Monte Vista Farm Campground

Edmund and Anna Horne left Monte Vista, their 1000 acre estate, to the English Oblates of Eastern Canada to be used as a retreat. While a retreat may have been the intention, it was used very little for this purpose.

In the early 1960’s Robert Horne, E. H.’s nephew, bought the property as he saw the potential as a recreation property, Monte Vista Campground. Robert’s brother, Edgar, along with many other locals, assisted in the day to day management of the park.

It had everything for the lover of the outdoors. Boasting sheltered wooded areas, a large deep lake for fishing, swimming, boating and more, a sandy beach, wide open fields complete, with mountain view.
The campground was close to both Halifax and Truro, making the hour’s long drives to cottages or beaches, unnecessary. They now had the best of everything close by, at Monte Vista Campground.

What once had been a quiet dead end road, became a heavily trafficked area leading to great fun and lasting memories for all ages. There was tenting, space for trailers, horseback riding, dancing, swimming, a large canteen, mini golf, main house and boat rentals. Companies would plan family picnics for their employees. Winter sports were added in the mid 6o’s with a Winter Carnival complete with ski and snowmobile rentals.

Many learned to ski at Monte Vista and at one point Monte Vista was named the largest private park in Eastern Canada.

In 1969, Robert, no longer well enough to operate Monte Vista, sold the property. It changed hands a number of times and was subdivided.