddle Vancouver | West Beach Paddle
Get a scoop
No trip to the beach is complete without a sweet, creamy, cold treat! And is it even really summer if you haven’t enjoyed an ice cream cone yet? Many gelato and ice cream shops dot the White Rock strip, and everyone has their own favourite! Why not make it a personal challenge to try as many shops as possible before the summer is over and choose your favourite!
Go to the Farmers Market
If you are looking to get into the summer spirit like a local, check out the White Rock Farmers Market on Sundays. Spend an afternoon in the community trying delicious summer treats, sampling local produce and mingling with locals and businesses. The Farmer’s Market closes in the fall so make sure you don’t miss it!
TD Concerts at the Pier (bonus)
Organized in partnership by the White Rock Business Improvement Association and the City of White Rock, the TD Concerts at the Pier live music event is one of the highlights of the summer in White Rock and is one that you do not want to miss. Concerts take place throughout the summer in different locations and are always FREE. This year’s lineup includes national touring acts, beloved local artists, and great tribute bands that promise to make this White Rock’s best concert series yet! Bring your lawn chairs and settle in for the ultimate sounds of summer!
Enjoy a room with a view
If it’s a true beach vacation that you’re after then look no further than the Ocean Promenade Hotel. This boutique hotel (White Rock’s only hotel) is located directly across the street from the sandy shores of East Beach. Book a room at the Ocean Promenade and enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands. And you are just steps from amazing dining, a stroll along the promenade and those spectacular White Rock sunsets!
