White Rock

File:White Rock banner the white rock - View from the White Rock Pier White Rock is a small community in Vancouver southern suburbs|Vancouver's southern suburbs surrounded on three sides by the city of Surrey (British Columbia)|Surrey, and to the south by the waters of Boundary Bay. The city is named for the 400-ton white rock that sits on the beach in the town center. Its beach has long made it a weekend getaway for Vancouverites.

While the area to the northwest of the city of White Rock, along Crescent Beach as far as Blackie Spit, is formally Surrey (British Columbia)|South Surrey, local residents commonly refer to it as "Crescent Beach" and think of it as White Rock. This guide will too.

Travel as a Muslim to White Rock

White Rock is just off of Highway 99, about 45 minutes south of downtown Vancouver by car. If you're in Surrey (British Columbia)|Surrey, take 152 Street south.

White Rock is part of the Translink regional transit system. A couple of buses provide links to other municipalities in the region and the Skytrain.

Bus #321 provides service from the Surrey Central Expo Line Skytrain station in Surrey.
Bus #351 provides express service from the Bridgeport Canada Line station in Richmond (British Columbia)|Richmond.

Transit fares to White Rock from Vancouver are $5.50 on weekdays and $2.75 on weekends and evenings after 6:30PM. Fares from elsewhere in the Vancouver region will vary between $2.75-$5.50.

Get Around

White Rock town centre (Marine Drive along the beach) is at sea level, while the rest of the town is perched on a bench several hundred feet above. The town center is walkable but it is steep if you want to see other parts of the city.

The broader area — usually referred to as South Surrey but often referred to as White Rock — is quite large and will require a vehicle to get to some areas. Translink operates bus service for all of Greater Vancouver. In White Rock and South Surrey most local buses are community shuttles. Most tourist areas of South Surrey are accessible by Translink.

Parking

Most of White Rock is pay parking. The cost fluctuates but it is most expensive off Marine Drive by the beach ($3 per hour in high season). The new pay-by-space system makes buying or adding time simple. Just enter your space number on any nearby dispenser, pay, take your receipt and walk away. There's no need to return to your vehicle or place your ticket on your vehicle's dash. If you want to add time later, just enter your stall number (printed on your receipt) at any one of 36 dispensers along the beach and choose your payment method. You can even pay by cell phone. (Requires registration with Verrus Mobile Technologies Inc. You'll need to use a credit card the first time you call. Nominal user fees apply.) Details at the City's Parking page].

What to See

The White Rock | White Rock Promenade - GPS: 49.01988, -122.802480About 100m south-east of the White Rock Pier - Free The town's namesake is located on the beach near the White Rock Pier. The rock was named for the large quantity of bird guano that covered it, but today is kept white by regular coats of white paint.

White Rock Museum and Archives | 14970 Marine Dr - GPS: 49.021785, -122.807523☎ +1 604 541-2222 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10:30AM Monday - 5PM; Sa Sunday 11AM Monday - 5PM; holidays noon-5PM $3/$5 (students & seniors/adult). Children under 12, and Museum members, are free A small museum in the old train station. It has displays on the city's history and a re-creation of the station's office. (Note: administrative offices are elsewhere, at 15322 Buena Vista).

What to Do

White rock pier 2012 - White Rock Pier

The Beach

White Rock Beach and Promenade - Parallel to Marine Drive between Bay Street and Finlay Street - GPS: 49.024724, -122.817766 North-west end is at Bay Street and Marine Drive - Free

White Rock Promenade, south-east (Finlay Street) end - Marine Drive and Finlay Street GPS: 49.016598, -122.790166 At the western tip of Semiahmoo Park - Free

}} White Rock has the largest and one of the most popular beaches in the Lower Mainland, located on the southern edge of the city alongside Marine Drive. The long sandy beach is perfect for everything from picnics to a game of frisbee. When the tide goes out there are many tidal pools that are left exposed and is a great place to see marine life up close. British Columbia|British Columbia's south coast is sheltered by Vancouver Island, because of this the water temperatures are relatively warm. If you don't want to walk in the sand and the White Rock Promenade stretches for 2.2 kilometers (1.4 miles) next to Marine Drive.

The White Rock Promenade can be a pleasant dinnertime walk, especially at sunset, ideally with a low tide. Find a parking spot to the west part of Marine Drive, say near Bay Street or Oxford Street. Walk eastwards down the beach. When you reach the pier, walk to end of it and back. Continue eastwards until the beachfront strip ends, at Finlay Street where Semiahmoo Park begins. There, you've done the nature/ocean thing. Now, cross Marine Drive. Walk back along the long line of restaurants, and get an idea from the vibe and the menus out front if you like them. Pick one for dinner, or make a reservation for later.

