When author Lucy Maud Montgomery published her novel in 1908 about an orphan girl growing up on Prince Edward Island, she could not imagine the global phenomenon she was creating. More than a hundred years have passed since then, Anne of Green Gables The fandom continues to grow and delight people all over the world.
How to get to Prince Edward Island Anne of Green Gables fan
One of the strange things about this series is that it’s set in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. LM Montgomery summed up PEI nicely: “You never know what peace is until you walk along the shores, fields, and winding red roads of Prince Edward Island on a dewy summer evening. and you will find your soul, and you will find that youth does not disappear, but lives forever in your heart.” And if If you choose to visit in Montgomery’s footsteps, you’ll wholeheartedly agree with her.
It’s been a dream of mine to visit this island ever since I read the novels and watched the Sullivan miniseries in the 80’s. When I finally got the chance, I decided to go alone and create my own itinerary that incorporated every element of Anne’s during her five days there.
Plan your visit between June and September, as many facilities are closed during the fall and winter months. If you remember the scene in Sullivan’s movie with Anne walking through a few feet of snow, this is why things ended.
Cavendish and Surrounding Areas
This beautiful area of Prince Edward Island is where most of Anne of Green Gables is located. You can stay in the capital city of Charlottetown and drive here (about 40 minutes), or stay in the Cavendish area for a few days to explore all things Anne, then head back to Charlottetown for the rest. You can also continue your journey. We recommend at least 2-3 full days to explore this area at your leisure.
Green Gables Heritage Place
This was the highlight of the trip and probably one of the most photographed locations. The author’s cousins originally owned this 19th-century farmhouse, which was eventually purchased by the Canadian government as a historic residence. By the 80s, it had been refurbished to resemble the Green Gables depicted in the novel. Every room is furnished exactly like an old-fashioned farmhouse, and it’s here when Anne is in her “deepest despair” or studying for her exams, or when Diana invites her over for tea that she accidentally slips into a raspberry cordial. It’s easy to imagine what it would be like to get drunk.
Several walking paths on the property, such as the Haunted Woods Trail and Lovers Lane, provide ‘comrades’ inspiration. The former trail runs alongside Cavendish Cemetery where Montgomery is buried.
new london lighthouse
PEI is dotted with picturesquely preserved historic lighthouses. This in particular, featured in the Sullivan original series, is about a 20 minute drive from Green Gables Heritage Place and 8 minutes from the next stop he. After enjoying the scenery, have lunch at a nearby eatery before heading to the museum.
Anne of Green Gables Museum
When I first read about these two locations, I confused them and thought they were in the same place. This farmhouse was owned by the author’s uncle and aunt. There are many artifacts here for die-hard fans. Montgomery held her wedding in her drawing room, where the organ and furnishings and her signature blue chest of drawers are still there. story girl The novel, the Anne series The Magic Bookshelf, and some of her hand-developed photographs.
After exploring the house from top to bottom, take a horse-drawn ‘Matthew’s Carriage Ride’ to see views such as the ‘Lake of Sparkling Waters’.
Birthplace of Lucy Maud Montgomery
From Charlottetown, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s birthplace in New London is just a 40-minute drive. The beautifully preserved home displays furniture belonging to the Montgomery family and a replica of his dress from Montgomery’s wedding. As you walk through the house, you can easily imagine stepping into Anne’s world.
blue winds tea room
The owner of this quaint restaurant is an avid Montgomery fan. If Anne and Diana were in charge of setting up the tea room, it would be set up like this. The menu includes traditional baked goods, sandwiches, and teas.
Dalvay by the Sea
Dalvay by the Sea This historic hotel is still in use and overlooks the Dalvay Sea. This beautiful hotel masquerades as the White Sands Hotel from Sullivan’s novels. You can stay here or visit the countryside for sightseeing.
Charlottetown
The first thing you notice when you arrive is that the island is small. I didn’t really like the idea of moving hotels every few days, so I decided to base myself in Charlottetown and rent a car to drive around the different sights. It was my first time driving on the right side of the road, so the relatively quiet road was perfect for me. I stayed at a cute little bed and breakfast just outside the main shopping district and a short walk to the picturesque Hillsboro River.
Charlottetown has two gift shops that specialize in Anne-related items. Among the plethora of paraphernalia you can purchase raspberry cordials, DVD copies of movies, Anne’s coffee mugs, Marilla’s Rosebud and his tea set.
theater performance
For musical lovers, Charlottetown regularly hosts two Anne-related performances. Confederation Arts Center hosts the production of Musical “Anne of Green Gables”. The show has been performed annually for over 50 years, from his 1965 to his 2019, and entered the Guinness World Records as the longest-running musical theater production of the year. It is scheduled to return in the summer of 2024.
Anne and Gilbert, the musical Performed at Florence Simmons Performance Hall. The story focuses specifically on the book’s sequels and Sullivan’s love affairs. Anne of Avonlea.
Orwell Corner Historic Village
You may have seen mention of Avonlea Village, a replica village deliberately built in connection with Anne of Green Gables. There is also a gift shop and restaurant, but honestly it feels like a tourist trap. At PEI he truly experienced life in the late 19th century, and if you want to understand what life was like in Montgomery and its characters, this is the place to visit rather than Avonlea Village. It’s a 25-minute drive east of Charlottetown.
Lee Winter is a freelance food, travel and lifestyle journalist. She is an Australian who enjoys traveling the world and now calls New Orleans her home. Her bylines in The Thrillist, Inside the Magic, The Streamable, Mashed, The Daily Meal, Apartment Advisor and Weekend Notes. Her Australian peers may have seen her work printed in the Geelong Advertiser and Docklands News. In addition to this, she has her passion for history and travel, although she is happy to admit that she is a crazy cat lady.
