It’s peak summer, and locals and tourists alike are flocking to beaches high and low.
Just under an hour’s drive from Vancouver, White Rock offers more than just a pretty seaside view. Beyond its iconic pier and waterfront promenade, this picturesque city blends nature, art and food in a way that feels both laid-back and full of discovery.
Here’s how I spent a perfect summer day in White Rock–complete with local art and artists, sweet and savoury bites, leisurely strolls and more.
Breakfast at Chez Christophe
Known for their artisan chocolates and Swiss pastries and desserts, Chez Christophe is where I eased into the morning with a smooth latte and toasty cinnamon pull-apart bread. If you have room in your stomach for more than one pastry, the Fresh Fruit Danish and Double Baked Almond Croissant are year-round favourites.The café's spacious interior fills up fast on weekend mornings, with seats along the floor-to-ceiling windows the first ones to go, but I managed to grab a seat near the entrance and settle in for a slow morning.
A five-minute walk away, Grounds & Greens Café offers a different kind of morning pick-me-up with their entirely plant-based menu featuring sweet and savoury bowls, baked goods and beverages. I recommend the Vol.2 Strawberry Crush from their Matcha Series: an iced matcha latte with homemade strawberry purée and subtly nutty oat milk. Refreshing, sweet and ideal for a hot day.
Thrifting in Uptown White Rock
Sprinkled along the city's uptown area are numerous treasured thrift stores worth the visit. With two empty tote bags ready to be filled, I was more than ready to take in White Rock’s local thrift and vintage scene.
When entering The Wilder Thrift Store, I was immediately greeted with wide open doors adorned with colourful signs for sales and a one-dollar rack featuring an enticing array of clothes. From 50-cent stickers and $2 records to neatly organized accessories and retro glassware, the locally-owned thrift shop offers an impressive collection of second-hand finds.
Turning into Prospect Avenue from Johnston Road, The Superfluity Thrift Store is a local gem over 70 years old. The store carries a curated selection of anything and everything, from gently worn clothing and accessories to furniture and household goods. Proceeds from the volunteer-run shop also support the Peace Arch Hospital.
White Rock Gallery
Since 1989 the White Rock Gallery has boasted a diverse display of local creativity and brilliance. The gallery represents 45 contemporary Canadian artists, including award-winning sculptor Cathryn Jenkins and ARC Bouguereau Award recipient David Gluck.
Immediately upon entering, I was greeted by sweeping landscapes, intimate portraits, contemplative abstracts and ceramics. Lifelike bronze sculptures of curious otters and a majestic eagle shared space with moody cityscapes and entrancing still life paintings.
Fuel up at the beach
Can you say you've been to White Rock without having fish and chips by the beach?
Lunch was at Charlie Don’t Surf, known for their waterfront view, fresh seafood, hefty burgers–and of course, fish and chips.
Lightly battered, crispy and served hot over a pile of golden fries–even without the lemon and tartar sauce, the fish was far from greasy. Add a side of house-made coleslaw and a cold drink, and the experience is complete.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, Sushi Iwa offers a refreshing contrast to fried fish. I recommend their Sashimi Bento, Hosomaki Combo and Tuna and Salmon Sashimi.
Enjoy natural and man-made beauty
What better way to make room for dinner than to go for a beachside stroll?
White Rock’s pier and promenade is open year-round to the public, but the summer is when it comes to life with full force.
As you walk along the promenade, nature’s beauty is showcased alongside that of man. West of the White Rock Museum, the Art Walk stretches across the promenade, featuring local artists and their works.
On days when the weather is nice, portraitist Leon Lee draws en plein air under the cool shade of a tree, surrounded by his works. Unable to resist the sign advertising a $5 cartoon special, I also ended up joining Lee under the shade.
Keep your eye out for the city's public art too. Symbolic stone statues, totem poles, vibrant murals and mosaics–my eyes were doing their own workout trying to keep up.
History buffs like me will appreciate White Rock Museum & Archives and their small selection of carefully curated, free exhibitions showcasing the rich history of this seaside community.
Inside this heritage train station-turned museum, I learned about Indigenous languages in B.C., how the World Wars impacted the lives of people living in White Rock and community-curated stories from the museum’s permanent collection.
Satisfy your sweet tooth
After a long stroll along the beach, cool down from the heat and satisfy your sweet tooth with creamy rolled gelato.
There’s no shortage of ice cream shops to choose from, but the consistent line in front of the Thai Affair Rolled Gelato’s playfully pastel food truck is not for naught. Unable to pick just one item from their menu of eight, I ordered the fruity Strawberry Swirl and indulgent Cookies n' Cream.
Non-ice cream fans need not worry though, as there are several cafés and dessert shops by the beach.
One classic is the Wafflers–Belgian Waffle Bar, where you can play Jenga and Connect Four while enjoying a fluffy waffle drizzled with maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar.
Dinner at Uli’s Restaurant
Another staple on the White Rock strip, Uli’s Restaurant is known for their eclectic, West Coast Bistro-inspired menu.
You can't go wrong with Uli's Burger, complete with sweet and zesty onion relish, juicy 6 oz beef patty, fluffy potato bun, smoked cheddar and creamy aioli.
But for more adventurous foodies, try the 8.0 Burger, which comes with a hefty wedge of glistening blue cheese resting atop the bbq sauce-covered beef patty. As hesitant as I felt when faced with this intimidating burger, the cheese was not overwhelming at all. Rather, the sharpness of the cheese paired well with the savoury meat, and the arugula and picked onion added a fresh balance.
If you're lucky enough to sit outside on the patio facing the pier, complete your perfect day by watching the tide roll in as the sky turns pink and orange.
