Green Gables Heritage Place, PEI: 7 Things to See and Do

I’m standing on the porch of a white farmhouse with green shutters and a green roof, and I can literally feel the goosebumps rising. This is it. Green Gables on Prince Edward Island Canada — the place that made me cry over a book as a little girl, that made me want to dye my hair red (thankfully someone talked me out of it 😅), and that made us fly halfway around the world to a Canadian province most people hadn’t even heard of.

And you know what? It was worth every single penny.

Prince Edward Island — Canada’s smallest province — is a place where time has stood still. Red cliffs, endless beaches, potatoes as far as the eye can see (seriously, it’s the island’s main export 😁), and nestled among it all, Green Gables Heritage Place — the farmhouse that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery to write one of the most famous children’s books in the world.

In this article, you’ll find a complete guide to Green Gables on Prince Edward Island — from the Anne of Green Gables house itself to enchanting forest trails, red sand beaches, and the places where Montgomery was born and raised. I’ll tell you when to go, where to stay, how much it all costs, and what to expect so you can enjoy your visit stress-free and packed with memories.

TL;DR

• Green Gables Heritage Place is located in Cavendish on the north shore of Prince Edward Island (PEI). It’s the real farmhouse that inspired L.M. Montgomery — and yes, it’s absolutely worth visiting, even if you haven’t read the book.
• Admission is 8.50 CAD (approx. €6) per adult, children under 17 free. Open from May to October.
• Best time to visit is June or September — fewer tourists, lovely weather, reasonable accommodation prices.
• For the house tour and trails, allow 2–3 hours; for all of Cavendish and surroundings, easily a full day.
• Haunted Wood Trail and Lovers Lane are two enchanting trails right next to the house — both included in the admission price.
• A short drive from Green Gables is Cavendish Beach with red sand and dunes — one of the most beautiful beaches on PEI.
• Nearby you’ll also find the birthplace of L.M. Montgomery, the historic Avonlea Village, and other sites connected to the book.
• Accommodation in Cavendish ranges from around 120 CAD (approx. €80) per night for a motel to 300+ CAD for a luxury cottage.
• A car is practically essential on PEI — public transport outside Charlottetown is virtually non-existent.

When to Go and How to Get to Prince Edward Island

Timing your visit to Prince Edward Island matters more than you might think. The island is a seasonal destination, and outside the summer months, a lot of things simply don’t operate — closed restaurants, closed attractions, closed accommodation. It really is the kind of place that goes into hibernation in October and slowly wakes up in May.

Best Time to Visit

June and September are, in our opinion, the absolute ideal months. In June, everything is freshly open, nature is in bloom, and there are significantly fewer tourists than in July and August. September offers stunning autumn colours (PEI is surprisingly amazing for fall foliage), temperatures around 15–20 °C, and peace and quiet.

July and August are peak season. Temperatures climb to around 25 °C, the water in the bays warms up enough for swimming (around 18–20 °C, which is a luxury by Canadian standards), and Green Gables is bursting at the seams. Expect queues, full car parks, and higher accommodation prices. If you have no other option, go first thing in the morning — around 9:00 it’s relatively calm.

May and October — Green Gables Heritage Place is open but with limited hours. Some trails and secondary attractions may be closed. The weather is unpredictable, but if you don’t mind a few extra layers and some flexibility, you might have the whole place almost to yourself.

November to April — Green Gables is closed. Cavendish is essentially a ghost town. Not recommended unless you enjoy existential solitude among snow-covered potato fields. 😅

How to Get to Prince Edward Island

There are two main ways to reach the island:

Confederation Bridge — a 12.9 km long bridge connecting New Brunswick with PEI. It’s one of the longest bridges over ice-covered waters in the world, and the crossing itself is an experience. The toll is only charged when leaving the island — 50.25 CAD (approx. €34) for a car. Arriving is free. Clever, right? They lure you in and then charge you to escape. 😁

Flying to Charlottetown — Charlottetown Airport (YYG) has connections to Toronto, Montréal, Halifax, and other Canadian cities. From the UK, you’d typically fly via Toronto or Halifax. From Charlottetown to Cavendish (Green Gables) it’s about a 40-minute drive.

Ferry from Nova Scotia — Northumberland Ferries runs from Caribou (NS) to Wood Islands (PEI). The crossing takes 75 minutes and is a lovely experience. Prices are similar to the bridge toll.

