Ministers Island

"I consider this the best spot of any part of the world which I have ever visited, in which to live."
Sir William Van Horne, 1908

Named for Loyalist Anglican Minister Reverend Samuel Andrews who settled on the island in 1786, Minister’s Island became the personal summer retreat to Sir William Van Horne in 1890.

Van Horne, who was responsible for much of Canada’s rail system stretching from coast to coast, built one of the country’s finest private residences on this small island. The large 50-room home, constructed of quarried sandstone, is named Covenhoven after Sir William’s father and includes a massive drawing room with an original billiard table. Two-hour guided tours are available at a small cost and include a visit to Covenhoven, a tour of the bathhouse with its tidal swimming pool, a tour of the livestock barn, interesting facts and a stop on Shea’s Hill for a magnificent view of the Passamaquoddy Bay. At one time you needed to have your own vehicle and the island could only be accessed at low tide. However, now you have a choice of driving to the island at low tide or taking a boat to the island throughout the day. Open mid-May to mid-October. Admission charged.


For more information please visit www.ministersisland.org.