White Rock has long been a weekend retreat for weary urbanites looking to escape big city living. Named for the 486-tonne white rock which lies east of its pier, the city is lovingly nicknamed 'wrinkle rock' by some residents, due to the large population of retirees. Interestingly, the white rock that the city is named after was not originally white, but rather was painted that way to provide a navigation point for boaters. Located 45 km (28 mi) south of Vancouver and just northwest of the Peace Arch U.S. border crossing, White Rock enjoys a temperate year-round climate and is therefore a great destination each season of the year. Completing its list of oceanfront amenities, Marine Drive is lined with unique shops and colourful restaurants & bars. The White Rock Pier stretches 457 m (1,500 ft) into the shallow, warm waters of the Semiahmoo Bay and is a summer hot-spot, hosting numerous events.