Wilmot Park

Wilmot Park is a picturesque urban oasis located in the heart of the city of Fredericton. Spanning nearly 5 hectares, this park is one of the most beloved recreation spots for both locals and travelers visiting Canada. Its manicured landscapes, adorned with century-old elms, vibrant flower beds, and fruit trees, create an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort.

The park harmoniously combines natural beauty with modern infrastructure. Here, you can find gravel trails for walking, an elegant bandstand, and modern sports fields. One of the main features of this place is its proximity to the historic Government House, which adds a special aristocratic charm to your walk.

This green corner is famous for its friendly atmosphere and variety of entertainment. Whether it's active sports or a quiet picnic in the shade of trees, Wilmot Park offers ideal conditions for quality outdoor recreation in an urban setting.

For more information about events or park regulations, you can use the official contact phone number of the city service. Wilmot Park is a municipal facility, so the city administration is responsible for its maintenance.

At Wilmot Park, everyone will find something to their liking. Active lifestyle enthusiasts can take advantage of well-equipped tennis and basketball courts or try their hand at traditional lawn bowling. The well-maintained gravel paths are perfect for light jogging, cycling, or leisurely bird watching among the thick foliage of the elms.

For families with children, a real hit is the modern water area (splash pad)—a massive "wave cushion" that becomes the center of fun and a refuge from the heat during the summer months. Nearby are playgrounds where children can play safely while adults relax on nearby benches or in the shade of trees.

If you're looking for peace, Wilmot Park offers many secluded corners for a picnic or reading a book. The central bandstand often hosts small local events and open-air concerts, adding a cultural context to your stroll. Don't forget to visit the orchard or simply enjoy the view of the exquisite landscape design, which changes from season to season.

Wilmot Park is located at 15 Saunders St, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. Thanks to its central location, it can be quickly reached on foot from the downtown business district while enjoying views of the historic Government House, which is situated right across the street.

For those who prefer public transport, bus stops are within walking distance. For example, stops near CBC / Radio-Canada are just a few hundred meters from the entrance. If you are arriving by car, you can use a navigator; parking spaces are usually available on adjacent streets such as Saunders Street or Rookwood Avenue.

The trip from Fredericton International Airport (YFC) takes about 15–20 minutes by taxi or rental car. For those who prefer active travel, cycling is an excellent option—the city's bike paths allow for comfortable and safe access to the park from almost any part of the city.

The history of this green space began back in 1860, when landowner William Hunter Odell offered the city a plot of land to create a public recreation area. Interestingly, the authorities initially refused the gift due to tax conditions, but proactive citizens formed a committee and accepted the land anyway. The official opening of the park as a "place for pleasure" took place on August 6, 1860, with the participation of the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII).

The park acquired its modern name and appearance thanks to Edward H. Wilmot. In 1894, he purchased the plot from Odell's widow and invested an impressive sum for that time—$10,000—in its improvement. A year later, he handed the park over to the city on the condition that it would bear his family's name, and added another $10,000 as an endowment for the perpetual maintenance of the territory. It was then that 500 majestic elms were planted and the first bandstand was installed.

The park has hosted high-level events on several occasions. For example, in 1984, Queen Elizabeth II visited during her Canadian tour, holding a formal picnic here. The modern chapter of the park's history was marked by the opening of a large-scale splash pad in 2016, funded by municipal, provincial, and federal budgets.

For a general tour of the park and a leisurely stroll along its well-kept alleys, 1 to 2 hours is sufficient. This time is enough to appreciate the landscape design, see the memorial bandstand, and walk along the gravel trails while admiring the century-old elms.

If you are planning a family outing with children, a visit to the splash pad, or a full picnic on the grass, you should set aside about 3 hours or even half a day. Wilmot Park invites long, contemplative relaxation, so many visitors prefer not to rush and spend an entire morning or afternoon here.

One of the main advantages of Wilmot Park is its accessibility. It is open to the public around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This allows visitors to enjoy a morning jog at dawn or a romantic stroll under the lanterns late in the evening.

Despite 24-hour access to the grounds, it's worth noting that specialized facilities, such as the splash pad or sports courts, may have seasonal schedules or be closed for maintenance during certain hours.

The park's location in the historic part of the city allows tourists to easily combine an outdoor walk with visits to cultural sites. Exploring the surroundings of Wilmot Park will help you feel the atmosphere of New Brunswick's capital more deeply and get to know its heritage.

In the immediate vicinity of the park, there are monuments, museums, and historic squares that can be reached in just a few minutes.