White Rock

White Rock is a city within the Metro Vancouver Regional District within BC. It is bounded on three sides by the City of Surrey and borders Semiahmoo Bay. To the south of White Rock, the Southern Gulf Islands within the Strait of Georgia are situated together with the Semiahmoo First Nation, which is within the city limits of Surrey.

Located just off of Highway 99, White Rock is 45 km or 32 miles south of Vancouver. It is situated immediately north of the USA and Canada border at the Peace Arch/Douglas crossing. The neighboring towns include Tsawwassen and Ladner and this is among the locations of the ferry terminal which provides ferry service to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

This area was originally dominated by the Straits Salish People from Boundary Bay within the north to Birch Bay, Washington, USA. There is evidence of Semiahmoo First Nation permanent encampments existing during 1791, along with the first contact with white people. The beginnings of white settlement occurred sometime during the 1850s. These encampments were situated along the waterfront at the western and eastern limits of the current City of White Rock. Forts were also constructed by the Semiahmoo People to serve as lookouts for raiders from the northern first nations. There is one such fort located within the Ocean Park vicinity.

For a lot of decades, the city of White Rock has been a preferred holiday location. The city of White Rock has lots of quaint restaurants, kilometers of wide, sandy beaches, fantastic sunsets and fun art galleries. The epicenter of this community is Marine drive. This is an active strip that extends along the oceanfront and is bordered by a famous stretch of grass, parallel to the beach and by some railway tracks.

Just east of the pier on the beach is a massive white 486-tone boulder. This city landmark is where the municipality gets its name. Glacial action produced this rock deposit. It maintains its white appearance by being regularly painted. The actual arrival of the rock is the basis of various exciting First Nations legends. One interesting Native legend says the rock marks the spot where the Transformers, who were emissaries of the Sagalie Tyee, the Creator, once passed. There is a different legend which states the city of White Rock marks the landing spot of a stone which was thrown across the Strait of Georgia by a young Indian chief. The story says that he and his bride moved from Vancouver Island to the city of White Rock and made their home there together.

The area began a migratory trend, if this second legend holds true, that is still taking place now. Retirees flock to the region from colder areas of Canada. The city of White Rock has also earned the nickname Wrinkle Rock by a few of its residents. This is a reference to the numerous citizens who reside there being of retirement age.

There are several great community events hosted by this vibrant city. Like for instance, the Festival of Lights, Mayfair, Christmas by the Sea and the Sea Festival are among the most famous events happening throughout the year.