'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Monday, 24 April 2017

Bookish Places: Green Gables Heritage Place

Green Gables Heritage Place (Photo: Sarah Steed)

The Kids' Book Review Bookish Places posts are a chance to celebrate museums, galleries and other places with a connection to children's literature and reading. The posts are compiled by KBR's Consultant Librarian, Sarah Steed, our intrepid traveller and hunter-gatherer of amazing places!

Anne of Green Gables, the creation of Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, has been loved by generations of readers since she first appeared in print in 1908.

So much so that part of Prince Edward Island, the setting for the Anne series, has become known as Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish National Historic Site of Canada.

Prince Edward Island is a stunningly beautiful place, and there are several sites of significance for an Anne of Green Gables fan to visit (there's even a three-day 'Anne' itinerary you can follow).

Lighthouse on Prince Edward Island (Photo: Sarah Steed)

Chief amongst them is Green Gables Heritage Place, owned and managed by Parks Canada, which features the historic Green Gables House, gardens and surrounding nature to explore.

Montgomery lived with her grandparents not far from Green Gables House, which was owned by relatives. It was the inspiration for her stories about the orphaned Anne Shirley who came to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert.

Anne's bedroom (Photo: Sarah Steed)

After an audiovisual introduction to Green Gables, visit the house which has been carefully restored and fitted out in appropriate period style. Explore Anne's bedroom, the kitchen, dining room, and the whole house. 

Pantry (Photo: Sarah Steed)

Outside, spend some time in the garden, barn and farmyard, then wander down Lovers' Lane and the Haunted Wood trail.

Guides are available to discuss the site's history, complemented by costumed characters and special activities that help bring history alive.

Bridge connected to Lovers' Lane and Balsam Hollow trail (Photo: Sarah Steed)

Further afield from Green Gables Heritage Place you'll be able to see Avonlea Village, Lucy Maud Montgomery's Birthplace, the Site of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish Home, sandy beaches, red cliffs, and lighthouses.

A visit to Charlottetown is also recommended. It's the capital of the Island, and a wonderful place to explore in its own right. Charlottetown is picturesque, with easy walks, character-filled architecture, and Anne-themed experiences to enjoy.

Victoria Row, Charlottetown (Photo: Sarah Steed)

Green Gables Heritage Place is located at 8619 Route 6, Cavendish, PE COA 1NO.

Being in a part of the world that experiences extremely cold winters, the hours of operation of many tourist sites are usually only six months of the year, so be sure to plan your trip carefully.

Interested in taking a Bookish Places trip around the world with Sarah? Enjoy this sensational map, also created by Sarah, and check out our other Bookish Places posts here.

The Anne of Green Gables Store, Charlottetown (Photo: Sarah Steed)