Neighborhood-Kids All Local. All for Kids. All the Time.

A Day Trip to White Rock, British Columbia

by Neighborhood-Kids.com2/1/2008 2:42:02 PM

Although it takes about two hours to get from Bellingham to downtown Seattle, it’s only 24 miles to the Peace Arch Border Crossing to Canada. Just two more miles takes you to the seaside community of White Rock, British Columbia. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, a day trip to White Rock with the kids might be just the thing your family needs. Especially since the second week of February is Spirit of BC Week, with special events and activities taking place all over the province.

The pier at White Rock.

Crossing the border into Canada can be an exciting experience for kids, but it can be stressful for adults sometimes. Just make sure you’re prepared. You can check wait times at the Peace Arch and other BC crossings at Borderlineups.com and the Washington State Department of Transportation.

And even if you’re only crossing the border for the day, make sure you have the necessary documents. Starting January 31, 2008, adults over the age of 19 must have valid documentation  when crossing borders into the United States by air, sea, and land; an oral declaration will no longer be sufficient.  For children, have a copy of their birth certificate or a government issued photo ID.

Also, if the child is traveling with only one parent or someone who is not a legal guardian, the Customs and Border Protection recommends having a document (notarized, if possible) signed by both parents stating, "I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter. He/She/They has my permission to do so." The CBP might not always ask for such a document, but if they do and you don’t have it, you could be detained until the situation can be further evaluated.

Once you’ve successfully crossed the border, you can make your way to White Rock, which has lots of features to enjoy no matter what time of year you make your visit.

You can find out a little more about the history of this coastal town, which has been a popular summer vacation spot for Vancouverites for nearly one hundred years, at the White Rock Museum and Archives, open year round Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Through them, you can also schedule Heritage Walking tours that will take you on a comfortable walk along the beach as you learn about White Rock’s past and present.

The namesake of White Rock with Mt. Baker in the distance.

As you make your way along the White Rock Pier and Promenade, keep your eyes peeled some local monuments, like The Gift totem poles, the East Beach Bear, and the namesake of White Rock, a mammoth stone weighing in at 486.63 tons.

After exploring White Rock’s beaches, if you’re looking to do some shopping, visit Johnston Road to find some locally-owned independent businesses, like bookstores, clothing boutiques and flower outlets. And while White Rock has an active nightlife, there are also plenty of family-friendly restaurants and activities-- like ice skating, movie theatres, and boat rentals-- to keep the kids entertained.

If you really want to plan ahead, consider making a trip to White Rock during one of their annual festivals, like the Semiahmoo Bay Regatta in April or the Tour de White Rock bicycle race in July, either to play or just to observe.

For more information about White Rock amenities and other attractions nearby, visit the City of White Rock or White Rock Online.