Bowring Park is the city's grand green space, a landscaped park of over 81 hectares in the west end of St. John's, bordered by the Waterford River on one side and South Brook on the other. It began in 1911 as a 20-hectare gift from the Bowring Brothers trading and shipping firm, marking their hundredth year in business in Newfoundland, and it opened to the public on 15 July 1914. Today it is part formal park, part woodland, with a duck pond and a fountain pond full of koi, winding paths and paved roadways, a conservatory, an amphitheatre and a labyrinth. A Peter Pan statue is one of its best-loved monuments. The park offers an accessible playground, a splash pad and an outdoor swimming pool in the warm months, along with tennis courts, lawn bowling, a ball field and a dog park. It is a pleasant, quiet place, far from the busy downtown.
What to do
Stroll the paths beside the ponds and the river, and watch the ducks and the koi. Look for the Peter Pan statue and the other monuments scattered through the park, and follow the paths along the water. Take a picnic to a quiet corner, let children loose in the playground or splash pad in summer, and enjoy the mature trees, which are lovely in early autumn.
The park is large enough for a long walk, with trails that suit a gentle stroll or a brisker circuit. In winter the park is quiet and can be snowy, which is a different kind of beauty, though paths may be icy.
Practical planning
Bowring Park is a municipal park, and walking around it is free. Facilities such as the swimming pool, splash pad and some sports amenities follow seasonal schedules, so check the city's page for opening times and any fees for the pool. The park is in the west end of the city, a short drive or taxi ride from downtown, and there is parking on site.
Local buses serve the area, but check the route in advance. Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate layers, since the park is exposed to the elements and the ground can be damp. Keep dogs under control and follow posted rules, and take care near the water, especially with young children.
Fitting it in
Allow about an hour for a gentle visit, or half a day if you picnic and use the playground. It is an ideal break after several days of hills and sightseeing, and a good choice for families who need space to run. Autumn, with its colours, and summer, with its long evenings, are the best seasons.
If you are visiting only for a short time and want the main sights, you can skip it, but for a slower pace and a look at how local people spend their weekends, it is a rewarding stop.
The Bowring Park Foundation, a volunteer group, supports its restoration and care. If you enjoy gardens and landscape design, look at how the paths, ponds and plantings were laid out more than a century ago, and notice how the park still feels like a place designed for slow strolling, family picnics and fresh air in the middle of a busy small city.
What to expect
The experience
A free self-guided visit to a large landscaped park with ponds, trails and a playground.
Best time
Summer for the pool and long evenings, and early autumn for colour; paths can be icy in winter.
How long
About an hour for a stroll, or half a day with a picnic and the playground.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, bring layers, check seasonal facility hours and take care near the water with children.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and walkers who want green space and a quiet pace.
- Families
- One of the best free family stops, with ponds, a playground and a splash pad in summer.
- Couples
- A relaxed riverside stroll away from the crowds.
- Pair with
- The Rooms or the Geo Centre, for a mix of indoor and outdoor time.
- Time needed
- One to three hours.
Good questions
Is Bowring Park free to enter?+
Walking in the park costs nothing. Some facilities, such as the outdoor pool, follow seasonal schedules, so check the city's page for details.
What is there to see?+
A duck pond, a fountain pond with koi, a Peter Pan statue, trails, a conservatory, an amphitheatre and a labyrinth, set in over 81 hectares beside the Waterford River.
Is it good for children?+
Yes, it has an accessible playground, a splash pad and an outdoor pool in the warm months, plus plenty of open space.
How do I get there?+
It is in the west end of the city, a short drive or taxi ride from downtown, with parking on site. Check bus routes if you prefer public transport.
When is the best time to visit?+
Summer is best for the pool and long evenings, and early autumn for colour. In winter the park is quiet but paths can be icy.