If you’re planning a road trip across Western Canada or combining it with the Maritimes, a car is by far the best option. We’ve had consistently great experiences with RentalCars, which we use all over the world — and on PEI a car is absolutely essential since public transport outside the capital is practically non-existent.

Where to Stay and How Much Green Gables and Area Cost

Accommodation on PEI during peak season (July–August) is surprisingly expensive — the island is a popular holiday destination for Canadians from the east coast and capacity isn’t unlimited. In June and September, prices drop by 30–40%, which is yet another reason to visit outside peak season. You can search for the best deals on Booking.com, which usually has good coverage for PEI accommodation.

Accommodation in Cavendish and Surroundings

If you want to be as close to Green Gables as possible, Cavendish is the obvious choice. It’s a typical tourist village — motels, cottages, a few restaurants, and souvenir shops. It’s no architectural gem, but the location is perfect.

Price overview per night (peak season):

• Motel / budget: 120–180 CAD (approx. €80–120)
• B&B / farmstay: 150–220 CAD (approx. €100–150)
• Cottage with kitchen: 200–350 CAD (approx. €135–235)
• Luxury resort: 300+ CAD (approx. €200+)

We stayed in one of the typical cottages with a small kitchenette and a porch — and honestly, it was absolutely perfect. We made coffee in the morning, gazed out at the meadow, and felt like we were living inside the book. At 200 CAD a night, it was a great deal.

Accommodation in Charlottetown

If you don’t mind a 40-minute drive to Cavendish, Charlottetown is an excellent base. It’s the capital of PEI with a charming town centre, restaurants, and nightlife (by the standards of an island with 170,000 people, that means two pubs and one theatre 😅). Prices are similar, but you get more choice and the option to combine Green Gables with other trips around the island.

How Much the Whole Visit Costs

Rough budget for 3 days / 2 nights for two (in peak season):

• Accommodation: 400–600 CAD (€270–400)
• Car rental (3 days): 150–250 CAD (€100–170)
• Petrol: 40–60 CAD (€27–40)
• Admission to Green Gables + Avonlea Village: approx. 50 CAD (€34) for two
• Food and drink: 150–250 CAD (€100–170)
• Total: approx. 800–1,200 CAD (€540–810) for two

That’s without flights and the Confederation Bridge toll. If you go in September and save a bit on food (cook in your cottage!), you can easily come in under 800 CAD.

Green Gables Heritage Place: 7 Things You Must Not Miss

Let’s get to the main event — everything to see and do right at Green Gables Heritage Place. The entire complex falls under Parks Canada and includes not just the famous house but also several trails, museum exhibits, and beautifully maintained gardens. Allow a minimum of 2–3 hours, but you could easily spend half a day here, especially if you love nature walks.

1. The Green Gables House — Where It All Began

A white farmhouse with green shutters. That house. When you see it for the first time, it’s a strange feeling — like stepping into a book you read as a child. And in a way, that’s exactly what you’re doing.

The house belonged to the Macneill family, who were cousins of Lucy Maud Montgomery. Young Lucy used to visit them here, and it was this very house — its location, the surrounding woods and meadows — that inspired the setting of Anne of Green Gables. The interior is furnished in the spirit of the story: you’ll see Anne’s room with the puffed sleeves (yes, they have the famous dress!), Marilla’s kitchen, Matthew’s room, and the cosy parlour.

The tour is self-guided — you walk through the house at your own pace, with information panels in English and French in every room. Parks Canada staff in period costumes are stationed throughout the house and are happy to answer questions. One of them told us how Montgomery used to name the trees in the surrounding forest as a child — and honestly, I nearly cried. 😅

Practical info: Admission is 8.50 CAD (approx. €6) per adult, youth aged 13–17 enter free, children under 12 free. The price includes the house, gardens, and all trails. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online on the Parks Canada website. In peak season, I recommend arriving right at opening (9:00) or after 16:00 — between 11:00 and 14:00 tour buses arrive and it gets very crowded.

2. Haunted Wood Trail — A Walk Through the Enchanted Forest

This trail is an absolute must. The Haunted Wood is the place Anne imagined to be full of ghosts, fairies, and secrets — and when you walk the trail, you’ll understand why.

The trail is about 1 km long and winds through dense spruce forest with moss-covered stones and roots jutting out of the ground like the hands of forest sprites (okay, now I understand why Montgomery called it the Haunted Wood). The path is well-maintained, with wooden boardwalks over the wetter sections. Along the route, you’ll find panels with quotes from the book — and even if you haven’t read the original, the atmosphere is absolutely magical.

