
What To Explore in White Rock
Growing up in a small town definitely comes with a few perks. There is a greater sense of community, and you get to know the people and the places around you well. I grew up in White Rock, BC, a small town on the water filled with character and beauty. Even though I may not live there anymore, I am constantly going back. Not only to visit my family, but because it reminds me of childhood memories. What is there to explore in White Rock? The cute cafes, the shops, the beach and everything in between.
So I thought I would walk you through an afternoon in White Rock! I had a chance to spend the day out there last month and visit some of my favourite spots.
What to Explore in White Rock
First stop was The Mason Jar on Thrift Avenue. This gorgeous little retail store is a family business run by three generations of women. Cathy and her family carefully select items that are almost all sourced from local brands.
Warning: You will want to buy everything in The Mason Jar!!! They offer a variety of gifts, home goods, decor, personal wellness, clothing and accessories. The space is beautiful and inviting. I was building my wish list of home decor items in my head as I walked through the shop!
To give you a sense of the community feel, my photographer Erin met me at The Mason Jar to work with me for the day. I didn’t inform Cathy who I had hired for photos, but when Erin walked through the door, no introduction was needed. They greeted each other with open arms! Erin is a friend and customer, as is her mom. I just love the small town feel that comes with shopping in a store like this one.
I was very impressed with the carefully curated collection of women’s clothing. Brands that I recognized like Brunette The Label, Maccs The Label and Smash & Tess, and a few brands that I was happy to discover! I gravitated towards this linen tunic dress (featured above) by Linen Farm. An easy-to-wear linen summer dress that is well made and timeless.
On to the next stop, which conveniently was just around the corner. The Handpicked Home is a lifestyle store that features handpicked and locally sourced items that are meant to “warm the heart and home” ♥.
The Handpicked Home is filled with fun and unique home decor and gift items. When we stopped in and chatted with Piya (one of the owners) she was so sweet and accommodating. Of course Erin knew her as well, because that is just how it is in White Rock! It has been 17 years since I moved away, and in some ways it feels like nothing has changed!
The perfect place to find a thoughtful gift! Or you could always treat yourself too 😉 I loved seeing so many local labels for sale in the store.
After shopping, it was time for a bite. We headed down Johnson Street to another local gem, Islands Cafe.
Islands Cafe is a privately owned cafe and roaster, run by husband and wife team Rob and Jalene. They were inspired by the years they spent living in Hawaii, and immersing themselves in the culture.
Their menu focuses on clean, healthy food and good coffee. Items they are known for are the Acai bowls, and Kahuku poke bowls.
I found a spot on their street side patio, and indulged in an iced coffee and a poke bowl. Naturally I started talking to the people at the table next to me, and shared some good small chat. Everywhere you go in White Rock, there are friendly people to talk to.
Am I making you hungry yet?? 😉
It was time to make our way to the beach! This is what White Rock is know for. A beautiful 2.5km promenade along the shoreline where you can take in the stunning views. I hold this place very close to my heart. It is not only a huge part of my childhood, it reminds me of my brother. We used to live by the water, and we would walk across to the beach and sit there for hours talking. It is such a peaceful and beautiful place to visit.
Moby Dick is an iconic spot in White Rock. They have been serving up fish and chips on Marine Drive since 1975, both dine-in and take-out. It is a must see when you visit. They almost always have a line up, and for good reason! It is a local tradition to pick up fish and chips from a take-out and have a picnic on the beach.
White Rock Beach is a very popular spot in the summer. There are endless activities to do, including water sports. Feral Beach Life is keeping busy these days!! With several options to choose from, you can spend time on the water either on your own, in a group or in a lesson. I personally LOVE paddle boarding. It is easy to learn, fun and a great core workout!
For $40 you and a friend can rent SUP and head to the beach to take in those gorgeous views on the water! Feral has everything you need. Their staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
Once you’re all done and need to cool off, head back to the drive (as us locals call it ;-)) and grab an ice cream!
I made my way to Crazy Cows for an ice cream. They make their ice cream with organic milk, and it’s delicious!! I decided to also get a bit of a caffeine boost and tried the espresso chip, in a CHARCOAL cone!! Yes I said it. These are made with activated charcoal to give it the black colour.
It isn’t a complete trip to White Rock Beach until you have walked the pier!!! This landmark dates back to 1914. Watch the boats, take in the sunset, and feel the ocean breeze. There are even events that happen on the pier, including the Picnic on The Pier.
Fun/Random Fact: I stood in this very spot at the foot of the pier on the night of my highschool grad!
So whether you are a local, visiting from out of town or you live in surrounding cities in the greater Vancouver area, go explore White Rock and all it has to offer!! It is just under a 60 minute drive from downtown. This gorgeous place is sure to impress you!
