things to do
Bicycling
Rockwood Park has many different multi-use trails popular as mountain biking trails, for both the experienced and novice biker. They range from wide gravel trails for a leisurely pedal, to some of the most technical single-track trails of root and rock in the east. All trails are signed and 'you are here' maps are at intersections of the main trail. Hardcopy trail maps can be found at the Interpretation Centre, and trails are updated regularly on trail forks. Learn more at Saint John Cycling. Bike rentals and tours are available at Inside Out Nature Centre.
Rockwood Park has many different multi-use trails popular as mountain biking trails, for both the experienced and novice biker. They range from wide gravel trails for a leisurely pedal, to some of the most technical single-track trails of root and rock in the east. All trails are signed and 'you are here' maps are at intersections of the main trail. Hardcopy trail maps can be found at the Interpretation Centre, and trails are updated regularly on trail forks. Learn more at Saint John Cycling. Bike rentals and tours are available at Inside Out Nature Centre.
Birding
Bird watchers come to Rockwood Park to marvel at dozens of feathered species. The Rockwood arboretum is one of the first locations in Saint John to find returning spring migratory birds. A good variety of warblers nest in the Park as well as scarlet tanagers, northern orioles, chickadees, ruby-throated hummingbirds, red-breasted nuthatches, mourning doves, and hermit thrushes. Birds of prey such as osprey, various species of eagles and hawks are common especially in the more open areas. Owls are also sighted regularly.
Bird watchers come to Rockwood Park to marvel at dozens of feathered species. The Rockwood arboretum is one of the first locations in Saint John to find returning spring migratory birds. A good variety of warblers nest in the Park as well as scarlet tanagers, northern orioles, chickadees, ruby-throated hummingbirds, red-breasted nuthatches, mourning doves, and hermit thrushes. Birds of prey such as osprey, various species of eagles and hawks are common especially in the more open areas. Owls are also sighted regularly.
Boating
From the expansive Lily Lake and island-studded Fisher Lakes in the recreation area, to the secluded coves of Long Lake and the shallow vegetation-filled Crystal Lake in the wilderness area, Rockwood Park offers the ideal setting for canoeing or kayaking. Rentals are available at Inside Out Nature Centre. Paddle boards, hydro-bikes, and pedal boats are also available. No motorized boating is permitted.
From the expansive Lily Lake and island-studded Fisher Lakes in the recreation area, to the secluded coves of Long Lake and the shallow vegetation-filled Crystal Lake in the wilderness area, Rockwood Park offers the ideal setting for canoeing or kayaking. Rentals are available at Inside Out Nature Centre. Paddle boards, hydro-bikes, and pedal boats are also available. No motorized boating is permitted.
Camping
It’s all the fun of city camping in the wilderness! Campers have a choice of settings from open RV sites, cozy cottage rentals, or semi-wooded tenting sites. Take advantage of the park's close proximity to downtown, and also the many amenities in Rockwood Park! Visit Rockwood Park Campground for more information. Large groups such as scouts can book the wilderness area of the park for unserviced camping. Please contact the Interpretation Centre to inquire.
It’s all the fun of city camping in the wilderness! Campers have a choice of settings from open RV sites, cozy cottage rentals, or semi-wooded tenting sites. Take advantage of the park's close proximity to downtown, and also the many amenities in Rockwood Park! Visit Rockwood Park Campground for more information. Large groups such as scouts can book the wilderness area of the park for unserviced camping. Please contact the Interpretation Centre to inquire.
Celebrating
From birthdays and banquets to reunions and fundraisers, there are so many great ways to celebrate your special occasion in Rockwood Park. Themed parties are a specialty of Inside Out Nature Centre, while the Hatheway Pavillion provides the perfect lake-side setting for your special occasion. Planning an event in the park? Reserve your date and space.
From birthdays and banquets to reunions and fundraisers, there are so many great ways to celebrate your special occasion in Rockwood Park. Themed parties are a specialty of Inside Out Nature Centre, while the Hatheway Pavillion provides the perfect lake-side setting for your special occasion. Planning an event in the park? Reserve your date and space.
Climbing
It's called "Rock"wood Park for a reason! Reach new heights as you search for the next foothold on 550 million year old lava rock. Two ancient continental fragments, called terrains, are separated by the Caledonia Fault which runs along Lake Drive. Make rock-climbing your next park adventure. Advanced booking is required by contacting Inside Out Adventure Centre.
It's called "Rock"wood Park for a reason! Reach new heights as you search for the next foothold on 550 million year old lava rock. Two ancient continental fragments, called terrains, are separated by the Caledonia Fault which runs along Lake Drive. Make rock-climbing your next park adventure. Advanced booking is required by contacting Inside Out Adventure Centre.
