BEACH INFO:

The beach is divided into East Beach and West Beach for the sake of orientation, separated by a slight rise in the shoreline which locals refer to as The Hump.

Grand Chief Bernard Memorial Plaza at the edge of Lions Lookout Park on East Beach is one of the more picturesque access points. The Ka'Kan totem pole represents the Coast Salish spiritual belief of the Semiahmoo Aboriginal peoples, that raising a house post provides protection and love of the Creator. The adjacent Haida Gya Ana pole is a historical document of family heritage and status. The poles commemorate 125 years of RCMP service to the area.

White Rock's famous pier is on West Beach, where it's not unusual to see children diving from the lower-level docks, dangling a line for sculpin or flounder, or even dropping a trap for crabs that can be seen through the clear waters, scurrying across the sea floor.

Bordering the natural forest on Semiahmoo land, East Beach tends to attract more families by day and a livelier crowd by night. The grassy verge invites picnicking and when the tide goes out, often as far as half a mile, the vast expanse of sands fill with people flying kites, building sandcastles, exploring tidal pools, sun bathing and generally having fun along the water's edge. And when the tide turns, the gentle waves sweep over the hot sands making the water especially warm and safe for swimming. Skim boards, buckets and shovels can be purchased at East Beach corner stores and at Marine Market on West Beach. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, the promenade or anywhere south of the parking lots. However, for a good off-leash run, head to Dogwood Park in South Surrey at 20th Avenue and 136th Street.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for White Rock Beach - East and 8,000 other beaches.