I am teaming up with Explore White Rock and the following businesses for a very fun giveaway!! See details below and be sure to enter at the end of this post.
- The Mason Jar – $75 gift certificate
- Feral Board Sports – SUP rental for two
- Moby Dick Fish & Chips – $20 gift certificate
- Crazy Cows Ice Cream – $45 gift certificate
Stay up to date with events, things to do and where to go on Explore White Rock.
In partnership with Explore White Rock / Photography by Idlewild Photo Co.
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- Tags:
- fashion,
- tourism,
- travel,
- white rock

Samantha Dempster
Hi! Im Samantha. Mother of two and Personal Stylist. I share my visual stories on minimal style, mini style, a passion for travel and a love for healthy eating.
32 comments
tracy k
Yes, I’ve been to White Rock, and i love Crescent Beach!
Natalie
I love White Rock! My parents live out this way. I think we’re going to the WAG for lunch today, actually!
Kate
We were just at the Sea Festival on the weekend. Love that White Rock has so many fun activities for families along the pier!
Cathy Frith
I LOVE.LOVE.LOVE. this blog post, not only because we are a part of it but because you, Samantha with your write up and Erin with her crazy talented photography skills captured the essence of White Rock, the community and the people to the core….LOVE.LOVE.LOVE..
Larissa
Sweet little write up and photos! I’m so happy to see White Rock get some love – there really are some gems in this city.
Sunshine H
I haven’t been to White Rock in years! Would be a great way to spend a day on a local adventure!
Vivian
I really haven’t spent a lot of time at White Rock but I remembered the beaches were beautiful…
Janet
I would love to check out White Rock this summer!
Diane To
I love walking across the white rock pier!
Lester C
I haven’t visited White Rock yet. I would love to check out some of the places mentioned here.
Eunice
It’s been a while since I’ve been in White Rock! But am looking forward to checking out the places you mentioned in your post!
Roxann Redekop
Best part about white rock is fish and chips at the beach!! I’ve never had time to check out any shops but I think I’ll have to now!
Sabrina
Love love love ALL these places in WR!! 🙂
Jen v.
We love going to white rock. So many hidden gems but one of our faves is the popular Charlie don’t surf restaurant.
Tammy S
I live in White Rock and have for years! What a great article! 3 of the places you wrote about are already my favorites! Thanks!
Terri Pun
I love White Rock! Such a great place to spend the day!
Tetyana k
There is something special about walking around Crescent Beach at sunrise or strolling by White Rock Pier with icecream or fish and chips at hand people watching and checking out if anyone at the pier was successful with their crab traps
Britt Senko
My favourite place in White Rock is definitely at ANY of the amazing restaurants with a view of the ocean! Fish and chips, greek, mexican, steak… it’s all there!
Lisa Paquette
Our family loves the beaches – both White Rock beach and Crescent Beach. Perfect for walks, picnics, etc. We haven’t tried SUP boarding, but it would be great fun, I’m sure!
Stephanie Emro
I love White Rock. My favourite places I love to bring my family to are Moby Dicks, Cows ice cream
And walking the pier.
Christina Marie
I LOVE White Rock!!!!!! I live in Surrey, about a 1/2 hour drive away, and go as often as I can! I am an early riser, and quite often head out early mornings on the weekend because it’s free parking until 10 a.m.! I have brought many breakfasts along to eat in tranquility at the beach… <3 <3 <3
Alisha
Love White Rock! Walking the beach promenade is my absolute favourite thing.
Linda
I was just in White Rock last week for the farmers market and walk on the beach. My favourite spot is the pier.
Olivia
White Rock is in my backyard, living in South Surrey, I walk down to the beach all the time. I love it; the restaurants, the pier, the train, the views, the festivals, the music, etc.
Angela M
How hav a missed all these great places! I have been to White Rock so many times and didn’t go to these cute places. I will definitely have to check them out next time!
Maryanne
We live Moby Dick’s fish and chips!!
Theresa H
We were just in White Rock on the weekend! My daughter had such a great time play on the beach & the sea festival is always great!
Bridgetkropf
Yes I’ve visited White Rock and I love Moby Dicks.
Tal
We love to go to White Rock! Great place to spend the day! This year we parked further away and used the trolley to get to the waterfront, so there was a lot less headaches finding parking on a busy hot summer day.
Trev M
We always have a good time in White Rock.
Rkdhil
Love love love white rock! Grew up going on field trips to centennial beach. Now live too far but still make a trip 1-2 times a year to the beach. Wish I was rich enough to live there.
Siobhan
You hit some amazing spots in white rock it’s such an amazing little city with so much happening and lots of people of all ages!
Too bad you didn’t go to Montgomery’s cottage lunch for fish and chips – so much better less greasy and a way larger menu with more inclusive selections! Especially healthy selections! Hopefully next time!
Love the post!