Dining
Two restaurants open year round serve up your choice of settings: the lush greenery of the links or sparkle of the lake, both with patio dining in the summer. Enjoy a British-style pub menu at Britt's Golf Rockwood or casual lakeside dining at Lily's.
Two restaurants open year round serve up your choice of settings: the lush greenery of the links or sparkle of the lake, both with patio dining in the summer. Enjoy a British-style pub menu at Britt's Golf Rockwood or casual lakeside dining at Lily's.
Fishing
Each year, Rockwood Park offers a summer fishing season, from May 1 to September 15, and an ice-fishing season, from January 1 to March 31. The lakes are stocked with trout twice a year by the Department of Natural Resources. Fishing licenses are required and length and daily bag limits apply to Brook Trout and Yellow Perch. Contact the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre for more information.
Each year, Rockwood Park offers a summer fishing season, from May 1 to September 15, and an ice-fishing season, from January 1 to March 31. The lakes are stocked with trout twice a year by the Department of Natural Resources. Fishing licenses are required and length and daily bag limits apply to Brook Trout and Yellow Perch. Contact the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre for more information.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt that combines GPS tracking with outdoor adventure, and it's fun for all ages! Download the geocaching app and explore what others have left behind. Or, for a group activity check out Inside Out Nature Centre for a more organized activity where you will be equipped with a map, GPS unit and a series of clues to find caches throughout the park.
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt that combines GPS tracking with outdoor adventure, and it's fun for all ages! Download the geocaching app and explore what others have left behind. Or, for a group activity check out Inside Out Nature Centre for a more organized activity where you will be equipped with a map, GPS unit and a series of clues to find caches throughout the park.
Golfing
Play a round at our 18-hole, 70 par public golf course. Its scenic hillside terrain offers the perfect balance of challenge and fun for all skill levels. Find out more about the course and the aquatic driving range at Golf Rockwood.
Play a round at our 18-hole, 70 par public golf course. Its scenic hillside terrain offers the perfect balance of challenge and fun for all skill levels. Find out more about the course and the aquatic driving range at Golf Rockwood.
Hiking
With over 55 km of multi-use footpaths and trails throughout Rockwood Park, you can walk, run, snowshoe, or roll all day without retracing your steps and easily forget you are in the middle of Saint John. The trails are all well maintained, well marked and can accommodate any desired level of ease or difficulty. Guided hikes are available at Inside Out Nature Centre. Also check out the Saint John Outdoor Enthusiasts for group hikes.
With over 55 km of multi-use footpaths and trails throughout Rockwood Park, you can walk, run, snowshoe, or roll all day without retracing your steps and easily forget you are in the middle of Saint John. The trails are all well maintained, well marked and can accommodate any desired level of ease or difficulty. Guided hikes are available at Inside Out Nature Centre. Also check out the Saint John Outdoor Enthusiasts for group hikes.
Pampering
Unwind and indulge your well-being. Enjoy a spa treatment in the serene surroundings of the lake. Mani? Pedi? Facial? At the Lake Spa & Studio has you covered from head to toe!
Unwind and indulge your well-being. Enjoy a spa treatment in the serene surroundings of the lake. Mani? Pedi? Facial? At the Lake Spa & Studio has you covered from head to toe!
Skating
Rockwood Park has been the centre of winter recreation for decades and skating on Lily Lake is a must. In 1926, an estimated 25,000 spectators congregated at Lily Lake to watch Saint John native, Charles Gorman, win the World Speed Skating Championship on Lily Lake, setting a world record in the 220 and 440 yard events. Contact the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre for current conditions.
Rockwood Park has been the centre of winter recreation for decades and skating on Lily Lake is a must. In 1926, an estimated 25,000 spectators congregated at Lily Lake to watch Saint John native, Charles Gorman, win the World Speed Skating Championship on Lily Lake, setting a world record in the 220 and 440 yard events. Contact the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre for current conditions.
Snowshoeing and Fat Biking
Snowshoeing and fat-tired biking are great winter activities for all ages and fitness levels. Several trails are groomed in the winter. Inside Out Nature Centre offers snowshoe rentals and guided tours.
Snowshoeing and fat-tired biking are great winter activities for all ages and fitness levels. Several trails are groomed in the winter. Inside Out Nature Centre offers snowshoe rentals and guided tours.
Swimming
Warm lake water and sandy beaches make Rockwood Park a popular destination for swimmers. Lily Lake and Fisher Lakes are both supervised with lifeguards on duty from the end of June until the first of September.
Warm lake water and sandy beaches make Rockwood Park a popular destination for swimmers. Lily Lake and Fisher Lakes are both supervised with lifeguards on duty from the end of June until the first of September.
