Green Gables Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Nestled among the rolling hills and red sandstone cliffs of Prince Edward Island, Green Gables is more than just a farmhouse; it is a pilgrimage site for millions who have found a kindred spirit in Anne Shirley. The landscape here feels suspended in a gentler time, where the salt air mingles with the scent of spruce and clover. Whether you are a die-hard literary fan or a nature lover seeking the tranquility of the Canadian Maritimes, Cavendish offers a picturesque escape that feels like stepping into a storybook.

The region is defined by its striking colour palette: the rust-red soil, the vibrant emerald of the potato fields and golf courses, and the deep sapphire of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. While the spirit of L.M. Montgomery permeates every corner of the village, the area has evolved into a premier vacation destination. From the pristine dunes of the National Park to the bustling boardwalks filled with maritime hospitality, Green Gables invites you to slow down and savor the simple beauty of island life.

A Literary Landscape

What makes this destination truly unique is the seamless blend of fiction and reality. Green Gables Heritage Place is part of the Prince Edward Island National Park, preserving the 19th-century farm that belonged to L.M. Montgomery’s cousins. It was this very setting, the babbling brook, the Haunted Wood, and the white-picket-fenced home, that inspired the 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables. Unlike many tourist sites that feel manufactured, the preservation here is meticulous, maintaining the Victorian aesthetic and agricultural heritage of the era. You aren’t just visiting a museum; you are walking through the physical manifestation of a Canadian cultural icon.

Beyond the farmhouse, the surrounding area of Cavendish serves as a gateway to the authentic PEI experience. The culture here is deeply rooted in hospitality and the harvest, be it from the land or the sea. Visitors can spend the morning tracing the footsteps of a literary heroine and the afternoon hauling in a lobster trap on a real fishing boat. It is this combination of world-famous history and down-to-earth maritime charm that keeps visitors returning to the red roads of Cavendish year after year.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Green Gables Heritage Place - This is the main attraction, featuring the restored farmhouse, visitor centre, and barn. Located on Route 6, it is the heart of the park. Entry is roughly $9.00 CAD for adults, and it is open daily from May to October.

Cavendish Beach - Located just 2 km from the heritage site, this is one of Canada’s finest beaches. It features kilometres of white sand and red cliffs. A Parks Canada pass (approx. $9.00 CAD daily) is required for entry during peak season.

L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish Home - A National Historic Site located 1 km east of Green Gables. This is the foundation of the home where Montgomery was raised by her grandparents and wrote her famous books. Admission is modest, around $7.00 CAD.

Avonlea Village - A cluster of heritage buildings repurposed into shops and eateries right in Cavendish. It is free to enter and walk around, though food and shopping costs vary. It captures the rural atmosphere of the 1900s.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Green Gables requires a bit of planning. The site is located in Cavendish on the north shore of PEI, about a 40-minute drive (35 km) from the capital city, Charlottetown. There is no public transit system that services this rural area efficiently, so renting a car at the Charlottetown Airport (YYG) is essential. Driving in PEI is relaxed, but watch out for farm equipment on the roads during harvest season.

When packing, remember that the Maritime weather can be unpredictable. Even in July, the coastal breeze can be cool, so bring layers, including a light sweater and a rain jacket. If you plan to explore the trails or the beach, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Also, keep in mind that Cavendish is highly seasonal; if you visit between November and April, you will find the Green Gables site and most local businesses closed for the winter.

Green Gables is a destination that stays with you long after you’ve shaken the red dust from your shoes. Whether you come to find Anne, to conquer the golf courses, or simply to watch the sun set over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the magic of this little island is undeniable.