ABOUT

The Van Horne Trail

The Van Horne trail is project dedicated to building, maintaining and improving the non motorized trail system in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick. The network is named after Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, Saint Andrews most famous summer resident and president of the Canadian Pacific Railway during its trans-continental expansion.

The Kiwanis began construction on the trail in 2014 in collaboration with the Town of Saint Andrews using funds generated by Kiwanis Oceanfront Campground. Since then grants from the Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency, the Government of New Brunswick Trail Infrastructure Fund, private donations and continuing Kiwanis funding have given the Town an expanding trail network.

Currently there over 5 km of off-road trails. Combined with low traffic connector streets and sidewalks, the trail links downtown with Ministers Island and forms a 10 km around the town circuit.

Along the trail

The Passamaquoddy First Nation have inhabited this area for 6000 years. The stunning views along the trail will allow you to see why!

Much of the trail follows the track of Canadian Pacific Railway which made Saint Andrews a major seaside resort. The cool, hay-fever and bug-free air attracted CPR president Sir William Van Horne to build his summer home on Ministers Island.

Saint Andrews experiences a daily 25 foot tidal range producing a unique salt marsh ecosystem and permitting access to Ministers Island at low tide. Just make sure to get back before the tide roles in!

Local flora and fauna, incuding a herd of deer and bald eagles call the trail home. Low tide beaches also expose millions of years of geologic history and aquatic species.

Registered non profit charity

An independent, not for profit organization called Saint Andrews Outdoor Recreation and Trails Inc. (SORTI) was formed by Kiwanis in 2018 to take over the trail and its future development.

SORTI chairperson: David Johnson - sortitrails@gmail.com

Accomplishments

We've been working with our partners for the past decade to create and enhance this valuable resource for the community and our visitors. For more information, visit the explore page.