Step into history and indulge in an exquisite meal on Minister's Island, where scenery meets fine dining. Discover what makes this culinary journey truly special in our latest feature.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; walking around the island is leisurely.
Wildlife
History
Minister's Island served as a summer retreat for prominent figures and has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to preserve the island’s natural landscapes and historic structures, minimizing environmental impact.
Van Horne Estates On Ministers Island Inc
Step into history and indulge in an exquisite meal on Minister's Island, where scenery meets fine dining. Discover what makes this culinary journey truly special in our latest feature.
Van Horne Estates On Ministers Island Inc preserves and operates the historic summer estate of Sir William Van Horne on Ministers Island, New Brunswick. The site is a designated National Historic Site of Canada and showcases well-preserved 19th-century architecture set against the Bay of Fundy shoreline. The estate offers a range of visitor experiences that highlight history, landscape, and local cuisine.
Visitors can book a 2-Hour Guided Tour that crosses the ocean floor at low tide to reach the island, explore the mansion and estate grounds, and learn about the site's history. The General Admission Day Pass enables self-guided exploration, access to trails, and participation in scheduled guided tours. On special event days, attendees can enjoy live music and local food; the Hypochondriacs Concert & BBQ features a performance plus a Char & Chowder barbecue menu with options including East Coast Sausage and Lobster Mac ’N Cheese.
Convenience options include Pre-Ordered Picnics with choices such as Chicken Salad or Ham & Cheese wrap, seasonal fruit, a chocolate chip cookie, and water. The Covenhoven Dinner Series offers an intimate dining experience in an Edward Maxwell–designed mansion; the series hosts ten guests per dinner and features chef Chris Aerni of the Rossmount Inn, who focuses on fresh, local ingredients and spontaneous cuisine.
Staff and interpreters on site provide historical context and visitor information. All activities and services operate from Ministers Island, New Brunswick, and adhere to site guidelines for preservation and safety. Operations and schedules vary seasonally based on tides and weather.
Location
Ministers Island, NB
Accessible via ocean floor at low tide
Historic Status
National Historic Site
Preserves Sir William Van Horne estate
Experiences
5 Experiences
Concerts, tours, dinners, picnics
Intimate Dining
10 Guests
Covenhoven dinners seat ten guests
Reserve guided tours, General Admission, pre-ordered picnics, concert tickets, or the 10-seat Covenhoven dinner; check tide schedules and event dates before travel.
Prepare for outdoor weather
Dress in layers and bring rain gear as weather on the island can change quickly.
Arrive early for the ferry
Ensure timely arrival to secure your spot, as ferry schedules are limited.
Bring your camera
Capture scenic views and historic architecture during your visit.
Book in advance
Reserve your spot early due to limited seats and high popularity.
Layers of clothing
Dress in layers to stay comfortable through changing weather.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic views and historic details of the mansion and surroundings.
Rain jacket
Protect yourself from unexpected rain showers.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Comfortable walking shoes
Walk comfortably on varied terrain around the mansion and island.