White Rock together with South Surrey, the southern part of the City of Surrey, is located on the Semiahmoo Peninsula overlooking Semiahmoo Bay and surrounds the quaint seaside City on three sides.White Rock offers a destination for all to enjoy. Just south of Vancouver and only five minutes north of the US - Canada border, it is distinguished for its quaint B&Bs, galleries, boutiques and fine waterfront dining with spectacular sunsets over the Georgia Strait.

The City of Vancouver is a 30 to 60 minute freeway drive north. The Canada - US Border is 5 minutes away to the south, with 2 crossings to choose from Pacific, at BC Hwy 15 and Douglas at BC hwy 99. Both crossings are located in Blaine, WA and are accessible from US I-5.

Blaine is approximately 1.5 hours north of the Greater Seattle area. The Vancouver International Airport is only 20 minutes away.The sun smiles on the Semiahmoo Peninsula more hours than most other Southern Coastal Communities. The average temperature during the summer months is 23 degrees Celsius (76 degrees Fahrenheit) and 6 degrees Celsius (42 F) during the winter months. The fairest month is July with only 40 mm (1.

6") of rain on average.This makes the White Rock area the perfect place to enjoy swimming, golfing, kayaking, sailing, whale watching, biking, hiking or even just strolling. It's also home to tennis courts, lawn bowling, 2 ice arenas, many golf courses and the famous International Women's Fast Pitch Tournament.While in the White Rock area you should experience the many lush nature trails and parks.

Serpentine Fen, a bird sanctuary, as well as Crescent Beach are two great areas to see over 200 species of birds on their migration. There is the Historical Stewart Farmhouse, a turn of the century museum, "Blackie Spit" and "1000 Steps" are other must see attractions that give you a rustic feel.Stretching 1,559 feet into the ocean is the White Rock pier. It was first constructed in 1915 and officially re-opened in 1977. For a pleasant stroll along the wooden planked pier and watch the crab fisherman of all ages try their luck.

You can also visit the great white boulder for which the city is named. Native legends claim the son of a sea god tossed this 486.63-ton magical rock across the seas to prove his strength and it was later used as a navigational beacon.The Promenade along White Rock's famous sandy beach is always a pleasant place to stroll and visit.

Approximately 2.19 Km (1.36 miles) of level, paved walkway, every inch with a spectacular Ocean Vista which can extend as far as the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. A sweeping view of the Canadian Gulf Islands and southern Vancouver Island across the Georgia Strait is a common reason that some folks stroll the entire length each day. Head out one way along the water and meander back along Marine Drive window shopping or stopping for coffee in one of the many shops, restaurants and cafes.

Marine Drive follows The Promenade through White Rock. With the ocean view on one side, the other side of the Drive meanders through a busy section of the downtown with shops, galleries, restaurants and sidewalk cafes, all with oceanfront views. There are numerous B&B's in this area that also face the ocean.

An ample selection of hotels and motels can be found farther south between White Rock and the US border.White Rock and the surrounding areas offer some of the finest residential neighborhoods in the Greater Vancouver area, including the growing Morgan Creek area surrounding the Morgan Creek Golf Course (one of fifteen Golf Courses in the area). The Lifestyle is decidedly upmarket and real estate prices tend to be higher than other areas of Surrey and other suburban parts of Greater Vancouver. It is within a reasonable distance to commute to Downtown Vancouver and has become a popular area for corporate executives with offices in Vancouver, Richmond and Burnaby. It is far enough away from the dense urban areas, yet close enough to be central to major corporate centers and still offer all the social and entertainment opportunities of a major North American venue.So, too, is it an excellent place to retire.

The year-round mild climate has made White Rock and the Semiahmoo Peninsula the choice for many senior Canadians. The City of White Rock, with its spectacular ocean views and the City of Surrey with quality new developments offer many condominium home opportunities geared to the older generation who don't want to spend their time maintaining a house.If you are looking to build your dream home, you will find that White Rock offers some of the highest quality builders in the Greater Vancouver district. There are many building lots available, ranging in size from a typical "city" lot to multi-acre estates or hobby farms. White Rock's quiet, safe neighborhoods will surely offer you the home you have been searching for, whether its an ocean view no-hassle condominium, a large treed lot to raise your family, or anything in between.

White Rock has something to offer everyone with shopping, recreational facilities, just ambling along the ocean front Promenade and fine dining. Whether for the day or for much longer, it's an excellent destination whether for the busy vacationer or for the weary traveler.

Your Independent guide to Canada Vacation.

By: Michael Russell