Cross the exposed bar at low tide and step into Sir William Van Horne’s late‑19th‑century estate on a two‑hour guided hike. Experience Bay of Fundy tides, historic buildings, and coastal wildlife with a knowledgeable local guide.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people who can walk on uneven ground for two hours and handle short stair sections; basic stamina required.
Wildlife
History
Ministers Island was a meeting place for Indigenous peoples and later became Sir William Van Horne’s experimental summer estate in the late 19th century.
Conservation
Stay on designated paths and avoid trampling saltmarsh plants; the tidal flats are ecologically fragile—pack out what you bring and respect wildlife.
Van Horne Estates On Ministers Island Inc
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.
Check the tide time
Tours are tide-dependent—confirm your exact low-tide start time when booking to avoid missing the crossing window.
Wear stable footwear
Expect uneven ground, sand and stairs; sturdy walking shoes with grip make the route far more comfortable.
Bring weather gear
Tours run rain or shine—pack a lightweight rain jacket and sun protection to handle changing coastal weather.
Plan for vehicle access
A short on-island driving segment is part of the itinerary; bring your vehicle and drive the required 1 km section as instructed.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on sand, rocks, and stairs across the tidal flats.
Waterproof rain jacket
Protects against sudden coastal showers—tours run rain or shine.
Sun hat & sunscreen
Helps prevent sunburn during exposed stretches on the flats and shorelines.
summer
Compact camera/binoculars
Useful for photographing tides, shorebirds, seals, and architectural details.