If there’s one thing we all know about Prince Edward Island, it’s Anne of Green Gables. This classic novel written by Lucy Maud Montgomery was published in 1908 and is still LOVED today!
Even though it’s a fictional story, Montgomery was truly inspired by her surroundings. She incorporated as much as she could from her beloved Prince Edward Island in her Anne novels.
So a visit to PEI isn’t complete without visiting some Anne of Green Gables Prince Edward Island destinations, and here the best ones to visit!
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
What Is Anne Of Green Gables?
As I mentioned, Anne of Green Gables is a heartwarming story written by Lucy Maud Montgomery in 1908. It’s become a classic piece of literature for people of all ages to read.
The book follows Anne Shirley as she grows up from an 11 year-old orphan, living on Prince Edward Island.
It might actually surprise you that Anne of Green Gables isn’t the only Anne story that Montgomery wrote. In fact, it’s an entire series of 8 books (actually 9 if you include the one she sent to her publishers the day she died).
The series includes: Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, Anne of Windy Poplars, Anne’s House of Dreams, Anne of Ingleside, Rainbow Valley, and Rilla of Ingleside.
The ninth book is The Blythes are Quotes and is a collection of Anne Shirley short stories.
Haven’t Read Anne of Green Gables? Read The First Book Today!
Lucy Maud Montgomery PEI Connection
Lucy Maud Montgomery was born and lived in Prince Edward Island from 1874 until 1911, when she moved with her husband to Ontario.
Montgomery had a true passion for the Island, and it was portrayed in every novel she wrote.
For example, Green Gables is a fictional farm set on Prince Edward Island, but it was actually inspired by Montgomery’s cousin’s real farm.
Anne of Green Gables Organized Tours With Viator
This Viator half day tour takes you on a drive through along North Rustico along Cavendish beach, before stopping to tour the inspirational farmhouse for Anne of Green Gables.
See more Prince Edward Island organized tours with Viator.
Three Notable Anne of Green Gables Museums To Visit
There are three notable museums that are connected to Anne of Green Gables and Lucy Maud Montgomery: Green Gables Heritage Place, L. M. Montgomery’s Birthplace, and Anne of Green Gables Museum.
Each Anne of Green gables museum are all different and offer something unique to your visit.
You could easily visit all three, but if you’re pressed for time, I highly recommend Green Gables Heritage Place…
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Green Gables Heritage Place (Prince Edward Island Green Gables!)
If you only have time to visit one museum, it should be Green Gables Heritage Place. This is THE official Prince Edward Island Green Gables.
There are two parts to this museum: an exhibit about Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables, and the inspiration for Green Gables itself!
Green Gables is a fictional farm but it was based on the house and land that you’re visiting at Green Gables Heritage Place. It was the MacNeils farm. Montgomery’s cousins’, whom she often visited.
Parks Canada bought it from the MacNeils and restored it to look to resemble the farm from Montgomery’s novels.
When you first see the farmhouse it’s like walking into a story book – it’s incredible! Even though it isn’t actually Green Gables, it’s still fun to walk around and see her story come to life.
Plus there are two walking trails that Montgomery even incorporated into her story. Remember reading about Anne and Diana walking along Lover’s Lane? Well Lover’s Lane was inspired by the real path behind the farmhouse, which was actually used as a cow path.
Similarly, there’s a Haunted Woods Trail that takes you through the real haunted woods which Montgomery imagined to be full of ghosts and spirits.
Anne of Green Gables Museum (Silver Bush Farms)
If you want to see more inspiration for Anne of Green Gables, but more real-life artifacts from Montgomery’s life, head to the Anne of Green Gables Museum.
The Anne of Green Gables Museum is at Silver Bush, which is actually still owned by the Campbell family today (also Montgomery’s cousins). This was the author’s favourite place in all PEI.
The house has been turned into a museum full of artifacts from Montgomery’s life, like the original desk that she wrote Anne of Green Gable on!
But this is also where you’ll find the pond that inspired the Lake of Shining Waters.
Don’t Get Confused With The Lake Of Shining Waters In Cavendish …
There’s a Lake of Shining Waters in the Prince Edward Island National Park Cavendish Section. This lake was NOT the inspiration for the pond in the novels despite it’s name!
And for some more fun, they also offer Matthew’s carriage rides around the farm if you’re interested!
P.S. L.M. Montgomery wrote more than just Anne novels. Silver Bush Farms also inspired her novel Pat of Silver Bush.
L.M. Montgomery’s Birthplace – Anne of Green Gables PEI
If you’re not interested in fictional representations and inspirations, visit the L.M. Montgomery Birthplace museum instead.
This is the house where Montgomery was born in 1874.
