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1001 Steps

4.6
·703 reviews·Surrey, Canada

A scenic wooden staircase in Surrey, BC, leading to a unique beach with stunning sunset views and a rewarding workout.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late July - Early August

Berry season!

CrowdMedium
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1001 Steps - Image 1

1001 Steps

Best Time

Late July - Early August

Berry season!

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic wooden staircase in Surrey, BC, leading to a unique beach with stunning sunset views and a rewarding workout.

4.6
(703 reviews)

"The sunset views are spectacular, making the effort totally worth it."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Essential for the stairs! Many visitors recommend sturdy footwear for the climb.

🎒 Pack Light for the Beach

Carrying gear down and up the stairs can be tough. Pack only essentials.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Staircase

The Iconic Staircase

South Surrey

A zig-zag wooden staircase offering scenic ocean views on the way down to a well-known beach.

Sunset Over Boundary Bay

Sunset Over Boundary Bay

Beach at the bottom of the steps

Witness breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky and reflect on the glistening ocean.

Graffiti Tunnel & Railway

Graffiti Tunnel & Railway

Trail to the beach

Discover a surprisingly artistic tunnel adorned with graffiti, with a railway track overhead.

Wild Blackberry Bushes

Wild Blackberry Bushes

Trail to the beach

In season (late July/early August), enjoy foraging for delicious wild blackberries.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for the Steps!

While not actually 1001 steps, the descent and ascent are a significant workout. Pack light, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready for a leg burn. The beach at the bottom is pebbly, so don't expect to build sandcastles.

Sunset Magic & Parking

The sunset views are a major draw, but parking can be limited, especially on nice evenings. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from street parking. Check park gate closing times, as they vary seasonally.

Best Times

When
Late July - Early August
Why
Berry season!
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset
Why
Magical ocean views
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, good workout
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

WATCH as I attempt to run up the iconic “1001 Steps” in White Rock, BC. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!” Thank you all for your encouragement and support 💪🏼🏃🏻‍♂️ Let me know which limit you would like to see me push next! The Best Is Ahead✨ • • • #whiterockbc #hike #naturegram
masterlornedavidson
163 likes • 9.8K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Essential for the stairs! Many visitors recommend sturdy footwear for the climb. TikTokInstagram

🎒 Pack Light for the Beach

Carrying gear down and up the stairs can be tough. Pack only essentials. Reddit

1001 Steps: Hidden sunset spot in Surrey, B.C 😍 Waterfront views and natural areas on the way down to the trails. 📍12500 Block of 15A Avenue, Surrey BC #anywherevancouver
sathish.fpv
8.2K likes • 426.3K views
We’re thrilled to announce the 1001 Steps Restoration Project is officially complete!🎉 The iconic stairway in South Surrey originally built in the late 1980s has been beautifully rebuilt—offering a longer-lasting and functional design. Take the steps for access to breathtaking ocean views, where you can see local harbour seals and other wildlife. Whether you're a morning walker, sunset chaser, ...
thecityofsurrey
1.3K likes • 39.4K views

🌅 Aim for Sunset

The views are spectacular, making the effort totally worth it. InstagramReddit

🚗 Limited Parking

Street parking is free but fills up fast. Arrive early or be prepared to walk. InstagramReddit

1001 Steps | Surrey Crescent | Life's Insight Pallavi
lifesinsightpallavi
8 likes • 69 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Essential for the stairs! Many visitors recommend sturdy footwear for the climb. TikTokInstagram

🎒 Pack Light for the Beach

Carrying gear down and up the stairs can be tough. Pack only essentials. Reddit

🌅 Aim for Sunset

The views are spectacular, making the effort totally worth it. InstagramReddit

🚗 Limited Parking

Street parking is free but fills up fast. Arrive early or be prepared to walk. InstagramReddit

🍓 Bring a Container for Berries

If visiting in late summer, the wild blackberries are abundant and delicious. Reddit

💪 Great Cardio Workout

The stairs offer a challenging but rewarding fitness experience. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(703 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning sunset views and the rewarding workout provided by the 1001 Steps. The unique beach with its pebbly shore, graffiti tunnel, and potential for blackberry foraging adds to the adventurous appeal. However, the lack of amenities like washrooms and limited parking can be drawbacks for some.

