Rockwood Park is Saint John's big green space, a park of 890 hectares in the North End that the city describes as one of Canada's largest urban parks. It has more than 55 trails and footpaths, freshwater lakes with public beaches, a campground, an interpretation centre, a playground and an 18-hole golf course. Rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing and biking are summer activities, autumn brings fall foliage, and in winter the park turns to skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sleigh rides. The park is a place to stretch your legs, not a headline sight, and it makes a good half-day outing for families and walkers who want a break from the harbour and the markets. It is open year-round, and the address is 55 Lake Drive South, so it is one of the few top sights in the region that works in November.
What to do
Pick a lake and walk its shore, then add a trail up to the rock faces and caves that give the park its geology. The city's page mentions caves, rock formations and waterfalls among the geological features. In summer you can swim at the public beaches, paddle a canoe or kayak, and climb. In autumn the foliage draws walkers, and in winter the lakes and trails are used for skating, snowshoeing and skiing.
Seasons and planning
Rockwood Park is open year-round. The city lists its hours as 8 am to 6 pm in winter, 8 am to 8 pm in spring and autumn and 8 am to 10 pm in summer, though another box on the page gives 8 am to 10 pm every day, so check the gate hours on the day. No entry fee is listed on the city's page. Trail maps are available from the park's website, and the interpretation centre is a good first stop for orientation.
Fitting it in
The park is on the eastern side of the North End, a short drive from uptown, so it fits easily between a morning at the City Market and an afternoon at the Reversing Falls. It is the best wet-weather and off-season alternative in Saint John when the coastal parks are closed, and with children it is the easiest place in the city to burn off energy.
What to expect
The experience
A large public park with lakes, trails, a campground and a golf course, open all year with activities for each season.
Best time
Summer for swimming and paddling, autumn for foliage and winter for skating and snowshoeing, with the park open year-round.
How long
Allow two to four hours for a lake walk and a trail, or a full day with a picnic.
Tips
Check the trail map and gate hours, wear sturdy shoes and bring layers, because the park is exposed in winter.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, walkers and anyone who wants a free outdoor break in the city.
- Families
- Beaches, a playground and easy lakeside paths suit children.
- Couples
- Walk a lake shore at sunset in autumn, then eat uptown.
- Pair with
- The City Market and the Reversing Falls fit into the same day.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours.
Good questions
Is Rockwood Park open in winter?+
Yes, the city describes it as a four-season park with skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sleigh rides. Gate hours are shorter in winter, so check before you go.
How big is it?+
The park covers 890 hectares and has more than 55 trails and footpaths. The city calls it one of Canada's largest urban parks.
Is there an admission fee?+
The city's page lists none for the park. Camping, golf and some activities carry their own charges.
Where is it?+
At 55 Lake Drive South, in the eastern part of Saint John's North End. It is a short drive from uptown.
What can I do there in summer?+
Swim at the public beaches, paddle a canoe or kayak, bike, climb or camp. There is also a golf course and a playground.
