The first time I set foot on Prince Edward Island, I instantly got why this tiny Canadian province has charmed people for generations. Sure, it’s the home of Lucy Maud Montgomery and her legendary Anne of Green Gables stories, but honestly, PEI is so much more than just a literary destination. It’s a real, living paradise—equal parts storybook charm and wild, windswept beauty.
Prince Edward Island lets you step right into Anne’s world while soaking in some of Canada’s most jaw-dropping coastal scenery. Rolling green hills, those famous red sand beaches, and cozy rural villages—PEI brings both the magic of the books and the real-life maritime vibe.
Digging into PEI, I found that getting to know Montgomery’s life, checking out the iconic Anne sites, and diving into the island’s lively arts scene really set the stage for understanding why this place keeps pulling in visitors year after year. The landscapes and that untouched countryside? You start to see that Anne’s “scope for imagination” wasn’t just a clever line—it was Montgomery’s honest love letter to her home.
Anne of Green Gables: The Literary Legacy and Its Island Roots
Lucy Maud Montgomery’s 1908 novel didn’t just give us Anne—it put Prince Edward Island on the global map. Over 50 million copies sold, at least 36 languages, and suddenly PEI became a household name.
The Story and Characters of Anne Shirley
Anne Shirley, with her wild red hair and even wilder imagination, arrives at Green Gables as an orphan. The Cuthberts, Marilla and Matthew, had planned for a boy to help out on the farm.
Instead, Anne turns up. Her quirky spirit and love for learning soon win over Marilla’s strict heart and Matthew’s gentle soul.
The whole story unfolds in Avonlea, Montgomery’s fictional take on Cavendish, PEI. She borrowed a lot from her own childhood on the island.
Anne’s mishaps at school, her tangled friendships, and that unforgettable hair dye disaster—classic. Through Anne, Montgomery captured the everyday joys and struggles of early 1900s island life.
Why do we love Anne?
- She’s endlessly imaginative (and a bit talkative)
- Always chasing top marks at school
- Guided by a strong sense of right and wrong
- Feels deeply connected to nature
The Impact on Prince Edward Island’s Global Identity
Before Montgomery wrote Anne, hardly anyone outside Canada had even heard of Prince Edward Island. After the book? Everything changed.
People from all over started showing up, eager to see Anne’s world for themselves.
Montgomery used real spots in Cavendish for her fictional Avonlea—think the church, the old schoolhouse, even the post office.
Anne of Green Gables became a cornerstone of Canadian culture. PEI’s identity and economy shifted, with Anne right at the center.
These days, Anne tourism keeps thousands of islanders working. Fans fly in from every continent, just to walk in Anne’s shoes.
Translations and International Appeal
Anne of Green Gables didn’t just stay in Canada. Translators took it to at least 36 languages, making it one of the world’s best-selling novels.
Teachers in far-flung countries use Anne’s story in their classrooms. The themes—belonging, family, growing up—seem to hit home everywhere.
Montgomery kept the story going with several sequels. Readers stuck with Anne through all her adventures.
Movies, TV shows, stage productions—Anne’s been everywhere. Each new adaptation brings fresh fans into the fold.
It’s not unusual to bump into international visitors on PEI, all on their own literary pilgrimage, hoping to catch a glimpse of the places that inspired Montgomery.
Lucy Maud Montgomery: Life, Inspirations, and Influences
Montgomery’s journey from a lonely island child to a world-famous author started right here in PEI’s rolling fields. Her early years in New London and Cavendish gave her the raw material for Avonlea and its unforgettable characters.
Montgomery’s Early Years in New London and Cavendish
Born November 30, 1874, in New London, PEI, Montgomery lost her mother to tuberculosis when she was just a toddler.
Her father left soon after. By 21 months, she was living with her grandparents, Alexander and Lucy Macneill, in Cavendish.
The Macneill Homestead became her world for 37 years. The kitchen doubled as the post office, and Montgomery worked there—writing stories that would one day circle the globe.
The landscape around Cavendish—red earth, gentle hills, endless coastal views—shaped her imagination. Spruce woods, apple trees, and winding paths sneak into her stories again and again.
Her grandparents’ strict Presbyterian ways clashed with her dreamy nature. That tension? You can feel it in her writing.
The Creation of Avonlea and Green Gables
Montgomery found inspiration in the Campbell family farm at Silver Bush, where her cousins lived. She called it the “Wonder Castle of her childhood” and visited often.
