Bowring Park

Out on the west side of St. John’s, you’ll find Bowring Park—a place locals really love. It’s full of winding trails, big old trees, peaceful ponds, and statues that people here treasure. For anyone in the city, the park feels like an escape from the busy downtown buzz, but it’s also a spot loaded with local history.

The park exists thanks to the Bowring family, who were major players in Newfoundland’s business scene for a long time. Back in 1911, Sir Edgar Rennie Bowring gave the land to St. John’s as a gift, hoping it would become a green space where people could relax and play—something that felt like those grand European parks. Bowring Park opened in 1914 with sweeping lawns, wooded paths, and a layout that really makes use of the rolling landscape along the Waterford River. Don’t miss this spot while you’re in St. John’s.

Walk through the park and you’ll spot statues—each one with its own story. The most famous is Peter Pan, just like the one in London’s Kensington Gardens. This statue is here in memory of Betty Munn, a young girl who died in a wartime ship tragedy. Over the years, it’s become a magnet for kids and families, and probably the most photographed spot in the park.

Then there’s the Caribou monument. It honors the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, who faced heavy losses at Beaumont-Hamel during World War I. This statue is smaller than the one at the actual battlefield in France, but it stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made, quietly watching over a landscape that feels gentle and calm.

But Bowring Park isn’t just about monuments. The natural side of things matters just as much. The Waterford River runs right through, filling ponds where ducks paddle around and setting a pretty scene for people out walking or cycling the pathways. The big trees, some of which have been here since the park opened, offer cool shade and a place to rest, while wide grassy fields are perfect for picnics, games, or just lying back and staring up at the sky.

For families, the playgrounds, swimming pool, and sports courts mean there’s always something to do. In winter, people come to ski and snowshoe; in summer, you’ll see joggers, cyclists, and folks gathered for a picnic—everyone grabbing some time in the sun.

All these years later, Bowring Park still means a lot to people in St. John’s. It’s a part of their every day, whether for fun, remembrance, or just a bit of quiet under the trees. The Bowring family dreamed up a place where everyone could come together—and that’s exactly what you find here, over a century on. If you’re searching for a paving contractor, click here.