Ministers Island

Ministers Island Former estate of Sir William Van Horne. Cross the ocean floor to grand heritage buildings, scenic trails and entertainment events. Operating hrs.

National & Provincial Historic Site. vary with tides - check web for details. Messages may take 24hrs. Ministers Island is an enchanting place to visit. Lying just off the shore near St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada, this 500-acre island is only a part-time island. You reach it by driving or walking over the seafloor approximately 1 kilometer (1/2 mile). Once there, you are immersed in an experi

ence from the late 19th and early 20th century— the summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, the president and the driving force behind the Canadian Pacific Railway. Time stands still, and you're swept up in an atmosphere that makes you forget all about your everyday life and the here-and-now.

Nature Notes: Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) Did you know that the familiar edible fiddleheads harvested in sp...
09/08/2026

Nature Notes: Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) Did you know that the familiar edible fiddleheads harvested in spring come from the Ostrich Fern?

By September, those tightly curled fiddleheads have unfurled into large, upright, vase-shaped fronds. Look for their long, evenly arranged leaflets and the large colonies they often form on the forest floor.

Ostrich Ferns can grow 3–5 feet (1–1.5 m) tall, making them one of the more impressive ferns you’ll encounter on Ministers Island.

From spring fiddlehead to autumn frond, it’s a wonderful example of nature’s seasonal transformation!

Bill Stevenson Live on Ministers Island!Get ready for an incredible evening of blues, jazz, and swing with the inimitabl...
09/05/2026

Bill Stevenson Live on Ministers Island!
Get ready for an incredible evening of blues, jazz, and swing with the inimitable Bill Stevenson!

A beloved staple of the Ministers Island concert series, Bill is a true master of his craft. With a remarkable career spanning over 5 decades and countless world tours, he has shared the stage and recording studios with legendary names like John Lee Ho**er, Amos Garrett, Tom Rush, and Matt Andersen.

Whether he’s tearing up the keys as Halifax's go-to piano man or hosting his acclaimed radio show The Ocean Limited, Bill always delivers a world-class performance you won't want to miss

Sunday, September 6th 3:30pm

to buy tickets visit: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/ministersisland/items/391462/?full-items=yes&flow=409470&u=498e485f-1d2e-4470-bdef-976821b9c0f8&from-ssl=yes&g4=yes&cp=yes&csp=yes&back=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ministersisland.net%2Fconcerts&ga4t=G-0Y3BW6SKCY%2C1469325135.1746038764__1788530617%3BG-KEM14NMP7L%2C1469325135.1746038764__1788530624%3BAW-16522211125%2Cundefined__undefined%3B&language=en-us

09/04/2026

Step back in time on Minister’s Island, where history, gorgeous landscapes, and farm life collide.

Take a peek at the stunning historic Covenhoven estate the incredible summer home built by Sir William Van Horne back in the late 1800s. Plus, you can't visit without saying hello to the friendly cows that help keep this historic island property so vibrant and alive today!

Turn of the Century Luxury, Covenhoven wasn't just a home, it was a massive, self sufficient 500-acre estate featuring a massive bathhouse, large greenhouses and a state of the art barn for prize-winning livestock.

Have you ever crossed the ocean floor to visit Minister's Island?

Ready for hikes and live music this weekend? we got it on Ministers Island!for tickets to Bill Stevenson & friends visit...
09/04/2026

Ready for hikes and live music this weekend? we got it on Ministers Island!

for tickets to Bill Stevenson & friends visit:https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/ministersisland/items/391462/?full-items=yes&flow=409470

To book a guided nature hike visit:https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/ministersisland/items/729177/?full-items=yes&flow=409470&from-ssl=yes&g4=yes&cp=yes&csp=yes&back=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ministersisland.net%2Fcopy-of-group-tour-form&ga4t=G-0Y3BW6SKCY%2C1469325135.1746038764__1788442091%3BG-KEM14NMP7L%2C1469325135.1746038764__1788442092%3BAW-16522211125%2Cundefined__undefined%3B&language=en-us&u=498e485f-1d2e-4470-bdef-976821b9c0f8

It's Throwback Thursday! Did you know that Sir William Van Horne was the general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway...
09/03/2026

It's Throwback Thursday! Did you know that Sir William Van Horne was the general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway?

Born in Joliet, Illinois, Van Horne began working for the Illinois Central Railway at just 14 years old. He quickly advanced to the position of telegraph officer, and in 1881, he came to Canada as general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Van Horne was given 10 years to complete the railway project, but was able to complete it in just four and a half years. In 1885, the final spike was driven in Craigellachie, British Columbia, marking the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

In this photo, Sir William Van Horne can be seen standing beside Donald Smith, who is driving the last spike.



Photo credit: Alexander Ross / Library and Archives Canada / C-003693

Nature Notes: GOLDENROD - Look for goldenrod brightening the island’s fields and meadows with its cheerful golden blooms...
09/01/2026

Nature Notes: GOLDENROD - Look for goldenrod brightening the island’s fields and meadows with its cheerful golden blooms! This late-summer wildflower is an important source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators as they prepare for the changing season. Next time you spot goldenrod on Ministers Island, take a moment to appreciate this beautiful sign of late summer. Want to learn more about nature - book a guided nature tour! https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/ministersisland/items/729177/?full-items=yes&flow=409470

Address

199 Carriage Road
Saint Andrews, NB
E5B0A4

Telephone

+15065295081

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