The whole walk takes about 20–30 minutes, but I recommend not rushing. Stop, breathe in the scent of spruce and pine needles, listen to the birds. It’s one of those rare moments when tourism and nature work in perfect harmony.

Tip: If you’re here in September or October, the autumn colours in Haunted Wood are absolutely breathtaking — reds, oranges, and golds.

3. Lovers Lane — The Romantic Walk Anne Loved So Much

Lovers Lane is the second of the iconic trails right next to Green Gables, and personally, I found it even more beautiful than the Haunted Wood. It’s a narrow forest path lined with old trees whose canopies connect above you, creating a green tunnel.

In the book, this is where Anne would go to dream and think — and that’s exactly the feeling you get. The trail is flat, easy, about 800 metres long, and leads through a meadow to the forest. We met exactly two people here, which in contrast to the crowds at the house was wonderful.

Montgomery wrote about this place: “That lane is one of the prettiest places in the world.” And she was right. If you’re on PEI with a partner (or by yourself — self-love counts!), it’s the ideal spot for a romantic stroll.

4. Balsam Hollow Trail — For Those Who Want More Nature

If Haunted Wood and Lovers Lane aren’t enough (and you’re like us and could spend the whole day in the woods), Balsam Hollow Trail is a longer loop that takes you deeper into the landscape around Green Gables.

The trail is about 1.5 km long and winds through meadows, forests, and along a brook. It’s a bit less “manicured” than the previous two trails — more nature, fewer information panels — and that’s precisely what makes it beautiful. The terrain is uneven in places, so I recommend comfortable hiking boots or at least sturdy trainers.

In spring, wildflowers bloom here and you might spot small fish in the streams. In autumn, it’s a colourful paradise. And in summer, it’s a pleasantly cool escape from the sun on the beach.

5. Gardens and Farm — A Slice of 19th-Century Life

Around the Green Gables house are beautifully maintained flower gardens that give you a sense of what the farm looked like at the end of the 19th century. Lavender, roses, herbs — and behind the house, a small orchard of apple trees.

During the season, Parks Canada organises interpretive programmes — guides in period clothing demonstrate household tasks from the era in which the story takes place. We watched a woman churning butter and explaining how laundry was done without a washing machine. My mum declared we wouldn’t survive a week. I agree. 😅

For families with children, there’s also a small barn with farming tools and interactive exhibits — kids can try out what life on a farm was like. It’s charming, low-key, and educational without being boring.

6. Visitor Centre and Museum — The Context You Need

Before entering the house itself, pop into the Visitor Centre right by the car park. There’s a permanent exhibition about L.M. Montgomery’s life, the history of the book, and how a farmhouse became a world-famous tourist attraction.

You’ll find the first edition of the book from 1908, photographs from Montgomery’s childhood, letters, and other artefacts. For fans of the book, it’s an absolute treasure. For everyone else, it provides context that makes the subsequent visit to the house and trails so much more meaningful.

In the gift shop, you can buy everything from bookmarks and teas to replicas of Anne’s red braids (yes, really). 😁

7. Sunset at Green Gables — A Bonus for the Patient

If your schedule is flexible, try to stay at Green Gables until the evening. The site usually closes around 17:00 (depending on the month), but the trails around it remain accessible longer. The sunset over the meadows and forests surrounding the house is one of the most beautiful experiences PEI has to offer.

Sit on the bench behind the house, watch the sun paint the white walls pink and gold, and you’ll understand why Montgomery wrote about this place with such love. There are moments when tourism stops being tourism and simply becomes — life.

Around Green Gables: 6 Places to Visit in Cavendish and on PEI

Green Gables Heritage Place may be the main attraction, but the surrounding area is full of other places worth visiting. Cavendish and the north shore of PEI offer stunning beaches, more Montgomery-related sites, and some of the best lobster in the world. Here are the best things to do in the area.

8. Cavendish Beach — Red Sand and Otherworldly Dunes

A stone’s throw from Green Gables (literally a 5-minute drive) lies one of Canada’s most photographed beaches. Cavendish Beach is part of Prince Edward Island National Park and features something you won’t see anywhere else — red sand. That peculiar, brick-red hue is caused by a high iron oxide content in the soil, and against the turquoise water of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it creates scenery that will take your breath away.

