Visiting Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island
I visited Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island while roadtripping parts of Canada and the United States. As someone with such a nostalgic love for this series by L.M. Montgomery, crossing the bridge to explore this area was a no-brainer.
Since my mom instilled my love for Anne Shirley in me, taking a mother-daughter road trip made my visit so much more special. Plus, let’s be honest, for these types of travels, you want someone exploring with you who knows the mission.
One day, I’ll find my own Gilbert Blythe, but until then, this is my guide to finding all things Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island, including some of my favorite shots.
If you visit any of these spots, tag @accentgolden in your posts on social and let me know your favorites!
Why Anne of Green Gables Still Captivates Readers
Growing Up with Anne Shirley
I grew up watching Anne of Green Gables with my mom and sister (and sometimes one of my aunts). I forever wanted to live in a white house on a few acres of land with a picket fence, near water (and still do, to be honest – minus the nosey neighbor and ornery cow).
To this day, I annually watch my favorite redhead venture around Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, making all the heartfelt, hilarious blunders we know and love. Also, for full credit, I read the entire L.M. Montgomery series and absolutely loved it.
Why Prince Edward Island Feels Like Stepping Into the Book
While P.E.I. is much more populated now than it would have been during Anne Shirley’s era, you’ll still find the open fields and red sand beaches described and shown in both the books and the movies.
You’ll want to wear your puffiest sleeves while standing on a cliff looking out over the water, and pretend your bosom friend is right beside you. Or walk through the streets of Charlottetown, as though you’re anxiously awaiting Matthew Cuthbert to take you home.
Planning a Visit to Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island
If you’re planning your own Green Gables adventure on this historic Canadian island, check out my guide for how to plan a week on Prince Edward Island. Find not only the charm of L.M. Montgomery’s stories but also off-the-beaten-path shops, eats, and more!
When to Visit Prince Edward Island for Anne of Green Gables Fans
Keep in mind that P.E.I. is in Canada, so the winters are harsh and not ideal for a trip. Also, everything is closed.
To plan the perfect trip to experience all the Anne of Green Gables magic, plan your visit between June and September. July and August will be the peak seasons for travellers, so keep that in mind for both expenses and making any necessary reservations in advance.
The weather is less predictable in June, which is when I visited, so while you’ll still find many sunshine-filled days, I’d probably visit July-September if I traveled to P.E.I. again.
How to Get to Green Gables and Cavendish
You can reach Prince Edward Island by car or ferry. Unless you book a tour, you will need to rent a car to see all the Anne of Green Gables sites, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
You’ll find the majority of highlights in Cavendish and Kensington. You should plan for a few days to really see them all, at your own pace.
What to Expect When Visiting Anne of Green Gables Sites
At this point in time, the Anne of Green Gables story is a profitable tourism entity for Canada. Therefore, many of the sites are well staged to try to give you the full experience, while also preserving elements of history relevant to that time period.
You’ll be able to sip the infamous raspberry cordial at the Green Gables Heritage Place, and look out over the lake of shining waters at the Green Gables Museum. Experiencing both the real-life elements that Lucy Maud Montgomery was inspired by, and stepping into the role of our favorite red-headed orphan during that time.
Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish
Ironically, the Green Gables Heritage Place, located in Cavendish, is more museum-like than the Green Gables Museum, located in Kensington. You’ll walk into a modern visitor center to purchase your tickets and read some history behind the story, plus it’s various adaptations, from movies and T.V. to even Netflix’s Anne with an E.
Once you’ve bought your ticket, you’ll have full access to the grounds, including the Green Gables house, walking paths, and the BeaverTails restaurant inside, where you can grab a raspberry cordial.
Exploring the Green Gables House
The Green Gables House at the Heritage Place was actually the original home of the cousins of L.M. Montgomery’s grandfather. So while she never lived here, she visited often and took inspiration from it and the wooded paths surrounding.
You’ll find each room preserved in time, some of which you can only peek at through the doorway as they’re roped off. There are staff members located throughout the house to guide you and offer insights.
While you can walk through the house at your own pace, you’re not free to explore it as you wish. Staff members will direct you to follow a set path through the house, guiding you from the front door to the exit out the back.
Walking Lover’s Lane and the Haunted Woods
You’ll find the pathways marked for Lover’s Lane and the Haunted Woods near the Green Gables house. I explored the Haunted Woods pathway, which, to be honest, was nothing special. Sadly, we got caught in the rain before we could explore Lover’s Lane.
Is the Green Gables Heritage Place Worth Visiting?
The Green Gables Heritage Place is worth a single visit. I was happy to have seen it and explored the house and grounds that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Shirley, but once you’ve seen it, it’s not worth the cost of a return.
I will confess, I was slightly disappointed by how business-forward it was run (though I do understand the need to leverage and manage tourism). You’ll even notice this in nearby attractions and the saturation of the Green Gables name across the island.
My favorite Anne of Green Gables Experiences on P.E.I.
If you visit Prince Edward Island, having never heard of Anne of Green Gables, it will be almost impossible to leave without seeing at least one nod to this classic literary series. From literal towns featured in the series, like Cavendish and Charlottetown, to Green Gables, Avonlea, and L.M. Montgomery mentions across many parts of the island.
Anne of Green Gables Museum
The museum is actually L.M. Montgomery’s childhood home, and is still owned by members of her family to this day.
Purchase a ticket to enter before a staff member gives you a brief backstory on the property. Then you’ll be allowed inside to peruse at your leisure.
The history of the property is beautifully preserved, as is the touring of the home. You can roam as you please without feeling overcrowded.
Stroll the grounds around the home, including a walking path through the woods. Head down to the Lake of Shining Waters and grab a seat on the bench to enjoy the peaceful environment where Lucy Maud Montgomery gained so much of her inspiration.
There’s a gift shop located next to the house, where you’ll find more commerical Anne of Green Gables paraphernalia to buy. You’ll also find public restrooms here.
If you want to experience all of Anne’s joy for the landscape, you can book one of Matthew’s Carriage Rides for groups up to 9 people.
Charlottetown
While I love green fields and open pastures, I do love a bustling town. While there are elements of Charlottetown that have been preserved over the years, you’ll find loads of shops, good eats, and charming streets to wander.
Explore the shops off Queen Street and Victoria Row and imagine what life might have been like for an orphan with a busted carpet bag, hoping for a new life on this beautiful island.
Is Visiting Anne of Green Gables Worth It?
If you’re a fan of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, a trip to Prince Edward Island is 100% worth it. I mean, even if you’re not, the red sand beaches, billowing lupins, mix of cultures, and more are enough to make for a memorable journey.
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