Montgomery didn’t exactly live here for very long though. When her mother passed away 3 months after Montgomery was born, she moved in with her grandparents in the MacNeil homestead (more on that in a bit!).
But the L.M. Montgomery Birthplace is now a museum about the author’s life. It has the least to do with the novel, but displays a collection of scrapbooks, photos, and other memorabilia from the Montgomery’s life.
L.M. Montgomery’s Birthplace isn’t open all year round though. They open in May for the summer.
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What About Montgomery’s Home: The MacNeil Homestead?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much left of the house where Montgomery actually grew up: the MacNeil Homestead.
The MacNeil Homestead was her grandparents house where she lived after her mother passed away.
But after Montgomery became famous, the town unfortunately decided to tear the house down.
You can visit the location where the house originally stood, and see the same view that she would have as she wrote her beloved novels.
More L.M. Montgomery Points of Interest In Cavendish
Montgomery grew up and lived in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, so there are a few other notable places you can visit while you’re in the area.
Montgomery Park in Cavendish is a peaceful park dedicated to the author, with a statue of Montgomery that you can take a picture with.
Across from the park, is the Cavendish cemetery where Montgomery is buried.
On the other side of the park and cemetery is the Church where Montgomery met her husband, had their wedding, and where her funeral was held.
Visiting Avonlea In Cavendish, PEI
If you aren’t familiar with the novels, Avonlea is the fictional village where Anne lived in Prince Edward Island. It may not surprise you that Montgomery based this town on her own, Cavendish.
Today, the city created it’s own little Avonlea Village where you can walk around, enjoy one of the many restaurants, or go shopping.
And of course, you can see replicas of the school house where Anne went to school, the church, and homes styles from that time.
It’s quite touristy, but what else would you expect from a made up village?
Avonlea Village is also only open from May to September.
Related
Find A Place To Stay In Prince Edward Island: My Hotel Recommendations
If You Have Time: Visit The Kensington Train Station
The Kensington train station is a nice pit stop to make if you’re in the area. It has ties to both Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables PEI.
First, this is where Montgomery met the first Canadian Prime Minister, Sir John A. McDonald, which was a very important moment in her life.
Second, if you’re a fan of the film adaptations, you might recognize Kensington Station as the train station from the Anne of Green Gables movies.
I would come here for the Willow Bakery & Cafe, even though it’s not related to Anne of Green Gables PEI. It’s delightful and has delicious soups and coffee to enjoy after a day of touring!
Bonus: Bideford Parsonage Museum
A bit further from Cavendish along the North Cape Coastal drive is the Bideford Parsonage Museum.
L.M. Montgomery’s first teaching assignment was at the Bideford school from 1894 to 1895, and during her time teaching, she lived at Parsonage.
You can tour this beautiful and historical home that’s frozen in time.
*Only open from June to September.
Anne of Green Gables: The Musical!
If you’re visiting at the right time, you may also be able to see Anne of Green Gables: The Musical!
This is Canada’s longest running annual musical. It’s been produced every year at the Charlottetown Festival since 1965 (barring two years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
It’s a must-see if you’re travelling to Prince Edward Island! It usually plays during high season (from June to September).
Anne of Green Gables Tours PEI
If you’re staying in Charlottetown, and you don’t have a car, you can book an organized tour to see the Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish.
The tour starts in Charlottetown, and includes your ticket to the Heritage Place. You’re driven around the island with a tour guide making stops at the Preserve Company, North Rustico Harbour, and Cavendish Beach.
P.S. Need A Place To Stay In Prince Edward Island?
We stayed at the Great George in Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island. It’s centrally located boutique hotel that offers a unique luxury experience. I mean the bathroom has heated floors – it doesn’t get better than that! Plus, a delicious healthy breakfast was included every morning with your stay. See room rates & availability on Booking.com.
If you aren’t staying in Charlottetown, here are some other hotel recommendations in Prince Edward Island…
We also stayed in Summerside at the Summerside Inn Bed & Breakfast. It’s in a beautiful victorian home and walking distance to the city centre. Plus the host is very nice and helpful, making a delicious breakfast for you! See room rates & availability on Booking.com.
Or, if you’re visiting Prince Edward Island with the family and staying in Cavendish, book the Cavendish Lodge & Cottages. Rent your own private little cottage in a small cottage village. See room rates & availability on Booking.com.
See more accommodations in Prince Edward Island on Booking.com.
Or you might also be interested in reading…
Send Yourself A Hardcover Copy Of Anne of Green Gables…
Read More Guides
- Guide To The Prince Edward Island National Park
- The Must-See Lighthouses on Prince Edward Island
- Hotel Review: Why Stay At The Great George In Charlottetown
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Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API