The beach is vast and wide, with impressive sandstone cliffs and dunes in the background. The water is surprisingly pleasant in summer (18–21 °C in July and August) — definitely swimmable, if not warm. Outside the season, it’s an ideal spot for walks and collecting shells.

Practical info: Beach parking costs 8 CAD (approx. €5.50) per day, or you can use a Parks Canada Discovery Pass if you plan to visit multiple spots in the national park. There are toilets, showers, and a small refreshment kiosk. In July and August, there’s a lifeguard on duty.

Tip: Come in the morning — the sand is beautifully smooth from the tide, there are very few people, and the light is perfect for photos.

9. L.M. Montgomery Birthplace — Where It All Really Began

About 5 km from Green Gables, in New London, stands a small white house where Lucy Maud Montgomery was born on 30 November 1874. It’s a modest building — much smaller and simpler than Green Gables — but for true fans, it’s a pilgrimage site.

Inside you’ll find personal belongings of Montgomery, her wedding dress (beautiful, simple, period-appropriate), a replica of her wedding bed, and copies of her diaries. The guides are usually local volunteers who know absolutely everything about Montgomery — ask them any question and you’ll get a fifteen-minute answer packed with fascinating details.

Admission: 5 CAD (approx. €3.50) per adult. Open from June to September. The visit takes about 30–45 minutes.

A short distance from the house is also the site where her grandparents’ house once stood — where she grew up — sadly it hasn’t survived, but there’s a memorial plaque and a beautiful view of the landscape that shaped her imagination.

10. Avonlea Village — A Bit Touristy, but Charming

I’ll be honest with you — Avonlea Village is a commercial attraction, and at first glance it might feel a bit kitschy. But then you step inside, see the Victorian-style houses, children in period costumes, and a lady offering you homemade pie, and your heart melts.

It’s a replica of a village from the Anne of Green Gables era with shops, a chocolatier, a blacksmith, and a small theatre staging scenes from the book. For families with children, it’s fantastic — young visitors can try period games, wear costumes, and “live” in Anne’s world.

Admission: approx. 15 CAD (€10) per adult. In peak season it’s open daily; outside the season with a limited programme.

My honest assessment? If you’re a fan of the book or have children, go. If you’re only interested in nature and history, skip it and spend your time on the beaches and trails instead. But that pie is sinfully good. ☺️

11. Prince Edward Island National Park — Cliffs, Dunes, and Endless Beaches

Green Gables Heritage Place is technically part of PEI National Park, but most visitors only see the car park and the house. What a shame! The national park stretches across 60 km of the island’s north shore and offers some of the most beautiful beaches and natural scenery in all of eastern Canada.

Besides Cavendish Beach, you’ll find:

• Brackley Beach — wider, quieter, popular with locals
• Greenwich — with a unique system of moving dunes (there’s also a beautiful boardwalk trail)
• Dalvay Beach — elegant, peaceful, next to the historic Dalvay by the Sea hotel

The park also features several cycling and hiking trails. Homestead Trail (8 km) is a beautiful route through forests and meadows, while Gulf Shore Way offers coastal views that will take your breath away.

Tip: If you plan to spend more than two days on PEI, get a Parks Canada Discovery Pass (72.25 CAD / approx. €49 for a family for the whole year) — it pays for itself after just three park visits.

12. Site of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Cavendish Home — Ruins with a Soul

This tip is for true Montgomery fans, but it’s worth mentioning. A few minutes from Green Gables are the foundations of the house where Lucy Maud grew up with her Macneill grandparents. The house itself no longer stands, but the foundations, garden, and — most importantly — the surrounding landscape that Montgomery describes in her diaries have been preserved.

There’s a small museum (more of a booth) with copies of her diaries and photographs. Admission is by voluntary donation. The site itself is unassuming, but it has a peculiar atmosphere — you’re standing in the place where a ten-year-old girl dreamed up stories that would one day be read by millions of people around the world.

13. Charlottetown — The Capital Where Canada Was Born

If you have more time on PEI (and I recommend you do!), head to Charlottetown. It may be the capital of Canada’s smallest province, but it has incredible charm — colourful Victorian houses, a pleasant harbour promenade, excellent restaurants, and the title of “Birthplace of Confederation” (the place where, in 1864, the idea of a united Canada was born).

