Family Fun in Newfoundland and Labrador

Bannerman Park

Adjacent to the Colonial Building, Bannerman Park opened in 1891 and is named after Governor Alexander Bannerman, who donated some land. This lovely example of an inner-city Victorian park features gardens, stately trees, a bandstand and a swimming pool. During the Great Fire of 1892, the park became a temporary tent city in which numerous people took refuge from the devastation that left 1,900 families homeless.

Rotary Young Children's Playground

P.O.Box 12409
c/o 95 Elizabeth Avenue
St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 1R7
(709) 576-8406, fax: 576-8026
Features 25 pieces of playground equipment for younger children, along walks in the intricate shape of a Celtic Friendship Knot. Built in tribute to Rotarians by the Johnson Family Foundation.
From Apr 01 - Nov 30

Avalon Wilderness Reserve

P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 4J6
(709) 729-2424, fax: 729-1100
This 1,070 sq km reserve comprises one of North America's most southerly, unspoiled barrens. It is a sanctuary for a medley of wildlife and plant species. The caribou herd is Canada's most southerly, containing some of the world's largest caribou.
From Jan 01 - Dec 31

Bowring Park

Waterford Bridge Rd & Cowan Ave on the west end of town. Named for the wealthy merchant family that donated the west end land in 1911, Bowring Park features traditional English botanical gardens, pleasant open spaces, walking paths and a pond that is home to swans, geese and ducks. The park also has a 50-metre outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a picnic area, a playground and a lawn bowling green, and is a popular spot for tobogganing and skiing in winter. One of the park's most visited landmarks is the statue of Peter Pan; a replica of a statue in London's Kensington Gardens, which was unveiled in 1925 as a memorial to a child lost at sea. Two other noteworthy statues in the park are The Caribou, a replica of a statue in Beaumont Hamel, France, where the Royal Newfoundland Regiment was decimated in 1916 during the Battle of the Somme (the caribou was the regiment's insignia), and The Fighting Newfoundlander, a tribute to the regiment unveiled in 1922.
Open dialy from 9 am to 10 pm, with guided tours from May to August ($3 adults $1 children) 709-576-6134

C.A. Pippy Park

North end of town via Klenmount Drive, off Prince Phillips Dr and Allendale Rd
P.O. Box 8861
St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 3T2
(709) 737-3655, fax: 737-3303
This 1,343-hectare park has steep hills with woodlands and provide hiking trails, picnic sites, camping, a golf course and lounge and wintertime cross-country skiing. The park is popular for bird watching, fishing and berry picking. Wild animals such as moose and rabbits frequent Pippy Park. Facilities include a playground, convenience store and a 156-site RV park. A natural heritage tour includes a visit to the world-class Fluvarium, Memorial University's Botanical Gardens and a panoramic view of historic St. John's. A second high-tech tour is available and includes a visit to the world's largest ice tank and much more.
Open year-round, allow 4 hours.

Grand Concourse Walkways

P.O. Box 12049
St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 1R7
(709) 737-1077, fax: 737-1014
One of the finest urban hiking trail systems in Canada wanders all over St. John's, Mount Pearl & Paradise & connects to neighbouring trails. Walker's Handbook are available in area bookstores.
From Jan 01 - Dec 31

Harbourside Park

P.O. Box 908
St. John's, Newfoundland, A1C 5M2
(709) 576-8406, fax; 576-8026
This delightful park was built opposite the National War Memorial to commemorate the 1583 proclamation by Sir Humphry Gilbert claiming Newfoundland. This is the only public place fronting on the harbour.
Overlooking scenic St. John's Harbour, the park -- located opposite the War Memorial on Water Street -- was opened in 1984 and commemorates Sir Humphrey Gilbert's landing at the site in 1583 and his founding of the first overseas colony of the British Empire.

La Manche Provincial Park (hiking Trails)

P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 4J6
(709) 685-1823, fax: 729-1100
parksinfo@mail.gov.nf.ca
www.gov.nf.ca/parks&reserves/
Walk the 2 km trail to abandoned fishing village of La Manche and over the suspension bridge. The east coast trail runs through the woodland bird haven.
From Jun 01 - Oct 31

Memorial University Botanical Gardens

St. John's, Newfoundland, A1C 5S7
(709) 737-8590, fax; 737-8596
The MUN Botanical Gardens are 100 acres of cultivated and natural habitat with an extensive rock garden featuring both limestone and acidic areas, alpine house, heritage garden, cottage garden, heather and rhododendron garden, peat beds, vegetable garden, wildlife garden and perennial border. Well-maintained trails take you through numerous natural habitats including boreal forest, fen, bog (with orchids, pitcher plants and sundews), rocky barrens and lakeshore. Oxen pond (14 acres) has waterfowl, trout and resident osprey. Numerous exhibits displayed at the field centre describe garden research, wildflower topics and gardening. For more information, call (709) 737-8590.
From May 01 - Nov 30

Salmonier Nature Park

The park is located approximately 50 km from St. John's.
(709) 729-6974
This wilderness reserve area contains a zoological display of wildlife nature unique to Newfoundland, And Labrador. Visitors can view animals and birds as they walk the 3 km nature trail.
Open June 1 to Labour Day weekend from noon to 7 pm. After Labour Day, open 10 am - 5 pm until October 12.

Southside Hills

You can take the East Coast Trail across this 250 metre (800 feet) high glacially scarred summit. The views to Cape Spear and St. John's are astounding.

Sunken Whalers- Conception Bay

Church Rd.
Conception Harbour, Newfoundland, A0A 1Z0
(709) 229-4781
Ideal for diving, easily accessed, sunken whaling ships. 30-40' high natural waterfall, swimming, a photographers and naturalists haven.
From Jan 01 - Dec 31

Victoria Park

Named after Queen Victoria, the park -- located at the west end of Water Street -- was established in the late 1800s. It is in the colonial style, with paths lined by large trees and colourful flower beds.

Witless Bay Ecological Reserve

116 Park Avenue
Mt. Pearl, Newfoundland, A1N 1J7
(709) 726-9283
Located 30 km south of St. John's, the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is home to millions of seabirds including Atlantic Puffins, Kittiwakes, Razorbills, and Southern Black Guillemots. Whales and iceberg, in season, converge at this spectacular natural site.

Zodiac Excursions

Reach speeds up to 65 km/h, venture into stunning caves, hear tales of notorious pirates, stare into the blow hole of a 40 ton humpback whale, view majestic waterfalls. Small groups (1-9). Rain gear provided.
From May 15 - Oct 15