The Pier

White Rock Pier - 15044 Marine Dr - GPS: 49.020946, -122.805704 Opposite Dolce Gelato - Free

White Rock is famous for its large White Rock, and its pier that juts out nearly 500 meters from the shore. It is a popular place for a walk. During the summer some local residents jump off the end of the pier, although this training is discouraged and diving can be dangerous.

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach, White Rock's "alternate beach" area, runs from White Rock north-west, around the Ocean Park neighborhood of Surrey (British Columbia)|Surrey, and is capped off by Blackie Spit. The neighbourhood where the beach meets Black Spit is much cozier and quieter, with a handful of nearby establishments specializing in organic, ice cream, fish and chips, coffee houses, and of course fabulous sit down dining experiences. Crescent Beach radiates a small-town, seaside feeling. In the winter, Crescent Beach is a bird watching paradise, and known for Bald Eagle nesting and hunting grounds. Paddling and windsurfing activities are common in the summer. To get here, follow Crescent Road off the King George Highway. Alternatively, if starting from White Rock, head east on North Bluff Road/16 Ave, right to the end.

Blackie Spit - 3136 McBride Avenue - GPS: 49.058918, -122.879055 ☎ +1-604-501-5050 | Opening Hours: Free This Surrey city park sits on a peninsula at the mouth of the Nicomekl River, where it empties into Mud Bay. A self-guided 5km nature trail provides water views and bird-watching. There is also a sailing club, swim club, and off-leash dog park.

Halal Restaurants in White Rock

Restaurants in White Rock are split between those on the beach, usually offering patios and ocean views, typically on Marine Drive; and restaurants in the main commercial area away from the water. Restaurants in the Crescent Beach area (formally part of Surrey (British Columbia)|Surrey, but commonly grouped with White Rock) are mostly clustered on Bleecher Street near Blackie Spit, with a few near 128 Street and 16th Ave.

On the beach

Marine Drive is packed with restaurants, from standards like fish and chips to ethnic restaurants to pubs.

Deluxe Restaurant - 15475 Marine Dr GPS: 49.017868, -122.793723At Balsam St. ☎ +1 604 542-5042 | Opening Hours: noon-late dinner $30-50 Menu includes interesting spins on classic dishes, e.g. yam gnocchi. A strong strain of seafood throughout, but also Vegetarian options.

Dolce Gelato - 15045 Marine Dr. GPS: 49.021386, -122.805621 ☎ +1-604 535-1070 | Opening Hours: Hours "unpredictable" Price "not cheap, but worth it" Highly regarded for delicious and authentic gelato in a wide range of flavours. Cash only.

Kahunas Fish & Chips - 15519 Marine Drive - GPS: 49.017428, -122.792516☎ +1-604 542-9403 | Opening Hours: The colourful, Hawai'ian vibe frames fish and chips, seafood and soft-drinks featuring local ingredients.

Little India - 15081 Marine Dr - GPS: 49.021126, -122.804548near Martin St. Opening Hours: Monday West Thursday 5-9PM; Friday Sa Sunday 11:30AM Monday - 2PM, 5-9PM; Tuesday closed Price entrees $9-16 Highly praised for the friendly host Peter, and the delicious flavours. Try the garlic naan.

Uli's Restaurant - 15021 Marine Dr - GPS: 49.021488, -122.805938☎ +1 604 538-9373 | Opening Hours: Daily 10AM Monday - 10PM (Brunch Sa Sunday 10AM Monday - 4PM) Price entrees $15-27 On the beach for over 30 years and the euro-inspired cuisine features local ingredients and creative and soft-drinks pairings. Minimal Vegetarian and gluten free options.

Washington Avenue Grill - #5 - 15782 Marine Dr - GPS: 49.016274, -122.785394 Between Kent and Parker Streets, south side. ☎ +1 604-541-4244 | Opening Hours: 11:30AM Monday - 4PM, 5PM Monday - close lunch set menu $16-26, dinner set menu $30-40 The upstairs dining room overlooks the bay. The seafood and gastropub fare is skillfully done and well served. Plentiful Vegetarian options. Live music, W-Sa, is invigorating or a din, depending on your taste.

Off the beach

The "five corners" intersection in the main commercial neighborhood, just up the bluff from the beach, anchors the restaurant area. Many more restaurants are along or near Johnston Street as it heads north.

