– Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
“You never know what peace is until you walk on the shores or in the fields or along the winding red roads of Prince Edward Island in a summer twilight when the dew is falling and the old stars are peeping out and the sea keeps its mighty tryst with the little land it loves.”
Anne
It’s been more than a century since LM Montgomery penned her most famous novel about a feisty red headed orphan that found hope, home, and a family of her own on Prince Edward Island.
And while the world has changed in countless ways since Anne of Green Gables was first published, this coming-of-age story remains a timeless classic beloved by readers of every age and background. In fact, its popularity has given way to the book being adapted as a movie, a musical, and, most recently, a television show.
It would be fair to say that the Island is more than a mere backdrop to Anne of Green Gables, rather it’s one of the main characters and a beautiful one at that. In fact, LM Montgomery loved her home province of PEI so much that it served as the setting for 19 of her 20 novels.
Today, the Island continues to celebrate the incredible literary contributions of LM Montgomery and the indelible mark she’s left on our tiny piece of paradise. And here in the heart of PEI, the aptly named Green Gables Shore region of Central Coastal beckons with numerous places, monuments, and experiences that pay homage to our most beloved author and her orphan heroine.
Whether you’re an Anne fan or simply love history, literature, and natural beauty, we encourage you to explore the world of LM Montgomery during your visit to the region. You’ll discover places of quiet beauty that inspired Montgomery, learn about the Island way of life during the early 20th century, and, perhaps, find a kindred spirit or two along the way.
Green Gables Heritage Place
A must-visit on your Anne tour of Central Coastal is Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish. Here you can explore the house that inspired Anne of Green Gables, learn more about Montgomery’s life and writings at the interpretive centre, and stroll the grounds (make sure you walk down Lover’s Lane!).
Montgomery Park
From Green Gables Heritage Place you can walk, bicycle, or take a very short drive to Montgomery Park. Created to commemorate L.M. Montgomery, and to celebrate the Founding Families of Cavendish and the Avonlea Women’s Institute, the park offers a peaceful respite and features a stunning bronze statue of the author. The park is also the recommended starting point for the LM Montgomery Literary Tour.
Yes, that’s right, we love her so much that, along with our best bosom buddies, we created an entire tour to help Islanders and visitors alike explore the world of Lucy Maud.
L.M. Montgomery Literary Tour
The Inspiring World of L.M. Montgomery Literary Tour is a self-guided tour that invites you to explore important and meaningful places that inspired Montgomery’s writing. In total, the tour includes 16 spots you can visit and enjoy at your own pace. And of those 16 places, all but 2 are located in the Central Coastal region, where Montgomery was born and spent much of her youth.
The Anne of Green Gables Museum
Visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum in peaceful Park Corner. Experience a source of wonder and inspiration for the author of Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery. This property has been owned by the Campbell family since 1776 and is still operated by descendants of her beloved Aunt Annie and Uncle John Campbell. Filled with original furnishings and artifacts related to the author, the Museum offers much for every visitor to discover. View the parlour where LM Montgomery chose to be married on July 5, 1911 and couples from around the world still come here to be married.
No matter where your Anne and Montgomery adventures take you during your PEI vacation, we encourage you to let your curiosity and imagination take the lead, just as Anne always did.
“Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?``
– Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
L.M. Montgomery and L.M. Montgomery’s signature and cat design are trademarks of Heirs of L.M. Montgomery Inc.
Anne of Green Gables and other indicia of Anne are trademarks and Canadian official marks of the Anne of Green Gables Licensing Authority Inc.
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