Accessing Minister's Island, New Brunswick

Ministers Island is a historic Canadian island in New Brunswick's Passamaquoddy Bay, located just off the coast of Saint Andrews. The island is accessible during low tide hours by car, bicycle, or on foot via a gravel route on the ocean floor. It is known for being the summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and features a 50-room mansion, a gigantic livestock barn, a bathhouse, a windmill, and more. The island offers stunning ocean views, nature trails, and annual bird migrations. Visitors can explore the National Historic Site of Canada, hike over 20 km of trails, and enjoy events such as concerts and festivals.

Driving across the ocean floor to reach the island

Driving across the ocean floor to reach Ministers Island is a unique experience in Canada. Located just off the coast of Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Ministers Island is accessible by car, bicycle, or on foot only during low tide. The island is separated from the mainland by a 1-kilometre stretch of water, which, at high tide, completely cuts off the island. However, when the tide recedes, a natural causeway appears, allowing visitors to drive, walk, or bike across the ocean floor to the island.

The Bay of Fundy's famous high tides, the highest in the world, create this ever-changing landscape. Visitors can consult a tide chart to determine the safest times to cross, with the earliest crossing time varying from day to day. It is important to note that the crossing is only accessible during certain times of the day and that visitors will need to wait for the next low tide to return to the mainland.

The ocean floor has a packed gravel consistency, making for a remarkably easy drive. However, there are some dips and rough spots, and drivers may need to zigzag around wet areas. The journey is well worth it, as the island offers a rich history and stunning natural beauty.

Ministers Island is a 500-acre National Historic Site of Canada. It was once the summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, the president of Canadian Pacific Railroad, who constructed a grandiose 50-room summer home called Covenhoven. Visitors can tour the house, which features 17 bedrooms, 11 fireplaces, and 11 bathrooms, and learn about the life of this influential historical figure. The island also features a gigantic livestock barn, a turreted bathhouse, a windmill, greenhouses, and cottages.

In addition to exploring the historic sites, visitors can hike over 20 km of nature trails, offering stunning ocean views and the opportunity to observe annual bird migrations. The island also hosts a variety of events, including Sunday concerts, art exhibits, festivals, musical comedies, and BBQs.

Exploring the Van Horne Estate

The Van Horne Estate, located on Minister's Island, is a National Historic Site of Canada and well worth a visit. The island, situated in Passamaquoddy Bay near the town of St. Andrews, New Brunswick, is accessible during low tide via a gravel bar on the ocean floor. This unique geographical feature allows visitors to walk, drive, or cycle to the island from the mainland.

The estate was once the summer residence of Sir William Van Horne, the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Van Horne purchased the island in 1891 and constructed his summer home, known as Covenhoven, between 1892 and 1901. The mansion boasts 50 rooms, including 17 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, and showcases the lavish Edwardian style of the time. The walls are adorned with approximately 80 works of art, many of which were painted by Van Horne himself, featuring birch trees and scenic landscapes of the island.

The estate also includes several outbuildings, such as a windmill, a gas house, a carriage house, and a gardener's cottage. At the southern tip of the island stands a unique, round, two-level bathhouse offering panoramic views of the bay. The lower level provides access to the beach and an in-ground tidal swimming pool.

In addition to the main residence, Van Horne also designed and built a large chateau-style barn, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the Maritimes. This barn was used for breeding prizewinning Clydesdale horses and Dutch Belted cattle, one of the only such herds in North America. The farm also housed pigs, geese, ducks, chickens, and turkeys, and the produce was shipped to Montreal during the winter months.

Adjacent to the main house were large greenhouses that provided the family with grapes, peaches, nectarines, cherries, and cucumbers. Van Horne, an expert gardener, designed the grounds with extensive parterres of flowers and orchards, as well as miles of manicured roads.

Today, the Van Horne Estate is managed by a non-profit local charity, Van Horne Estate on Ministers Island Inc., which was formed in 2004. They offer tours of the island during the summer and oversee restoration efforts to preserve the legacy of the site.

Hiking the nature trails

Ministers Island features several walking and hiking trails, including the Ministers Island Perimeter Trail, a 7.5-km loop that takes around 2 hours to complete. The trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash. The trail is generally easy and accessible, with some roots along the way. It offers stunning views of the ocean and the shoreline of Saint Andrews, with several lookouts where you can take in the scenery.