Dining Wok Shanghai Restaurant | 15246 Russell Ave - GPS: 49.029234, -122.799994at George St. ☎ +1 604 531-6671 | Opening Hours: Monday W-F 11:30AM Monday - 2:30PM, 4PM Monday - 9PM; Sa noon-2:30PM, 4PM Monday - 9PM; Sunday 4PM Monday - 9PM; Tuesday closed Price Main dishes $10-15, some $20 Sichuan, Shanghai, and Peking cuisine. Group menu available.

Leela (Thai) | 1310 Johnston Road - GPS: 49.025966, -122.801018☎ +1 604 541-9631 | Opening Hours: Lunch: Monday to Friday noon-2:30PM, Dinner: daily 5PM Monday - 10PM Price $10-15 per dish A variety of Chicken, Beef, seafood and Vegetarian (Thai) dishes.

Penang Restaurant - 15228 Russell Avenue - GPS: 49.029237, -122.800627 ☎ +1-604-538-1700 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30AM Monday - 2:30PM, 4:30-9PM; Sa 4:30-9PM; Su, hols closed Price entrees $9-15 Szechuan, Malaysian, and Indonesian cuisine. Takeout available.

Shin Ji Ru | 15171 Russell Ave - GPS: 49.029399, -122.802199 1 block west of Johnston St. ☎ +1 604 531-9657 | Opening Hours: Japanese restaurant with the usual sushi, sashimi, tempura, udon, etc. dishes. Reviewers indicate the meals are good value.

Taka's Take-out Sushi - 15214 Pacific - GPS: 49.023504, -122.800621 ☎ +1-604-538-8587 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11:30AM Monday - "late"; Monday closed Price Sashimi $10-17/5pc. Nigiri $2-$4/pc. Maki $3-13/roll. Lunch menu $9-14An unassuming but highly-regarded sushi restaurant. In addition to the usual sashimi, nigiri, maki, and appetisers and they offer "aburi" (flame-seared) sushi and "wagyu" (Japanese beef).

Crescent Beach area

Although Crescent Beach itself runs along the west side of the peninsula northwest of White Rock, most of the restaurants thought of as "Crescent Beach" are clustered on Bleecher Street near Blackie Spit. A few are at the south part of the peninsula, near 128 Street and 16th Ave.

The Cabin at Crescent Beach - 12302 Beecher Street - GPS: 49.0528, -122.8809 ☎ +1-604-541-8432 | Opening Hours: Daily 11:30AM Monday - late appetisers $10, mains $16-27 Seafood, -halal-food/steaks/ Steaks, Pasta, and with "upscale casual" vibe.

Hooked Fish Bar - 12157 Beecher Street - GPS: 49.052434, -122.884937☎ +1-604-542-4665 | Opening Hours: Daily 11AM Monday - close Price $12-18 The wrap-around deck makes the most of the beachfront location. In the spring you can watch migrating birds play as you dine. If you prefer, order to take out, and eat while strolling the beach. Much of the menu is ocean-inspired: fish and chips, chowder.

Delrios Restaurant - 1669 128 Street - GPS: 49.032645, -122.867966☎ +1 604 536-2544 | Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11AM Monday - 9:30PM; Friday Sa 11AM Monday - 10:30PM Price entrees $15-18 Pasta, burgers, steak. Highly rated.

Due to White Rock's location just minutes from the Canada/USA border, it is a common place for Americans (especially those under 21) to drink.

Ocean Beach Club and Grill , 14995 Marine Drive.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to White Rock

White Rock - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to White Rock, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for White Rock. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in White Rock and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to White Rock. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to White Rock. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inWhite Rock: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in White Rock.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in White Rock: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in White Rock, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in White Rock.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in White Rock, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in White Rock, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within White Rock and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in White Rock, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in White Rock, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of White Rock without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for White Rock is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring White Rock.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group White Rock is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in White Rock, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group White Rock Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Ocean Beach Hotel - 14995 Marine Dr GPS: There is a night club and restaurant below.

Mid-range

Pacfic Inn - Pink Palace | 1160 King George Highway ☎ +1 604 535-1432 +1-800-667-2248 Guestroom: $120-160, Suite: $250-260 The largest hotel in White Rock with a mix of standard guestrooms and suites. The hotel has a tropical theme and includes a health club, indoor swimmingpool and whirlpool spa.

News & References

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from White Rock

Richmond (British Columbia)|Richmond, with its historic fishing village and Buddhist temple, is 20-30 minutes north on Highway 99. Going south on Hwy 99 will bring you to the U.S. border, with Seattle being a couple of hours south.

The Fraser Valley, with gardens, outdoor recreation and Cafes is to the east.