Stroll along Victoria Row — a street full of restaurants and cafés with terraces. Visit Province House, where the historic conference took place. And if you’re here in the evening, try to catch the musical “Anne of Green Gables – The Musical” at the Confederation Centre of the Arts — it’s been running every summer since 1965 and is the longest-running musical in Canada.

From Charlottetown, it takes about 40 minutes to reach Cavendish via Route 13, so it’s easy to combine a city and nature itinerary.

What to Eat and Drink on Prince Edward Island

You eat well on PEI — and above all, fresh. Here are some tips that will save both your stomach and your budget.

Lobster Is King — and You Must Try It

Prince Edward Island is one of the best places in the world for fresh lobster. Seriously, it’s not a cliché. Lobster is on practically every other menu and prices are significantly lower than in Toronto or Montréal. A lobster roll is a local speciality — expect to pay around 18–25 CAD (€12–17).

In Cavendish, I recommend Fisherman’s Wharf Lobster Suppers — touristy, yes, but the lobster is fresh and the portions are enormous. For a more authentic experience, head to one of the local lobster suppers — community dinners where locals serve you a whole lobster with potato, corn, and coleslaw. They cost around 40–55 CAD (€27–37) for the full meal and it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Other Food You Shouldn’t Miss

• PEI mussels — the island is famous for its mussel farming. You’ll find them in every restaurant, usually steamed in white wine with garlic. A portion costs around 15–20 CAD.
• Potatoes — PEI is the “Potato Province” of Canada. Yes, they take their potatoes seriously here. Try a loaded baked potato or poutine (chips with cheese curds and gravy — a Québec classic, but PEI does its own version).
• Cows Ice Cream — a local ice cream parlour famous across Canada. You’ll find it in Cavendish and Charlottetown. Flavours like Wowie Cowie (chocolate with brownies) are dangerously addictive. 😅
• Fresh oysters — Malpeque Bay oysters are world-renowned. Half a dozen for about 15 CAD.

Where to Eat Near Green Gables

• The Pearl Eatery (Charlottetown) — a farm-to-table restaurant with an excellent tasting menu. Pricier, but worth it for a special occasion.
• Carr’s Oyster Bar (Stanley Bridge) — 15 minutes from Cavendish, right by the river. Fresh oysters, mussels, and lobster rolls in a casual atmosphere.
• Glasgow Glen Farm — a farm producing Gouda cheese. You can take a tour and sample the cheeses. Admission free, you’ll leave with a kilogram of cheese. (Or two. No judgement.)
• Schoolhouse Brewery (Stanley Bridge) — a microbrewery in a former school. Local beers and simple food. Cosy.

Food and Prices in General

Expect food on PEI to be slightly more expensive than in other parts of Canada (island logistics, seasonality). Lunch at a restaurant for two will run you 40–70 CAD (€27–47), dinner with lobster 80–130 CAD (€54–88). If you have accommodation with a kitchen, shop at the local Sobeys or Co-op supermarket — you’ll save money and can prepare fresh seafood yourself (lobsters are sold live!).

Practical Tips and Advice

Getting Around the Island

You need a car on PEI. Public transport outside Charlottetown is virtually non-existent. The roads are in good condition, traffic is minimal, and navigation is straightforward — the island is about 200 km long and 50 km wide. Petrol costs around 1.60–1.80 CAD/litre (approx. €1.10–1.20).

Look for affordable flights to PEI (via Toronto or Halifax) on Kiwi — it’s our go-to portal for finding the best flight deals.

Weather and Clothing

Even in summer, expect cooler evenings (12–15 °C) and the occasional rain shower. Layers are essential. In spring and autumn, add a waterproof jacket and a scarf. For the trails around Green Gables, comfortable trainers will do, but for longer hikes in the national park, I recommend proper hiking boots.

How to Pack

If you’re flying to PEI with carry-on only (and if you’re flying with multiple connections, I recommend it), check out our guide on how to pack in carry-on luggage.

Internet and SIM Card

Canada is notorious for insane mobile data prices. If you don’t want to pay roaming charges, consider an eSIM from Holafly — we use it on all our trips outside Europe and it works brilliantly. You can find all the details in our Holafly review.

Travel Insurance

Medical care in Canada is extremely expensive for tourists — a simple A&E visit can cost thousands of dollars. Travel insurance is a necessity, not a luxury. For shorter trips, we recommend reading our SafetyWing review, where we compare different options.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Green Gables on Prince Edward Island