Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cavendish itself is a mishmash of manufactured attractions with no particular town cen-
ter. The junction of Rte 6 and Hwy 13 is the tourist center and the area's commercial hub.
When you see the service station, wax museum, church, cemetery and assorted restaur-
ants, you know you're there. This is the most-visited community on PEI outside of Char-
lottetown and, although an eyesore in this scenic region, it is a kiddie wonderland. To get
out of the world of fabricated and fictional free-for-all, head to beautiful
Cavendish
Beach
; it gets crowded during summer months, but with perfect sand and a warm(ish)
ocean in front, you won't really care.
If you haven't read the 1908 novel, this is the place to do it - not just to enjoy it, but to
try and understand all the hype. The story revolves around Anne Shirley, a spirited
11-year-old orphan with red pigtails and a creative wit, who was mistakenly sent from
Nova Scotia to PEI. The aging Cuthberts (who were brother and sister) were expecting a
strapping boy to help them with farm chores. In the end, Anne's strength of character
wins over everyone in her path.
IN LUCY MAUD'S FOOTSTEPS
To really get a feel for theAnne of Green Gablesscenery get out and walk the
green, gentle creek-crossed woods that Lucy Maud herself knew like the back of
her hand. The best way is to start at the Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish
Homestead where you can buy a combo ticket that includes the House of Green
Gables for $8.50. Then walk the 1.1km return trail to the House of Green Gables
through the 'Haunted Wood.' In this way you arrive to a magical view from below
the house rather than via a big parking lot and modern entrance. Once you're at
the House of Green Gables you can enjoy the site plus many other surrounding
trails including 'Lover's Lane,' before hoofing it back to the homestead.
Sights
House of Green Gables
HISTORIC SITE
( 902-672-7874; Rte 6; adult/child $6.30/3.15; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat)
Cavendish is the
home town of Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942), author of
Anne of Green Gables
.
Here she is simply known as Lucy Maud or LM. Owned by her grandfather's cousins,
the now-famous House of Green Gables and its Victorian surrounds inspired the setting
for her fictional tale.
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