Bannerman Park was officially opened in 1891. Sir Alexander Bannerman, Governor of the Colony of Newfoundland from 1857 to 1864, donated the land to create the park.
Today, the park is surrounded by historic buildings and Victorian bed and breakfasts, as well as Bannerman Park Suites. It contains a public swimming pool, playground, a baseball diamond, a skating rink in the winter and many large grassy and gardened areas.