A well-designed and well-maintained park or trail is a safe, fun, and healthy way for residents to get outside and be active. The City of Saint John operates and maintains 2,200 acres of nature park space, 56 kms of general use and wilderness trails, and 30 acres of community parks for citizens and visitors to enjoy—from large open green spaces, to cozy urban gathering places, to wild, forested parks that celebrate our natural world.

Saint John’s recreational needs are not the same as they were thirty years ago.  Saint John neighbourhoods are changing. Our population is getting older with fewer youth and a growing senior population.    Recreation options must consider the needs of all ages and physical abilities.

PlaySJ is the City of Saint John’s Strategic Plan for Parks and Recreation, adopted by Council in 2013. It is our plan to meet the community’s recreational needs over the next 10-15 years while remaining within our financial means. It provides guidelines and recommendations on how best to advance our quality of life and make Saint John a more attractive place to live, work and play. 

The plan was developed based on research and analysis of trends, a review of the distribution of parks, amenities and programs, input from parks and recreational professionals and consultations with stakeholders and residents. 

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Larche Memorial Park is located in the City’s west side. The park features beautiful green space and walking paths lined with red maple trees, along with a full size basketball court, a playground structure, several benches, and a custom-designed granite monument.

Formerly called the Quinton Heights Park, the park was renamed in memory of Constable Douglas James Larche of Saint John. Constable Larche was one of three Codiac RCMP officers who lost his life in the line of duty on June 4, 2014. He grew up in Saint John.

Anyone can spend time learning to ollie in any driveway or park. But to really learn what your board can do—and have a ton of fun—you kind of need the obstacles of a proper skate park. And that’s exactly what skaters in Saint John have. Just remember—helmets are required by law in New Brunswick.

Saint John’s biggest and most challenging skate park is Station 1 on Station Street next to TD Station. It's perfect for all skill levels and ages, with ramps, bowls, pipes, and rails. The annual Mayor’s Cup Skateboard Competition is held here on Canada Day.

A smaller skate park is located at Market Place District Park on the City’s west side. It's ideal for more novice skateboarders.

Shamrock Park is a multi-purpose outdoor sport and recreation venue located in the City’s north end. The park is home to the regulation-size Emera Field, with artificial multipurpose turf, uprights, lighting and seating for 400 spectators, along with four large team dressing rooms, washrooms, and free parking. But that’s just the beginning! 

The park also includes:

• multipurpose grass fields for youth; 
• multiple ball fields; 
• 8 Tennis courts with lights;
• 11 Horseshoe pits; 
• a community garden with 36 plots, green house, and tool shed.

For over 25 years the City of Saint John has been a leader in implementing best practices in energy efficiency.

Rainbow Park is a district park in the City’s south end. A popular spot for local residents, the park features a fully-accessible playground structure, a basketball court, washroom facilities, and a memorial garden for quiet reflection. It is also home to an active community garden.

Riverview Memorial Park is located on Douglas Avenue overlooking the Saint John River. The park’s construction began in the early 1900s by the Douglas Avenue Park Commission—it took many years to remove rock, level the ground, and create the grassy park we enjoy today. A monument was also installed to honour veterans who served in the Boer War, where four Saint John men lost their lives.

Seaside Park is located on the City’s west side and overlooks the beautiful Bay of Fundy. The park is a popular local gathering spot with activities such as live music and outdoor movies. It’s also home to the Seaside Lawn Bowling Club.

The Irving Nature Park is a 600 acre (243 hectare) wooded park located on the City's west side. It offers beautiful views of the Fundy coastline and is a popular destination among locals and visitors to enjoy the outdoors, with groomed trails and a gravel road for walking, hiking, and biking. It features accessible washrooms, lookouts, barbecues, and—just outside the main entrance—a children’s forest, playground, and life-size mazes.

The park was developed and is maintained by J.D. Irving Ltd.

Tucker Park is located in the City’s north end. Named after Lt.-Col. Joseph Tucker, who donated the land to the citizens of Saint John upon his death in 1914, the park is a treasured green space with a beach that features unspoiled views of the Kennebecasis River. 

Wolastoq means “the beautiful river” in the language of the Maliseet people who once lived on our shores. Built in 2004 by J.D. Irving, Limited, the park overlooks the Reversing Falls Rapids, and features a collection of statues of historical Saint John figures. Stroll Wolastoq’s shoreline – and you will see how these lands provided the Maliseet people with an abundance of food, materials and medicines, while acting as an important transportation route for hunting and trade.

The park was developed and is maintained by J.D. Irving, Limited.

Hourly and Daily Parking

Monthly Parking

Residential Zone Permits

Tickets and Enforcement