Fundy Winterfest

Saint John has announced events for its featured week of Fundy Winterfest.

Winterfest brings together the communities of Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay, Grand Bay-Westfield, Hampton and St. Martins for inclusive winter programming designed to support wellness and strengthen community connections.

Saint John’s featured week includes the following events:

Puzzle Challenge (Jan. 25 – Feb. 1)

WHERE: Saint John Public Library – Central Branch, 1 Market Square
WHAT: Race the clock to complete a 500‑piece puzzle in under two hours, solo or in teams of up to four. Register by calling 506‑643‑7236 or emailing bibliolib-sj@gnb.ca. Daily time slots available.

Frosty Finds Challenge (Jan. 25 – Feb. 7)

Each community will hide a small cache in a public spot during their featured week. Saint John’s cache is available Jan. 25 to Feb. 7. Track down a hidden cache using posted clues and photo hints on the Fundy Winterfest Facebook page. Each punch on your ballot earns an entry toward Winterfest prizes. Ballots are available at City Hall or can be printed from home, by clicking HERE.

Winterlicious Chop Chop Restaurant Week (Jan. 26 – Feb. 1)

Hosted by Uptown Saint John. Enjoy seasonal menus and special offerings from Uptown restaurants. Details at www.chopchopsj.com.

Rockwood Glows

WHERE: Lily Lake, Rockwood Park (55 Lake Drive South).

WHEN: Jan. 31, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Traffic and Parking Information

Due to the event, vehicle access into Rockwood Park will be restricted from 3 to 8 p.m. Barricades will be in place at the main gate, with the checkpoint located at the Lake Drive South entrance on Mount Pleasant Avenue.

Visitors wishing to park inside the park during this time may use the Fisher Lakes parking lots. Saint John Transit will provide shuttle service between Fisher Lakes and Lily Lake from 4 to 8 p.m.

Community members with disabilities who require accessible parking should speak with staff at the traffic checkpoint for assistance.

Temporary Dog Park Closure

To support drone setup and testing for the evening light show, the Saint John Dog Park will be temporarily closed on Jan. starting at 12 p.m. The park will reopen Feb. 1.

Schedule of Activities

• Lantern‑Making Workshop, Interpretation Centre, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Astronomy Club, Interpretation Centre, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Photo Booth, Interpretation Centre, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Guided Rockwood Hike with First Nation Storytellers, departs from Interpretation Centre at 1 p.m.
• Snowshoeing (Inside Out Adventure). First come, first served, 4 to 6 p.m.
• Face Painting at Interpretation Centre, 4 to 6 p.m. (line closes at 6 p.m.)
• Ice Skating on Lily Lake, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Bonfires along Lake Drive, 4 to 7 p.m.
• DJ Beats on Lily Lake Beach, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Food for Purchase, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Saint John Skating Club Performance on Lily Lake, 6:30 to 6:50 p.m.
• NEW: Drone Light Show over Lily Lake at 7 p.m.

Saint John Sea Dogs Skills Competition

WHERE: Peter Murray Arena, 711 Dever Rd.

WHEN: Feb. 5, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.

Free public skating will follow the competition.

City Market Workshops

WHAT: Learn to Crochet Granny Squares

WHERE: Saint John City Market Solarium, 47 Charlotte St.

WHEN: Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

No registration required. While supplies last.

WHAT: Chocolate Making & Handcrafted Flower Bouquets (Saturday, February 14, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.)

WHERE: Saint John City Market Solarium, 47 Charlotte St.

WHEN: Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

No registration required. While supplies last.