The trail begins on an old carriage road, passing by the Gardener's Cottage and the remains of a greenhouse. In the summer, you'll walk through fields of pink and purple lupins. You'll then come across the historic bath house, which was built in 1912. The top floor served as Sir William Van Horne's art studio, while the bottom floor had change rooms for those wishing to swim in the beach's saltwater pool.

Continuing along the trail, you'll access the rocky beach and pass a few more lookouts. At the northernmost tip of the island, you'll find the collapsed Moose Manor, a hunting cabin built by the gardener in the 1930s. From here, you'll make your way back to the trailhead, completing the loop.

In addition to the Perimeter Trail, there are other trails crossing through the fields and forests of the island. These trails offer a total of over 20 km of hiking with views of Passamaquoddy Bay, Chamcook Mountain, and the town of Saint Andrews.

The island is only accessible during low tide, so be sure to check the tide schedule before planning your hike.

Visiting during the Island season

Ministers Island is open to visitors from May 17 to October 27, 2024. The island is accessible only during low tide, and the open hours change daily. It is reachable by car, bicycle, or on foot via a gravel route on the ocean floor from the mainland. The route is about a kilometre long and can be accessed from the ocean end of Bar Road, just outside downtown Saint Andrews.

It is important to check the tide schedule before planning your visit, as the island is safely accessible only during low tide. You will need to wait for the next low tide to return to the mainland, so plan your visit accordingly.

The island offers a unique experience, as it takes you back in time to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You can explore the summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which includes a 50-room mansion, a gigantic livestock barn, a turreted bathhouse, a windmill, greenhouses, and more. The estate offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the late Edwardian era.

In addition to the estate, the island also features Reverend Andrew's house, which predates the Van Horne estate by almost 100 years. You can also enjoy hiking and biking on the island's nature trails, which offer stunning ocean views and the opportunity to observe annual bird migrations. The Perimeter Trail, a 7km-long route, is particularly enjoyable for biking and offers beautiful views.

The island also comes alive with music and art during the summer. There are also seasonal events and daily educational programs at the Van Horne Heritage Farm, where you can meet animals and learn about the island's history.

Touring the island's historic sites

Ministers Island, located just off the coast of Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, is a 500-acre island that offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Accessible only during low tide, the island boasts a variety of historic sites that visitors can explore. Here is a guide to help you tour the island's historic sites:

The Van Horne Estate

The Van Horne Estate, a National Historic Site of Canada, is a must-see when visiting Ministers Island. This magnificent property was once the summer residence of Sir William Van Horne, the President of Canadian Pacific Railroad, who played a pivotal role in constructing Canada's first transcontinental railway in the late 1800s. The estate features Covenhoven, a 50-room mansion constructed from sandstone quarried from the shore. Explore the grand rooms and imagine the lavish lifestyle of its former occupants. Admire the architectural details, including the circular bathhouse, windmill, and the impressive livestock barn, which was designed by renowned architect Edward Maxwell.

The Bathhouse

The turreted bathhouse, located on the Van Horne Estate, served as more than just a place for bathing. It was also an artistic retreat for Sir William Van Horne, who was an excellent violinist and artist. The bathhouse provided a serene space for him to practice his skills and seek inspiration.

The Windmill

Windmills were a common feature of estates during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The windmill on Ministers Island is a testament to the self-sufficiency of the Van Horne Estate. It was likely used for pumping water, grinding grain, or generating electricity for the estate.

The Livestock Barn

The livestock barn is a highlight of the Van Horne Estate. Designed by Sir William Van Horne and Edward Maxwell, this massive two-story timber structure is an architectural marvel. With its hipped gable roof and twin silos capped with conical roofs, it reflects Van Horne's interest in architecture and agriculture. The barn was home to his thoroughbred horses and prized herd of Dutch belted cattle.

The Cottages and Greenhouse

In addition to the main mansion, the Van Horne Estate also includes several cottages and a greenhouse. These structures accommodated guests and allowed for the cultivation of plants, showcasing the estate's attention to hospitality and greenery.

Passamaquoddy First Nations History

Long before the Van Horne era, Ministers Island held significance for the Passamaquoddy First Nations. Archaeological evidence suggests that the island was an important summer camp for the Passamaquoddy people after the retreat of the glaciers 13,000 years ago. Qonasqamkuk, now known as St. Andrews, was a sacred site for their ceremonies. Learn about their rich cultural history, including their artistry in basket-making, which helped maintain cultural continuity and provided trade goods during the early days of European settlement.

Remember to check the tide schedules before planning your visit to Ministers Island, as the island is only accessible during low tide. Enjoy your exploration of this unique historic site!

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