Green Gables Heritage Place is the best-known literary site in Canada. It sits in Cavendish on the north shore, part of L.M. Montgomery's Cavendish National Historic Site, in the farmland and woods that shaped the world of Anne Shirley. The original farmhouse belonged to cousins of the author, and Montgomery's 1908 novel turned it into a place that readers have travelled to for more than a century. Parks Canada looks after the site, which has a visitor centre, the house itself, 19th-century gardens, a farmyard and walking trails including the Haunted Wood and Lover's Lane. There is a gift shop and the Cordial Cafe on site. In July and August there are animated bilingual activities and a chance to meet Anne herself. Be aware that this is a seasonal site: the regular 2026 season ran from 1 May to 31 October.
What to do
Start in the visitor centre for the background on Montgomery and the real people and places behind the book, then walk through the house, where the rooms are furnished in the style of a late Victorian farm. Outside, wander the gardens and farmyard, then take the Haunted Wood and Lover's Lane trails, which are short, shaded and the part of the visit that most readers remember. Fans of the books will enjoy spotting the names and landscapes; first-timers who have never read them still get a pleasant heritage farm and woodland walk.
Seasons and planning
Parks Canada's hours page gives 1 May to 31 October 2026, open 9 am to 5 pm daily. It also lists special-appointment visits from 15 to 30 April and from 1 to 30 November, arranged by emailing the site (greengables@pc.gc.ca), with heritage presentation fees. That means a visit right now is possible only by prior arrangement, and the page does not describe winter access from December to mid-April, so assume the site is closed and ask before you drive out.
In season, arrive early or late in the day to miss the tour buses, and expect it to be busiest in July and August.
Fitting it in
Allow about two hours, or three if you walk both trails and have lunch at the cafe. Cavendish is roughly 40 minutes by car from Charlottetown, and the site pairs naturally with Prince Edward Island National Park, whose beaches and dunes are minutes away. If you do not want to drive, a small-group day trip from Charlottetown includes the Green Gables area. The site is described as partially accessible, and the older house has stairs, so check before you go if mobility is a concern.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a heritage farmhouse, gardens and woodland trails run by Parks Canada, with seasonal costumed activities in July and August.
Best time
May to October during the regular season, ideally early morning or late afternoon; in November visits are by appointment only.
How long
Allow two to three hours including the Haunted Wood and Lover's Lane trails.
Tips
Email the site before any visit outside 1 May to 31 October, wear comfortable shoes for the trails, and combine it with the national park beaches nearby.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anne of Green Gables fans and anyone who wants the island's best-known heritage site.
- Families
- Children enjoy the farmyard and the short wooded trails, and the July and August activities add to the fun.
- Couples
- Walk Lover's Lane in the softer light of late afternoon, then watch the sunset on a nearby beach.
- Pair with
- Prince Edward Island National Park, Cavendish Beach and a north shore drive fit into the same day.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours on site, plus about 40 minutes each way from Charlottetown.
Good questions
Is Green Gables open in November?+
Not for regular visits. Parks Canada lists the 2026 season as 1 May to 31 October, with special-appointment visits from 1 to 30 November that must be arranged in advance by email, and fees apply.
Where is Green Gables?+
It is at 8619 Route 6 in Cavendish, on the island's north shore in the Green Gables Shore area. It is roughly a 40-minute drive from Charlottetown.
Do I need to have read Anne of Green Gables?+
No. The visit works as a heritage farm and woodland walk on its own, though readers will recognise the names and settings. The visitor centre explains the story and the author for newcomers.
What is there to see besides the house?+
There are 19th-century gardens, a farmyard, a visitor centre, a gift shop, a cafe and walking trails including the Haunted Wood and Lover's Lane. In July and August there are also animated bilingual activities.
Is the site accessible?+
It is described as partially accessible, and the historic house has stairs. Contact the site before you visit if you need specific access details.
