I don’t know of many islands in the world that you get to by driving over the ocean floor at low tide, but Ministers Island is one of them. Located in the Bay of Fundy, just off the coast of uber-charming St. Andrews by-the-Sea, a trip to Ministers Island is like stepping back in time. The island is home to the property of Sir William Van Horne, famous for his role in building the Canadian Pacific Railway. Van Horne bought part of the island (named Ministers Island because one of the first settlers was Reverand Samuel Andrews) in 1890. On the property he built a magnificent 50-room summer home named Covenhoven and several other outbuildings, including a windmill, ice house and creamery and a stunning bathhouse built against the cliff-side that offers panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy.
I was really enchanted by our short visit a few weeks ago. Even though the buildings are closed up for the winter months, you still get a real sense of history as you stroll through the grounds and their beautifully built structures. You could spend hours here exploring the island and it’s many trails. Just make sure you make it back over the bar before the tide comes up!
The barn recently sustained significant damage to its silos and requires extensive repairs. For information about how you can help with the restoration efforts, follow their Facebook page Ministers Island or visit their website here.
Here are some pictures I took from our trip to the island. I would highly recommend planning a trip of your own. It would be really lovely in the summer!











love the photos. absolutely beautiful..
Thank you, it’s a beautiful place!
I enjoyed this winter trip to Minister’s Island you have shared. We hope to go over this summer when we have more time so we can explore the island. I have been on it several times in my life and am looking forward to seeing the house with furnishings in it as the last time I saw it, it was empty. I have a blog and have done several posts on St. Andrews, a very favourite place for us to visit over the years.
Yes, I would have liked to see inside as well. The whole area is lovely!
My husband and I absolutely love this place!
Great post Melissa. It’s lovely on the island.
Most impressive!
Hi, Melissa. Thanks for this post. Looking at the great photos, I can immediately imagine what a great setting this place would be for a book or short story. So much rustic beauty! Would love to see it in person some day. 🙂
You’re right, it would make a great setting for a story!