A place to be

Ancestors and descendants meet at Fernhill Cemetery on 80 hectares of mature trees, gardens and meadows interlaced with 80 kilometers of walking paths and roadways.

Not only is Fernhill a resting place for friends and family, it is a destination for historians tracing genealogy, for horticulturalists studying a mature park setting, for walkers and joggers seeking a measure of peace, tranquility and gentle exercise.

Take a new look at Fernhill

Nestled in the heart of Saint John, New Brunswick, Fernhill Cemetery has been “Celebrating Life for Over 170 Years”. Established in 1848 as the Saint John Rural Cemetery and renamed Fernhill in 1899, our grounds have become one of the city’s most cherished historic sites and green spaces.

Spanning 80 hectares (approximately 200 acres) of mature trees, gardens, and meadows, Fernhill offers a serene and peaceful setting not only as a resting place for loved ones but also as a place for reflection, remembrance, and community connection. Winding walking paths and roadways invite visitors of all ages to explore, enjoy nature, and reflect in tranquility.

Fernhill is more than a cemetery — it’s a living tribute to Saint John’s heritage. Historians and genealogists come to trace family roots, horticulturalists admire the natural beauty and landscaping, and walkers find a quiet escape from busy lives. We honor those who have passed while celebrating the comfort and solace our landscape provides to visitors today.

Our cemetery also embraces a role in education and community engagement, with tours, and resources that share the remarkable stories etched in stone throughout our grounds — because every name has a story and every life left its mark.

At Fernhill, we respect tradition while incorporating modern care and services, offering compassionate support for families, thoughtful memorial options, and a commitment to preserving this special place for generations to come.

Welcome to Fernhill Cemetery — a place of heritage, peace, and remembrance.

What’s happening at Fernhill

Fernhill: The City of Sleep with Stones that Speak by David Goss and Harold E. Wright

Fernhill: The City of Sleep with Stones that Speak

“Fernhill: The City of Sleep with Stones that Speak” is a fascinating book co-authored by David Goss and Harold E. Wright. It delves into the history of Fernhill Cemetery, located in Saint John, New Brunswick. This cemetery, which dates back to the 1800s, is not only a resting place for many notable figures from the city’s past but also a site rich with stories that connect the present with the past.

The book offers a detailed exploration of the lives of the people buried at Fernhill, their contributions to the city, and the personal histories that are preserved in the gravestones. It paints a vivid picture of the cemetery as a “City of Sleep,” where the headstones themselves “speak” through their inscriptions, offering silent stories about the people who shaped the area.

The authors use both historical research and narrative storytelling to bring the past to life, inviting readers to reflect on the significance of remembering and honoring those who came before us. The work also includes visual elements, like showcasing some of the unique gravestones and memorials in Fernhill, helping readers feel more connected to the history it represents.

This book is not just about death; it’s about life, community, and the legacies that remain in the stones and the land. It’s an evocative piece for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the stories cemeteries hold.

“Fernhill: The City of Sleep with Stones that Speak” is available for purchase at the cemetery office.

2026 Walks ‘n Talks with David Goss

Free walk ‘n talk programs originated by David Goss in 1978.  Led by David & others. Tuesdays at 7:15 -exceptions noted. If in doubt about location, contact: gosswalk@nbnet.nb.ca Always check (506) 672- 8601 after 6 P.M. if the weather is wet or unsure of rain plan. Walkers do so at their own risk. Walks are about 1.5 hours and are 2 km or less. There are frequent stops for the stories.

  • June 2:  Location is Fernhill, 200 Westmorland Road. The Salmon, Wishart, Lang and MacKenzie mystery walk w/ Bill Gardiner. Sponsor is Fernhill Cemetery.  Rain date:  next night.
  • June 16:  “In Their Own Words” Walk. Stories of the Jewish community w/Katherine Biggs Craft. Meet at Shaarei Zedek Cemetery, 290 Westmorland Road.
  • June 23:  Location is Fernhill, 200 Westmorland Road. “Death by Alphabet” Walk w/ Harold Wright
  • July 01:  Location is Fernhill, 200 Westmorland Road. A tribute to our Fathers’ of Confederation Tilley and Steeves and the 200th anniversary of Rankin Biscuits w/David Goss.
  • July 28:  Meeting at Fernhill with Simon E. West. The topic will be Mayhem and Murder Walk.
  • August 11:   Meeting at Fernhill Cemetery, 200 Westmorland Road – “Some characters I have Befriended” with David Goss.

Thanks to all the sponsors, we can offer these walks free to participants.