Avonlea and Anne of Green Gables
Must-Visit Prince Edward Island Attractions
Travelers from around the world flock to Prince Edward Island each year to immerse themselves in the real world setting of L.M. Montgomery's famed Anne of Green Gables.
Many visitors to Prince Edward Island travel there for one reason only…to experience the world of Anne Shirley, that precocious and loveable character of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novel Anne of Green Gables. Through her imagination, Anne’s creator put this tiny island in the global literary spotlight. The portrait of pastoral beauty, however, wasn’t a figment of the writer’s imagination. Montgomery brought it to life and to the world in her novels, and the visitor to Cavendish, P.E.I. experiences it firsthand in all its timeless glory.
Avonlea Village
The book’s characters are brought to life as well. You’ll see them roaming about the village of Avonlea, living their Anne of Green Gables lives and interacting with the visitors in daily activities that include horse and cart rides, square dancing, oyster shucking and much more. Dress up in period costume for a photo shoot, then take in the 1908 men’s swimwear competition or stroll in the manicured gardens. And don’t miss the pig races; they’re a real laugh! From beginning to end, you’ll be immersed in the fictional Avonlea of 1908, and you’ll love it.
Green Gables
The Green Gables of L. M. Mongomery’s famous novel was originally the farmstead of her cousins. It is now a museum, a shrine to the fictional red-haired orphan who captured hearts around the world. You can tour the two storied house, which is maintained much as it was in the 1800s, and visit several other museums on the property. Perhaps the best part, though, is the walk along the Haunted Woods and Balsam Hollow trails described in the book. A short stroll along these paths will offer you a glimpse of the inspiration felt by the author.
Everything Anne
Considering that L.M. Montgomery was deemed an author of national historic significance in 1942, it’s not hard to see why so many things in Cavendish revolve around the author and her red-headed character. Souvenir shops offer everything from dolls to clothing to plates to preserves…you name it. There are even Anne of Green Gables chocolate shops where you can try some delicious chocolates, hand-made from island recipes that have been passed down through generations. The popularity of Anne of Green Gables is also reflected in the forty-years-running musical of the same name in nearby Charlottetown. It’s a must see for all Anne fans.
Montgomery’s Birthplace and Silver Bush
Fans of Montgomery’s work will want to visit the house in which the author was born. The room of her birth has been preserved, and the display includes Montgomery’s wedding dress and drafts of her early poetry. You might also want to visit Silver Bush, where Montgomery was married. Walk in the footsteps of the author, and gaze out over the Lake of Shining Waters, immersing yourself in the word of both author and character.
A Novel Experience
There are no end of attractions on Prince Edward Island for Anne lovers, including the author’s gravesite in Cavendish and, by special arrangement, an Anne Tea Party at the Delta PrinceEdwardHotelwhere you’re served sweets and serenaded by an Anne look-a-like. Since 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the book’s publishing, there’ll be lots of events to attend, but whatever attraction you choose to take in, your visit to the island of Anne of Green Gables fame will be a novel experience.
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Find Out More:
If you’ve never read Anne of Green Gables, you can download the entire text and read before you visit.
Green Gables is considered a cultural treasure and is part of the Prince Edward Island National Park.
A virtual tour of Green Gables is available for armchair travelers.
