Did you know there’s a road in Atlantic Canada that spends half its day underwater? Thanks to the Ministers Island tides, a land bridge connecting the island to the mainland of Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, appears at low tide, making the island accessible by vehicle for a few hours each day.
On my recent cross-country road trip, I made it a point to visit and see this phenomenon firsthand—and to say I’ve driven my electric vehicle on the ocean floor.
This post details my experience driving to Ministers Island and provides information on the Minister Island tides, tickets, and what to do once there so you can plan your visit, too.
What Is Ministers Island?
Ministers Island is a small tidal island located just off the coast of Saint Andrews, Canada. The island is named after the Anglican minister Rev. Samuel Andrews, who first settled there in the late 18th century. However, it’s most famous for being the summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, the visionary behind the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Van Horne purchased the island in 1891 and built a lavish estate, including a 50-room mansion, a working farm, and various outbuildings. His goal was to create a private retreat where he could oversee the operations of the railway while also indulging in his personal interests like farming and collecting art. Today, Ministers Island is a designated National Historic Site, offering visitors a glimpse into Ministers Island history and Van Horne’s legacy.
Getting to Ministers Island
How to get to Ministers Island is one of the most exciting parts of the trip. The island is connected to the mainland by a 1-kilometer land bridge, which becomes passable for around 4-5 hours during low tide. When the Ministers Island tides rise, the bridge is submerged under about 15 feet of water, making the island inaccessible except by boat.
To ensure safe passage, it’s crucial to check the Ministers Island tide schedule beforehand, as the window for crossing is limited. You can find up-to-date tide times here.
It’s also important to note that Ministers Island has a strict access window, so please consult their schedule before visiting.
Ministers Island tickets can be purchased on-site or online for around $12 CAD, granting access to explore the island’s trails, buildings, and beaches. The island is open seasonally from May to October, with hours varying depending on the tides.
My Experience Driving to Ministers Island
After four incredible days exploring New Brunswick in my EV—including a detour to Prince Edward Island—I made my way to Saint Andrews, Canada. Arriving late in the day, I decided to explore the charming town and enjoy the historic Algonquin Resort (which, by the way, has free EV charging!). I waited the next day for the Ministers Island tides to be in my favor.
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The next morning, I headed to the land bridge at around 9:30 AM when the tide was just receding. A rocky, seaweed-covered pathway stretched before me, leading to the distant shores of Ministers Island. The drive across the ocean floor was surreal—puddles from the receding tide splashed under my wheels as I carefully navigated the uneven surface. Though the drive itself takes only a few minutes, I made the most of it, stopping frequently to soak in the experience.
The thought of driving my EV on the ocean floor felt like something out of a dream. I spent about 30 minutes slowly making my way across, all the while marveling that this very road would be submerged again in just a few hours. Truly a mind-blowing experience! And don’t worry, Donald, the sharks all left with the tides, so no dilemma here should the car breakdown 🙄
What to Do on Ministers Island
Once I finished my drive across the land bridge, I paid the entrance fee (approximately $12 CAD) and was given strict instructions on when I needed to return before the high tide in Saint Andrews cut me off from the mainland.
The Farmhouse
My first stop was the historic Ministers Island farmhouse, dating back to 1798. The building still houses many original furnishings, and outside, there’s a vintage farm truck on display—not electric, of course! This farm was key to the island’s operations, supplying fresh produce and livestock to Van Horne’s estate.
The Main House
Next, I biked along the island’s overgrown trails to reach the grand estate, Van Horne’s Covenhoven mansion. Built between 1891 and 1892, the 50-room house showcases Van Horne’s eclectic tastes and love for the arts. Inside, you’ll find artifacts from his life and career, and plenty of period-specific furnishings. Van Horne was instrumental in expanding Canada’s tourism industry, particularly with the development of Fairmont Hotels along the transcontinental railway.
The Bathhouse
Finally, I made my way to the unique stone bathhouse at the far end of the island. This structure was designed by Van Horne to take advantage of the natural tidal pools formed by the Ministers Island tides. At low tide, the bathhouse provided a place to bathe in seawater, with the rising tide filling the stone pools.
Conclusion
As the tide began to rise, I made my way back to the mainland. The sight of the water creeping closer was a powerful reminder of how quickly the tides can change here. Leaving the island as the water rushed in was both exhilarating and slightly nerve-wracking—I could easily imagine getting trapped if I didn’t watch the Ministers Island tide schedule closely!
After grabbing a fantastic lobster sandwich at the Niger Reef Tea House for a late lunch, I returned to the shoreline a few hours later. To my amazement, the entire land bridge was submerged under nearly 15 feet of water. Ministers Island had become an island again, and the road I had driven on earlier was now completely gone. The experience was nothing short of incredible.
READ MORE: Northern New England EV Road Trip Report
FAQ: Visiting Ministers Island
Can you drive to Ministers Island?
Yes, you can drive to Ministers Island, but only during low tide when the land bridge is exposed. Check the Ministers Island tide schedule for safe crossing times, as the road is underwater during high tide.
How do I go to Ministers Island?
To visit Ministers Island, drive or walk across the land bridge from Saint Andrews during low tide. You’ll need to purchase a ticket (around $12 CAD) either online or at the entrance.
Can you walk across to Ministers Island?
Yes, you can walk across the land bridge when the Ministers Island tides are low. Be sure to plan your crossing carefully, as the bridge is only passable for a few hours each day.
How much time do you need for Ministers Island?
A visit to Ministers Island typically takes around 2-3 hours, giving you enough time to explore the historic sites, walk or bike the trails, and take in the natural beauty.
Why is it called Ministers Island?
The island is named after Rev. Samuel Andrews, an Anglican minister who first settled there in the late 1700s. However, it became most famous as the summer estate of Sir William Van Horne.
Is Ministers Island worth a visit?
Absolutely! Ministers Island offers a unique opportunity to explore a historic site accessible only at low tide. Its fascinating history, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit in Saint Andrews.
Can you camp on Ministers Island?
No, camping is not allowed on Ministers Island. However, you can enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking while visiting the island during the day.
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