When we visited the Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, it felt like we'd stepped straight into the world of Anne of Green Gables. You probably know that feeling when a place looks exactly as you've always imagined it—or even more beautiful. That's exactly what happened here! The charming white farm with green gables, surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, made us immediately understand why Lucy Maud Montgomery was inspired by this landscape. It was as if Anne could turn the corner at any moment, her braids flying and her eyes twinkling. Come with us, and we'll show you what makes this place so special!
Where Anne of Green Gables lived
Actually, it didn't even exist. Anne of Green Gables. The girl with the pigtails and freckles ubiquitous on Prince Edward Island is an invention of Lucy Maud Montgomery. An author who achieved world fame with the protagonist of her children's books. Anne didn't exist like that. But Lucy Maud Montgomery was inspired by a story she read in a newspaper. It reports that the authorities sent a couple an orphan girl instead of an orphan boy. The couple took the girl in anyway. So the idea was born to write a story about a girl who never stops talking. Anne's idea was born. In her novels, Lucy Maud Montgomery interwoven childhood memories of the time she spent with her grandparents on Prince Edward Island.
Lucy Maud Montgomery
Lucy Maud Montgomery grew up not far from the house to which almost every tourist who visits Prince Edward Island makes a pilgrimage. No matter where he comes from - from Germany, Japan, the USA or any other country in the world - Anne of Green Gables is known everywhere. The story of the girl, to whom her independence and education were important, is at home in almost every children's room in the world. Similar to Pippi Longstocking, by the way. It's not a coincidence. The story of Anne of Green Gables was one of Astrid Lindgren's favorite books, which Anne ultimately made the model for her Pippi.
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The Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
The Green Gables Heritage Place is now a pilgrimage site for all Anne of Green Gables fans. It shows how Lucy Maud might have lived. The house where she grew up no longer stands. The building now known as Green Gables is the home of David and Margaret MacNeill. They were cousins of Lucy Maud's grandfather. As a child, the author spent much time in this house and its surroundings. Memories of it inspired her novel. When it was finally published in 1908, many of the island's residents recognized the house.
Where is Green Gables Heritage Place?
We drive about 45 minutes from Charlottetown to Cavendish on the north side of Prince Edward Island. Green Gables Heritage Place is located on the edge of Prince Edward Island National Park, not far from the site of Ludy Maud Montgomery's grandparents' house. We can easily imagine her running through the woods to her relatives' house as a child. A vegetable garden and a garden with grass and flowers along the white picket fence still entice children to romp around in front of the house.
Rooms in which glasses and carafes made of pressed glass on wooden chests of drawers wait to be used to entertain guests take us back to the beginning of the 20th century. Electric lamps illuminate the room. Its wallpaper is so dark that it requires light sources. The windows with their lace curtains don't let in enough light even during the day. Still lifes and etchings hang on the walls. They represent life in the country. Tablecloths and doilies testify to the creative environment in which Lucy Maud grew up. Anne of Green Gables would certainly have felt at home here.
Anne of Green Gables is said to have lived in the Green Gables Heritage Place
The beds in the bedrooms are covered with quilts. In the kitchen, clay jugs, brass baking tins, and glass bowls evoke memories of my grandmother's kitchen. The kitchen always smelled tantalizingly of freshly baked goods. I can imagine Lucy Maud's experience was no different. Porcelain dishes, glasses, tureens, and serving platters are waiting for the Sunday roast to be served. Eggs, a wooden mixing bowl, and muffin tins make the kitchen look as if the cook has just left the house. I can imagine her stocking up on supplies or gathering herbs from the garden. This is a house that felt like home. So it's no surprise that this became the setting for the story of Anne of Green Gables, which turned the lives of two siblings completely upside down.
This feeling of being at home and the memory of the times with the grandparents apparently also play a role in the attraction that the history and the place exert on visitors from all over the world. Somehow they are all looking for their childhood and come a little closer to it in Green Gables.