"The beach is beautiful. The sunset is beautiful. There’s a long staircase before you reach the beach. When you reach the end of the staircase, there’s a trail going to the beach. There’s tons of wild blackberries along the trail. You will find a short tunnel with lots of graffitis. On top of the tunnel is a railway.

Pack light when going to the beach as the stairs is long. You can enjoy picnic by the beach. Please note that the beach are large pebbles and stones not fine sand. Children cannot build sand castles because there’s only large stones available.

There’s no washroom. Parking is a few minute walk from the entrance of the staircase. Street parking only. Free street parking."

Ruby Esmundo

"One of the rare neighbourhood beach access points, although it will take you a bit to get there. First the stairs and then, flanked by endless blackberry bushes, a walk along the railway. Late July, early August is berry season so bring a container.
The staircase is absolutely amazingly build with numerous places to rest and take a breath on your way up.

Especially during sunset time this place shows it’s magic with glistening ocean mirroring the sunlight and illuminating your walk down and up.

For opening hours know that they are staggered and change with the length of day, the park gates at the bottom of the street close at:
Feb 12 - Apr 15 at 8pm
Apr 16 - Aug 25 at 10pm
Aug 27 - Oct 15 at 8pm
Oct 16 - Feb 11 at 6pm.
There is a sign at the gate so make sure to verify the times."

Michael Hoher

"Nice and short work but could burn lots of calories. Not 1001 stairs only 230 something. Ran up and down three times.

Beautiful sunset though. The tunnel at the end of suprised us."

Selina Young

What People Like

Spectacular sunset views
Challenging stair workout
Unique beach and tunnel

What People Dislike

No washroom facilities
Limited parking
Pebbly beach

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The main access point is at the end of 15A Avenue & 128th Street in Ocean Park, South Surrey. Parking is available on the street, but it's limited and fills up quickly, especially during peak times. Some visitors suggest parking a few minutes away and walking. Instagram+1

While direct public transport to the trailhead is limited, you can take a bus to the Ocean Park area and then walk to the entrance. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes. Reddit

The closest parking is at the end of 15A Ave & 128th St. However, this lot is small. Free street parking is available nearby, but be prepared for a short walk to the trailhead. InstagramReddit

No, the wooden staircase is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. The trail to the beach also involves uneven terrain and a tunnel. Reddit

The park gates have staggered closing times that change with the seasons. For example, they close at 8 PM in winter and 10 PM in summer. Always check the sign at the gate for current hours. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, 1001 Steps is a public access point and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit and enjoy the stairs and beach. TikTok

There are no entrance fees for 1001 Steps. Access to the stairs, beach, and surrounding trails is completely free for the public. Reddit

The area is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the park gates at the bottom of the street have specific closing times that vary by season, so it's best to check the posted signs. Reddit

While the stairs themselves might be accessible, the park gates close at specific times depending on the season. Visiting after dark might mean restricted access to certain areas. Reddit

Late July to early August is ideal if you want to pick wild blackberries along the trail. For sunset views, any clear evening is great, but be mindful of the park's closing times. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Despite the name, there are actually fewer than 1001 steps, with some sources estimating around 230-250. It's still a significant workout! Reddit

The beach is composed of large pebbles and stones, not fine sand. It's beautiful for walking and enjoying the views, but not ideal for building sandcastles. Reddit

No, there are no washrooms available at the 1001 Steps or on the beach. Plan accordingly before your visit. Reddit

Visitors have reported seeing harbour seals and various other wildlife from the stairs. Eagles are also commonly spotted in the area. InstagramReddit

