02 The story
White Rock’s quieter shore
East Beach covers the eastern stretch of White Rock’s waterfront, running along Marine Drive toward the city’s boundary with the Semiahmoo First Nation. A rise in the road and shoreline, known locally as the Hump, marks the change from West Beach. East of it, the beach feels more open and a little more local, with homes climbing the hillside above Marine Drive.
The Semiahmoo people have lived along this bay for thousands of years, and their reserve lies just beyond the east end of the city. On the waterfront, a memorial plaza honouring the late Semiahmoo Grand Chief Bernard Charles features two carved house poles called The Gift, marking a partnership between the Semiahmoo First Nation, the RCMP and the City of White Rock.
Tides, sand and wind
East Beach is known for its wide tidal flats. At low tide the water pulls back a long way, revealing sand bars and tide pools that are perfect for exploring with kids and for skimboarding. At high tide, the calm water is good for kayaking and paddleboarding, and on windy days kitesurfers often head out on the bay.
The promenade continues along East Beach, so you can walk all the way to the pier and West Beach. Marine Drive here has a strip of restaurants, cafés and takeout spots, many with patios facing the water.
East Beach suits families, walkers and anyone who wants the beach without the busiest crowds. Check the tide table before you go, wear shoes that can get wet, and watch for incoming tides on the flats.
