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Hiking trails & Routes

Canada

New Brunswick

Saint Patrick Parish

Perimeter Trail – Ministers Island

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Canada

New Brunswick

Saint Patrick Parish

Perimeter Trail – Ministers Island

Easy

hikers

Perimeter Trail – Ministers Island

01:46

6.72km

60m

Hiking

Beautiful coastal scenery and magnificent architecture await on Ministers Island’s Perimeter Trail. Here, you’ll discover the mighty buildings built when the Canadian railway pioneer and entrepreneur William Van Horne lived on the island, and enjoy the fantastic views of the beautiful bay on the border with Maine.

After the adventurous crossing from the mainland to the island, you start at Van Horne’s impressive barn, clad in countless wooden shingles. This is where his award-winning horses and cattle were bred and kept. From here, you’ll hike to the southern tip of Ministers Island. Open meadows provide magnificent views of Passamaquoddy Bay.

There are two buildings that are well worth seeing – the Covenhoven summer residence and the Bathhouse, right down on the water. Staying close to the shore, you’ll circle the island, alternating between forest and open sections, until you find yourself back at the barn.

Ministers Island is accessible via a gravel road that’s only passable at low tide. You can find information on water levels and when it's safe to cross on the island's official website: https://www.ministersisland.net/.

by New Brunswick

Last updated: February 28, 2025

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Ministers Island

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

10 m

The Barn

Highlight • Historical Site

The Barn, or "The Barn" in German, was built in 1898 and was used to house various breeding and farm animals. Van Horne won various prizes with the Clydesdale horses and the rare Lakenvelder cattle. There are a few other, smaller buildings around the barn.

After storm damage in 2016, the facade of the barn was restored and has since been restored to its full glory. The interior of the barn with various old equipment and tools can be visited.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.86 km

Bathhouse

Highlight • Monument

At the southern end of Ministers Island is the Bathhouse. Sir William Van Horne spent hours in the round building with its panoramic view, pursuing his hobby of painting and drawing. A tour of the Bathhouse is included in the entrance fee to Ministers Island.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.10 km

View of Covenhoven Villa

Highlight • Historical Site

Covenhoven is the name of the villa that served as a summer residence for Sir William Van Horne. Construction of the building, which was named after Van Horne's father, began in 1891. The building was designed by Van Horne himself. At first the building was relatively small, but several additions up until 1901 eventually made it a huge property with 50 rooms.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6.72 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.23 km

271 m

141 m

Surfaces

6.37 km

271 m

Elevation

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Weather

Today

Monday 13 July

25°C

11°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 27.0 km/h

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Comments

September 2, 2024

Beautiful coastal scenery and magnificent architecture await on Ministers Island’s Perimeter Trail. Here, you’ll discover the mighty buildings built when the Canadian railway pioneer and entrepreneur William Van Horne lived on the island, and enjoy the fantastic views of the beautiful bay on the border

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