Rockwood Park (Saint John, New Brunswick)

Rockwood Park offers 2,200 acres (890 hectares) of unspoiled natural beauty, with ten lakes and 55 trails and footpaths, in the heart of the city of Saint John, New Brunswick. The park encompasses is made of upland Acadian mixed forest, many hills and several caves, as well as several freshwater lakes, with an extensive trail network, and a golf course.

Rockwood Park’s billion years of history can be seen in unique rock formations, caves and waterfalls. Discover all the fascinating treasures in New Brunswick’s all season natural amusement park.

It is located in the eastern area of the North End and is one of Canada and New Brunswick's largest urban parks. It is also a Stonehammer Geopark site.

The park is open from dawn until dusk, with plenty of free parking. Visitors can enter and exit from either the Lake Drive at Lily Lake or Hawthorne Avenue Extension at Fisher Lakes. Paved pathways connect to free and accessible amenities such as the Interpretation Centre, the Kiwanis Play Park, and the Bark Park. Spend the entire day playing at your leisure.

Lily Lake Pavilion

Sitting on the shores of the pristine Lily Lake in Rockwood Park, the Lily Lake Pavilion offers a unique venue with a lakeside view with dining & spa options right on the lake.

Not only does the revenue derived from the Pavilion’s operations keep this beautiful building open to the community, it is a registered charity that provides educational and recreational programs that benefit children, seniors and families in Saint John.

Lily Lake

History

The park was designed by Calvert Vaux, one of the designers of New York City's Central Park, in the mid-19th century. The park was initially established around Lily Lake during the late 19th century, and was named in a vote by citizens in the area around the park.

Lily Lake was one of the first sources of fresh water for Saint John.  It was hauled from the lake by tanks and sold for 1 cent a bucket.  In 1907, a court battle ensued as to who had the rights to the ice in Lily Lake; the ice cutters or the skaters.  Although the ice cutters had been granted permission to erect an ice block conveyor in previous years, the skaters won and for decades the lake was center for outdoor winter recreation.

In 1926 speed skater, native Charles Gorman, won the World Speed Skating Championship on Lily Lake. Gorman who fought in Vimy Ridge in WW1, returned to speed skating and represented Canada in 2 Olympics. It was estimated that 25,000 people turned out on Feb. 7th to watch him take the Championship setting a world record in the 220 and 440 yard events.

Venues
  • Lily Lake Pavilion[1]
  • Lily Lake Spa[2]
  • Fisher Lake Pavilion
  • Inside Out Nature Center[3]
    • Rock-climbing, Guided Hikes, Outdoor Equipment & Boat Rentals
  • Beaches
    • Fisher Lake
    • Lily Lake
  • Campground[4]
  • Golf Course and Driving Range[5]
    • Britt's Pub by the golf course

See also

References
  1. "About". Lily Lake Pavilion. Retrieved 2021-08-01.
  2. Studio, At the Lake Spa &. "At the Lake Spa & Studio". At the Lake Spa & Studio. Retrieved 2021-08-01.
  3. Centre, Inside Out nature. "Inside Out nature Centre". Inside Out nature Centre. Retrieved 2021-08-01.
  4. "Home". Rockwood Park Campground. Retrieved 2021-08-01.
  5. "Golf Rockwood | 18 hole Golf Course in the heart of Saint John, New Brunswick". Retrieved 2021-08-01.

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