If you know Saint John, you know Rockwood Park. The sprawling, 2,200-acre green space is the kind of urban oasis that makes Toronto’s High Park look like a backyard garden. In the summer, it’s all about kayaking, hiking, and post-trail beers. But winter? Winter is when the park reveals its quieter, more cinematic side, and no place captures that better than Lily Lake Pavilion.
The Coolest Spot in Town
Located along the frozen shoreline of its namesake lake, the Pavilion is a cornerstone of the city’s winter scene. And while the ice skating rink and warm drinks inside might feel like a Hallmark movie backdrop, the history here is anything but saccharine. Built in 1905, the Pavilion has hosted everything from grand dances to political rallies, a testament to its long-standing role as a meeting place for Saint Johners. Today, it balances heritage charm with modern-day appeal—think cozy après-skate ambiance paired with some of the best casual dining in town.
Skating, Sipping, and Staying Warm
At this time of year, the lake transforms into a natural skating rink, drawing locals and visitors alike. On crisp February afternoons, you’ll see couples gliding hand in hand, kids executing their first wobbly steps on skates, and the occasional hockey game breaking out in true Maritime fashion. Best of all? It’s free. Just bring your own skates, or rent a pair at the Pavilion if you forgot yours.
When your toes start tingling, it’s time to head inside. The Pavilion’s in-house restaurant, Lily’s, offers exactly what you want after an hour on the ice—hot chocolate, hearty soups, and a selection of local craft beers that might just make you rethink that après-ski obsession. If you time it right, you’ll snag a seat by the massive windows, where the lake’s icy expanse provides the kind of view that reminds you why winter isn’t all bad.
Beyond the Ice
Not a skater? No problem. Rockwood Park offers winter hiking trails that wind through snow-dusted forests, a quieter way to take in the beauty of the season. For the more adventurous, there’s fat biking and snowshoeing, both available for rent at Inside Out Nature Centre, just a short walk from the Pavilion.
And if all of that still sounds too active for February? There’s always the option of simply taking in the atmosphere. Lily Lake Pavilion hosts events year-round, and even in the dead of winter, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble into a community gathering, live music, or a laid-back weekend brunch scene.
The Perfect Midwinter Escape
There’s a reason the Pavilion has been a staple in Saint John for over a century. It’s more than just a beautiful building—it’s a place that pulls people together, no matter the season. So, if you find yourself in Saint John this February, lean into winter. Bundle up, lace up, and let Lily Lake Pavilion remind you why cold-weather days aren’t just something to endure—they’re something to enjoy.
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