Exploring the Wonders of Odell Park
Odell Park is a unique and precious resource here in Fredericton, New Brunswick. No matter what time of year you visit, Odell has something to offer everyone.
The property has passed through generations of the Odell family, with little change occurring over the years. In 1940, the City of Fredericton acquired the lands that now make up Odell Park from Mary Kearny Odell. In 1960 a development plan for the park was created by Alwyn J. Cameron, J. Douglas Long, and Lawney E. Williams. Development in the park at that time consisted of a 16 km network of trails, stables for riding horses, and a visitor center.
Odell today still has those 16 kilometers of beautiful, looping walking trails that bring you through the old growth forest where you can see wildlife scattering through the trees; the walking trails just never get old. Each time you venture to Odell you have the option of picking a new starting point as all of the trails connect; you have trails for when you are feeling a more uphill walk or a rather leisurely walk with fewer hills. You may even find yourself venturing over to the Botanic Garden in the summer months that were established in 1990 and continue to evolve through the efforts of the Fredericton Botanic Garden Association. The Fredericton Botanic Garden is home to several perennial beds, a collection of Rhododendrons and Azaleas, woodland trails, plans for a rose garden, and more.
During the summer as you travel the trails of Odell you can stop to check out the historic facts that are provided in a glass case and spread out throughout the trails so you can learn about the history of Odell and fun facts about it. This is also the perfect place for a picnic! You will find a waterfowl pond, children’s playground, disc golf and a lodge that was opened by the Queen Mother in 1967.
Summer at Odell Park has lots to offer but it is just as beautiful during the winter. With freshly groomed trails, it is a perfect place to take a morning walk or run weather that be by yourself or with family and friends. There are a variety of trails available that are perfect for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
“Odell Park is one of my favorite places to visit even in the wintertime, they have lots of great groomed trails and I like to bring my snowshoes here too because they have lots of walking trails to do that with friends and it’s really fun,” says Courtney Donahue.
Odell is also pet friendly, making it a lovely place to bring your dogs and with many people using the trails daily, you may even make a few friends along your travels.
“There are lots of places for our dogs to have a nice little roam and they’re safe and the trails are always well groomed and the folkes are always very friendly and always very approachable,” says Susan Burke.
Odell is a treasured place in Fredericton, with many people traveling far and wide to travel the trails.