Further information
Conclusion on the Green Heritage Place in Cavendish Prince Edward Island
The Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, is definitely a place you shouldn't miss—whether you're a big Anne of Green Gables fan or just want to enjoy the beautiful nature of Prince Edward Island. The blend of history, literature, and idyllic scenery makes this place truly special. During our visit, we could practically feel why Lucy Maud Montgomery fell in love with this area. So, if you ever have the chance to travel to Prince Edward Island, grab your camera and immerse yourself in the world of Anne Shirley—it's worth it!
FAQs
What is the Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island?
Green Gables Heritage Place is one of the most recognizable places on Prince Edward Island—and for good reason! This charming white farmhouse with its distinctive green gables served as the inspiration for Anne Shirley's home in Anne of Green Gables. Author Lucy Maud Montgomery knew this place well, as she grew up nearby. Today, you can explore the house, stroll through the beautiful landscape, and immerse yourself in the world of the novel. It's a real highlight for fans of the books and anyone who wants to experience the island's idyllic natural surroundings.
Can you visit the Green Gables House from the inside?
Yes, and it's definitely an experience! As soon as you enter the house, you feel like you're stepping right into the story. The rooms are decorated to match the descriptions from the books—including Anne's famous bedroom. You can imagine her sitting by the window, lost in her thoughts. The kitchen, dining room, and cozy parlor are also decorated with loving details. There's even a small attic that might remind you of a particular scene from the book!
Are there any other places in the area related to Anne of Green Gables?
Absolutely! While the Green Gables Heritage Place is the centerpiece, there are many other exciting places for Anne of Green Gables fans. Nearby, you'll find the Haunted Wood Trail and Lover's Lane, two beautiful walking trails beloved by Lucy Maud Montgomery. You can also visit the Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace Museum in New London or the Anne of Green Gables Museum in Park Corner. And if you want to delve even deeper into Anne's world, check out the Anne & Gilbert Musical in Charlottetown—a real highlight!
Is the Green Gables Heritage Place only of interest to fans of the books?
Not at all! Of course, this place is a must-see for fans of Anne of Green Gables, but even if you're not familiar with the books, you'll feel at home here. The scenery is simply breathtaking – green hills, dense forests, and fresh sea air. Perfect for a relaxing stroll! You'll also learn a lot about life on Prince Edward Island in the 19th century. There are historical exhibits, beautifully manicured gardens, and sometimes even costumed performers who bring life back to life.
When is the best time to visit?
It all depends on what you're looking for! If you want to enjoy the full bloom and pleasant temperatures, late spring to early autumn is ideal – from May to October. Summer is especially beautiful, when the island glows in lush green and the weather is perfect for long walks. Autumn also has its charm, when the leaves turn warm reds and golds. In winter, Green Gables Heritage Place has a magic all its own, although some areas may be closed.
That has to be in your Suitcase for a trip to the Green Heritage Place in Cavendish
- Wear comfortable Shoes, because on Prince Edward Island you will be walking a lot. Hiking trails and beach walks await you.
- A backpack, in which you have utensils and a Jacket for a day
- You can swim well on the beaches of Prince Edward Island. Our will help you with packing packing list for a beach vacation continue.
- Also use our packing list for the vacationso that you don't forget anything.
- You can also get tips for your Eastern Canada in Travel Guide Canada East *, to which I contributed travel tips.
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Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Flight:
Compare and book flights here* (Advertisement). Lufthansa, Air Canada and Condor fly to HalifaxFrom there, you can travel to Prince Edward Island by rental car and across the Confederation Bridge or by ferry. You can also rent a car at the airport for your onward journey.
Car Rentals:
Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!
Camper Rentals:
Are you traveling by motorhome? Then you can find booking optionshere, for example. Be sure to check with our packing list for the motorhomewhether you have everything for the trip with you.
Prince Edward Island Excursions:
If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
For example, we were traveling with Duncan's Island Tours, a tour company offering tours in and around Charlottetown.
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Source: On-site research. We would like to thank Tourism Prince Edward Island for the invitation on this trip. However, our opinions remain our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well TravelWorldOnline
Photos © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