The trail is generally safe, but it involves walking along a railway line and through a tunnel with graffiti. Always be aware of your surroundings and any approaching trains. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The staircase itself offers great leading lines for photos. The beach at sunset provides stunning scenic shots, and the graffiti tunnel adds a unique urban element. InstagramReddit

Sunset is highly recommended for its dramatic lighting and beautiful reflections on the water. Golden hour before sunset is also excellent. InstagramReddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the staircase and the ocean views. A tripod can be helpful for low-light sunset shots. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions. Instagram

Look for the balancing rocks on the beach for surreal shots, capture the graffiti in the tunnel, and frame the staircase with the ocean in the background. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the 1001 Steps offer a great outdoor activity, they might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues due to the steepness and number of stairs. The beach at the bottom is pebbly, so building sandcastles isn't an option. However, older kids might enjoy the 'adventure' of the stairs, the graffiti tunnel, and the chance to spot wildlife. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities. Reddit

If you're visiting during berry season (late July/early August), it can be a fun activity for kids to help pick wild blackberries along the trail. The sunset views are also a memorable experience for the whole family, provided you can manage the climb back up in the fading light. Reddit

💪 Fitness Enthusiasts

The 1001 Steps are a fantastic spot for a serious cardio workout. Many visitors treat it as a personal challenge, running up and down multiple times to get their heart rate up. The consistent incline and number of steps provide an excellent leg and glute workout. TikTokInstagramReddit

For those looking to push their limits, consider timing yourself or incorporating interval training. The scenic ocean views serve as a great motivator, making the exertion feel more enjoyable. Remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body, especially on warmer days.

📸 Photographers

The 1001 Steps offer a variety of photographic opportunities. The staircase itself provides dramatic leading lines, especially when framed against the ocean. The beach at sunset is a prime location for capturing stunning landscape shots with vibrant colors. InstagramReddit

Don't miss the unique graffiti tunnel for urban-style photography, and keep an eye out for wildlife like seals and eagles. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the scale of the stairs and the expansive views. A tripod will be beneficial for low-light conditions during sunset. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Staircase Experience

The iconic 1001 Steps in Surrey, BC, are a popular destination for both fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers. Despite the name, the wooden staircase is actually closer to 230-250 steps, but it still provides a significant cardiovascular workout. The zig-zag design offers multiple resting points, allowing visitors to catch their breath and enjoy the increasingly stunning ocean views as they descend. Many visitors find the climb back up to be a rewarding challenge, often completing multiple ascents and descents. TikTokInstagramReddit

The restoration project completed in recent years has ensured the staircase is well-maintained and offers a durable design for visitors. The surrounding forest adds to the natural beauty, creating a serene atmosphere. It's a place where you can truly feel immersed in nature while still being close to urban amenities. Instagram

Beach Access and Amenities

At the bottom of the 1001 Steps, you'll find a unique beach characterized by large pebbles and stones rather than fine sand. This makes it less ideal for traditional sandcastle building but perfect for beachcombing and enjoying the rugged coastal scenery. The trail leading from the stairs to the beach is flanked by abundant wild blackberry bushes, which are a treat for foragers in late July and early August. Reddit

Adding to the adventure, the path includes a short tunnel adorned with vibrant graffiti, offering a stark contrast to the natural surroundings. Above the tunnel, you'll notice a railway line, a reminder of the area's industrial past. It's important to note that there are no washrooms available at the beach or along the trail, so visitors should plan accordingly. Reddit

Sunset Views and Wildlife

One of the most celebrated aspects of visiting 1001 Steps is the breathtaking sunset over Boundary Bay. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky ignites with color, casting a magical glow that reflects beautifully on the water. This makes the strenuous climb well worth the effort for many, turning a simple hike into a memorable visual experience. InstagramReddit

The area is also a haven for local wildlife. Visitors have reported spotting harbour seals swimming near the shore and a variety of bird species, including eagles soaring overhead. The natural beauty and potential for wildlife encounters add another layer of appeal to this South Surrey gem. InstagramReddit

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