The Green Gables house nearby became the perfect backdrop for Anne. The area is dotted with spots that fans will recognize:
- Lover’s Lane: A quiet path behind Green Gables
- Haunted Wood: The magical spruce grove
- Lake of Shining Waters: Inspired by Barry’s Pond at Silver Bush
Montgomery wrote Anne of Green Gables in 1905, but publishers kept turning her down. She stashed the manuscript in a hat box for two years.
In 1907, she tried again. The Page Company of Boston finally published it in 1908.
The book took off. Montgomery’s deep knowledge of island life—every season, every quirky neighbor—made Avonlea feel real to readers everywhere.
Marriage to Ewan Macdonald and Literary Success
Montgomery married Reverend Ewan Macdonald in 1911 at Silver Bush, after her grandmother passed away.
Marriage didn’t slow her down. She wrote 20 more novels after Anne of Green Gables, nearly all set on PEI.
She branched out with series like The Story Girl and Pat of Silver Bush, drawing on places she’d known since childhood.
Short stories, poems, journals, and letters flowed from her pen. These glimpses into her life—and her love for PEI—still fascinate fans.
Montgomery also loved photography, snapping the very landscapes that fueled her stories.
Her legacy is alive and well on PEI. You can still wander the same paths that once sparked her imagination.
Exploring Green Gables Heritage Place and Iconic Anne Sites
Green Gables Heritage Place is the must-see spot for Anne fans. The famous farmhouse inspired Montgomery’s novel, and Cavendish is packed with trails, lakes, and museums that celebrate both Anne and her creator.
Green Gables Heritage Place and Historic Farmstead
Green Gables Heritage Place sits right in the heart of Anne country. Each year, up to 200,000 visitors step inside the iconic green-and-white farmhouse.
I love poking around the restored rooms—each one matches Montgomery’s descriptions, from the cozy kitchen to Anne’s dreamy bedroom.
The visitor center dives into L.M. Montgomery’s life and writing. You’ll see how she created Anne and learn about the global impact of her stories.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Walking trails connect the farmhouse to other Anne-themed spots. These paths let you experience the same countryside that inspired Montgomery. The grounds feel frozen in time, showing what PEI farm life looked like in Anne’s day.
Haunted Wood and Lover’s Lane
The Haunted Wood trail begins right behind Green Gables. It’s the same shadowy forest that spooked Anne in the books.
Walking the trail, you can almost hear Anne’s imagination running wild. The dense trees and shifting light make it feel a bit mysterious—especially if the sky’s overcast.
Lover’s Lane branches off from the Haunted Wood. This is where Anne and her friends would wander, sharing secrets and dreams. The tree-lined path is pure PEI tranquility.
Both trails are short and easy—just watch your step on the roots. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to walk in Anne’s footsteps (literally).
Lake of Shining Waters and Surrounding Landscapes
Lake of Shining Waters isn’t just one lake—Montgomery used several sparkling ponds around Cavendish for inspiration.
You can visit these peaceful waters, the same kind of place where Anne would sit and dream. When the sunlight hits just right, the lakes really do shine.
The red sandstone cliffs nearby add a dramatic touch. Montgomery worked these cliffs into her descriptions of the PEI coast.
Best time to visit? Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft. It’s easy to see why Montgomery felt inspired here.
Anne of Green Gables Museum and Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace
The Anne of Green Gables Museum stands apart from Green Gables Heritage Place. It’s packed with Montgomery’s personal treasures—her wedding dress, jewelry, first editions, and handwritten letters.
Walking through, you get a real sense of the woman behind Anne. It’s a bit surreal, honestly.
Lucy Maud Montgomery’s birthplace in New London is another must. The small house where she was born in 1874 has been lovingly restored.
There’s a little gift shop and gardens outside. Guided tours give you the backstory on Montgomery’s family and early years.
Both sites help you connect the dots between Montgomery’s real life and the world she created for Anne.
Contemporary Experiences: From Musicals to Local Attractions
PEI brings Anne’s story to life with musicals, immersive attractions, and a dash of island culture. Whether you love live theater, quirky shops, or fresh seafood, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Confederation Centre of the Arts and Anne of Green Gables – The Musical
The Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown hosts Canada’s longest-running musical. Anne of Green Gables – The Musical has been a summer tradition for decades.
