Toronto 
Located just a kilometre from the beautiful St. Andrews in New Brunswick is Ministers Island.
Photo Credit: Ministers Island
It is only an island part of the time because you can walk or drive to the island during low tides.
Bar Road is the only way to reach the island during low tides, which is really just a higher part of the beach. Beware if you drive to the island, as you will need to wait for the next low tide to drive back across.
The disappearing and reappearing beach is not the only thing that makes Ministers Island worth visiting. Once on this captivating island, time feels like it froze during the late 19th to early 20th century. The island is home to the fascinating 50-room summer estate of the late Sir William Van Horne. The ‘cottage’ has 17 bedrooms, 11 fireplaces and 11 bathrooms, so you can let your imagination recreate the social gatherings that occurred in this house. You will also see a gigantic livestock barn, a working windmill, and greenhouses. The estate is still standing and can be toured for a fee.
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When you explore this beautiful island, you will also find Reverend Andrew’s house, which predates the majestic Van Horne estate by almost 100 years because this house was built around 1791.
Spend the day hiking, walking amid glorious estate gardens, and biking the over 20 km of carriage trails that go across the 500-acre island. Keep your eyes open for birds while you are travelling around the island. The island is especially busy from late April to May and August to mid-October since it is a stop for migrating birds.
Photo Credit: Ministers Island
The Perimeter Trail is one of the shortest, but most enjoyable circumferencing routes in the entire province. At only 7km in length, it’s a short bike ride, so you should take as many opportunities as possible to stop and enjoy the view.
Explore the ocean floor and even enjoy a picnic on the rocky sand beach when you are here.
During the summer, the island comes alive with music and art. Each year, a local artist takes up residence in the Covenhoven on the Island to showcase their work. You can also meet animals at the Van Horne Heritage Farm. They even offer seasonal events and daily educational programs at the farm.
Ministers Island
Minister’s Island
What: Visit this Island accessible at low tide by foot or car — a one-kilometre walk or drive on the seafloor. Once there, you’ll travel back in time to the 19th and 20th centuries as you visit the summer estate of William Van Horne, a Canadian icon and father of the Canadian Pacific Railway and circumnavigate the Perimeter trail on bike or foot.
When: Island Open Year Round, Estate: Victoria Day Weekend to October (2026: May 16 to October 18, 2026)
Accessible during Low tides only and varies daily.
How much: Island: Free
Estate Tours:
Adults $19.50
Seniors & Students with ID $17.50
Children under age 5 – FREE
Family (2 adults & up to 4 dependent children) $52.50
Where: 199 Carriage Road Ministers Island, NB, E5B 0A4
Phone: (506) 529-5081
