Nestled in the heart of Saint John is the Public Gardens. Home to the Saint John Horticultural Association’s three greenhouses, it is a green oasis of sweet scents, colourful flowers, and shady resting spots. Friends relax on the benches, parents push strollers along the pathways, and walkers pause to admire the flowers. You’ll see wedding parties and graduates taking pictures, and families enjoying a picnic. It’s your place to relax, so drop by and enjoy the beauty and tranquility that ‘Johners’ and visitors to the city have loved for more than 125 years.

While staying at the Campground, you can hike or bike on more than 50 trails throughout the park, entertain toddlers at the Kiwanis Playground, and treat your pup to a romp in the Bark Park. Rockwood Park is home to ten lakes, so don’t forget your fishing rod and NB fishing license! In summer, jump in for some supervised swimming at Lily Lake or Fisher Lakes. Just a short walk from the Campground at Lily Lake, you’ll find a wide range of watercraft to rent. After working up an appetite from all your outdoor fun, don’t forget to enjoy a delicious meal at Lily’s Café, featuring take-out, indoor dining, and a popular lakeside deck.

As Canada’s first incorporated city, Saint John boasts a wealth of historic architecture and sites to see. Stroll the South End peninsula past beautifully preserved Victorian homes and shop at the 1870s City Market, shaped like an upside-down ship’s hull. Head downhill for a waterfront walk along Harbour Passage to the Reversing Falls, part of the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark. Then play on the west side’s beaches, hike the trails at the Irving Nature Park, and enjoy weekend markets at city parks. The options are endless!