The show lasts about 2 hours and 32 minutes:
- Act One: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Intermission: 20 minutes
- Act Two: 1 hour 2 minutes
It’s a lively mix of singing, dancing, and storytelling. The cast brings Anne’s adventures to life, with plenty of laughs and a few teary moments.
The theater itself is a cultural anchor for PEI. It’s not just about Anne—there’s always something interesting happening here.
Anne of Green Gables Store and Chocolates
The Anne of Green Gables Store is a treasure trove of themed gifts and local treats. You’ll find everything from classic books to quirky Anne-inspired T-shirts.
Anne of Green Gables Chocolates are a sweet souvenir. The packaging is adorable, and the flavors are pure PEI.
Shopping here feels different—less touristy, more like a celebration of Anne and island life.
Most items blend Anne’s spirit with PEI’s unique culture. You’re not just buying a trinket; you’re taking home a piece of the story.
Avonlea Village and Local Culinary Delights
Avonlea Village recreates Anne’s fictional hometown with period buildings and hands-on activities. It’s great for families or anyone who wants to step back in time.
PEI is known as Canada’s Food Island for a reason. The seafood is fresh, the potatoes are legendary, and the dairy—well, you have to try it.
Many restaurants play up the Anne theme, both in their menus and their décor. Charlottetown is the foodie hub, with options ranging from casual to fancy.
Don’t miss COWS Creamery for some of the creamiest ice cream you’ll ever taste. Their Moo merchandise is a hit with visitors, too.
These experiences blend the world of Anne with the authentic flavors of the island.
The Real Paradise: PEI’s Natural Beauty and Rural Life
Prince Edward Island dazzles with its national parks, those iconic red cliffs, and charming rural communities. The island’s wild beaches, rich wildlife, and endless outdoor adventures make it a true paradise—Anne or no Anne.
Prince Edward Island National Park and Scenic Landscapes
Prince Edward Island National Park protects some of the island’s most beautiful natural areas. I can tell you, Parks Canada really puts in the effort to keep these landscapes thriving for the next generation.
Rolling green hills stretch out across the park, and those coastal views? Absolutely stunning. You can wander along trails that twist through forests, marshes, and dunes—each one feels a bit different from the last.
Key Park Features:
- Dune systems hugging the north shore
- Wetlands alive with birds and other wildlife
- Overlooks with sweeping views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence
- Interactive exhibits about PEI’s unique ecology
Every season brings its own magic. In spring, wildflowers pop up everywhere—seriously, it’s like the ground wakes up overnight. Summer rolls in with endless green fields, and by fall, the countryside glows in reds and golds that you have to see to believe.
Red Soil, Seaside Towns, and Island Traditions
That famous red soil? It comes from iron-rich sandstone, and it gives the beaches and cliffs their unforgettable color. The contrast with the blue of the ocean is honestly something you don’t forget.
Tiny fishing villages line the coast. Folks here still live by the tides and the land, sticking close to traditions that have shaped PEI for generations.
Traditional Island Activities:
- Hauling in lobster traps just offshore
- Growing potatoes in that rich, red earth
- Raising mussels in calm, sheltered bays
- Tending backyard gardens bursting with veggies
Life moves a bit slower in these rural pockets. Islanders seem to cherish their communities and pay attention to the rhythm of the seasons. Throughout the year, you’ll find festivals that honor the harvest and celebrate the island’s deep maritime roots.
Biodiversity, Beaches, and Outdoor Activities
PEI’s beaches go on for miles, lining three different coastlines. Up north, you’ll find those classic long sandy stretches, while the south hides quieter coves and little inlets that feel like your own secret spot.
Even though the island’s small, it bursts with wildlife. Seabirds swoop and nest along the cliffs—sometimes you’ll spot a whole crowd of them. Harbor seals love to hang out near the rocky shores, and if you’re lucky, you might catch them sunbathing.
Popular Outdoor Activities:
- Wandering the beaches or just jumping in for a swim
- Cycling the Confederation Trail (honestly, it’s a must)
- Kayaking in those calm, sheltered bays
- Bird watching in the wetlands—bring binoculars if you’ve got them
- Deep-sea fishing charters for those who want a real adventure
PEI’s size actually works in your favor. You can wake up in farmland, bike through forests, and end your day lounging on a beach—all without rushing. It’s wild how much you can pack into just one day here.
