White Rock City Guide

Fresh seafood and international foods are common. Vegan and vegetarian options exist. Late-night food is limited but some pubs and fast food stay open later.

Nightlife is mostly pubs and casual bars. No big clubs here; for that, go to Vancouver.

Mix of local cafes and chains with good coffee options.

Tipping is expected in restaurants, taxis, and services when service is good.

SIM cards are sold by Rogers, Telus, Bell, and others. ID is needed to activate. eSIMs are available from major providers.

The city is clean with good waste and recycling services.

Few 24/7 options. Some pharmacies have long hours but rarely 24/7. Convenience stores close by midnight.

Major supermarkets have international goods and stay open most days, some till 9 or 10 PM. Bargaining is not common.

Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops and supermarkets.

ATMs are common at banks like RBC, TD, and CIBC, plus many convenience stores. Expect CAD 2-3 fees for out-of-bank ATM use.

Local schools teach mostly in English. Contact Surrey School District for admissions info.

Smaller than Vancouver's, with limited meetups. Good cafés with Wi-Fi though.

Many parks and waterfront green areas provide good spots for walking and running.

Popular running spots include the beach promenade and local parks. Generally safe with good air quality.

You’ll find bigger gyms nearby and some smaller studios in town.

Public courts are available but no equipment rentals. Booking is usually first-come, first-served.

No padel courts widely available in White Rock.

Several studios offer classes with English-speaking instructors.

Several dojos offer Karate, Taekwondo, BJJ, and Muay Thai with English-speaking instructors.

Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour mountains are about 1 hour away, offering runs from December to April.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in calm bay waters during summer.

No surfable waves in White Rock. Nearest good surfing is on Vancouver Island.

Diving is done further away, usually by boat in the Vancouver area with varied visibility and marine life.

Peace Arch Hospital and private clinics offer quality care with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart are common and often have extended hours.

Tap water meets high Canadian safety standards and is safe to drink.

Many playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés. The beach and pier are great family spots.

Generally accepting with legal protections. Pride events are mainly in Vancouver.

Pet-friendly parks, vets, and many accommodations and some restaurants welcome pets.