White Rock is a beach town first and a coffee town second, and that’s exactly why its cafes work. You grab a cup, walk the promenade to the pier, watch the trains roll along the shore and look out over Semiahmoo Bay. The town has two coffee zones: the waterfront along Marine Drive and uptown around Johnston Road.
Marine Drive (West Beach and the pier)
- Whitby’s Coffee House (14829 Marine Drive): A bright, spacious local favourite at West Beach with plenty of seating, breakfast, sandwiches and gelato.
- Chez Christophe White Rock (14973 Marine Drive): The Burnaby chocolatier’s waterfront outpost. Croissants, macarons, chocolates and good espresso.
- Ricardo’s (14963 Marine Drive): Italian-style coffee, ice cream and bubble tea. The pistachio latte and affogato are the orders.
- The White Coffee & Ice Cream (14909 Marine Drive): Hot and iced coffee, two dozen ice cream flavours and a patio with an ocean view.
- Overflo Dessert Cafe and Crazy Cows: Dessert-first stops near the pier that also pull espresso. Good for families.
- Chaiiwala of London (15069 Marine Drive): Karak chai and Indian street snacks for when you want something other than coffee.
East Beach
- Leieve Tea & Coffee (Marine Drive, East Beach): A tiny, cheerful shop with a long menu of hot and cold drinks, bubble tea and smoothies.
- Verandah Cafe by the Beach: A relaxed stop farther east along Marine Drive.
Uptown: Johnston Road and Pacific Avenue
- Laura’s Coffee Corner (15259 Pacific Avenue): Often called the best coffee shop in White Rock. Owner-operated, with fair-trade organic coffee and real food baked on site: soups, salads, sandwiches, panini. Many locals stop daily.
- Bean Around the World (1400 Johnston Road): The Vancouver-born cafe’s White Rock location, with sidewalk seats in the sun and a welcome-to-hang-out feel.
- Small Ritual Coffee (Johnston Road): A small uptown option worth checking out.
Chains in White Rock
Most chain locations are just over the border in South Surrey, at Semiahmoo and along 152nd Street. If you’re crossing at the Peace Arch, the 152nd Street strip has every chain you’d want.
Local tips
- Best coffee walk: The promenade from West Beach to East Beach, with a stop on the pier.
- Parking: Pay parking on Marine Drive fills up on sunny weekends. Arrive early or take the hill stairs from uptown.
- Best for a working session: Laura’s or Bean Around the World uptown, rather than the busy waterfront.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best coffee shop in White Rock?
Laura’s Coffee Corner uptown and Whitby’s Coffee House on Marine Drive are local favourites.
Are there cafes with ocean views in White Rock?
Yes. Most of Marine Drive faces Semiahmoo Bay, including Whitby’s, The White Coffee & Ice Cream and Chez Christophe.
Last checked November 2026. Cafes change hours, owners and addresses often, so check a cafe’s own Instagram or Google listing before making a special trip. Know a spot we missed? Tell us.
