[Canada] The Charm of Prince Edward Island | The Place to Meet ‘Anne of Green Gables’

Prince Edward Island, often referred to as “the most beautiful island in the world,” is a stunning island floating in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Canada’s east coast. It is best known as the setting of the novel Anne of Green Gables, attracting approximately 4,000 tourists each year.
Every corner of Prince Edward Island looks like a picturesque postcard, featuring locations related to Anne of Green Gables, nature-filled national parks, and historical sites tied to Canada’s founding. Additionally, the island offers a variety of activities and exquisite gourmet experiences, making it a destination that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
In this article, we will introduce the best ways to enjoy Prince Edward Island and provide essential travel information for your visit.

1. What is Prince Edward Island?

Prince Edward Island, a scenic island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Canada’s east coast, is best known as the setting of the novel Anne of Green Gables. The total area of the island has a population of about 150,000 people. The island thrives on agriculture, dairy farming, and fishing, with potatoes being its top agricultural product in Canada.
The island is home to Cavendish, where Anne of Green Gables author Lucy Maud Montgomery was born and raised, as well as Charlottetown, known as the "Birthplace of Canada", and Borden-Carlton, the main gateway to the island. Additionally, there are many beautiful natural attractions, including Prince Edward Island National Park and Strathgartney Provincial Park.

2. The Setting of the Classic Novel Anne of Green Gables

It is no exaggeration to say that Prince Edward Island became world-famous thanks to the novel Anne of Green Gables. In fact, most of the tourists visiting the island travel specifically to see the sites related to Anne's story.
Although Avonlea, the town featured in the novel, is fictional, it was inspired by Cavendish, a small town in the northern part of the island. This charming town, surrounded by tranquil countryside, is home to the famous Green Gables Heritage House, which is said to be Anne’s residence. Other notable sites from the novel, such as "Lover's Lane" and "Haunted Woods," are also scattered throughout the area.

3. Exploring Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Legacy

The author of Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery, was born and raised on Prince Edward Island. From a young age, she showed a talent for writing poetry and stories. Much like Anne, she worked as a teacher on the island while writing numerous literary works. Anne of Green Gables became her first full-length novel, and its success led to a nine-book series and two related works, which have been translated into 40 languages worldwide.
There are many Montgomery-related sites to visit on the island. You can explore her childhood home, the "Silver Bush" house, where she was married, and the post office where she worked after retiring from teaching. You can also visit Cavendish Cemetery, where Montgomery and her husband are buried, and where fresh flowers are still left by admirers today.

4. Charlottetown – The “Birthplace of Canada”

Beyond its Anne of Green Gables connections, Prince Edward Island has many other attractions. Charlottetown, the provincial capital, is known as "the Birthplace of Canada" because it hosted the first Confederation Conference in 1864, which led to the formation of the country. The city is rich in history, with beautiful stone buildings that give it a unique old-world charm.
At Province House, where the Confederation Conference was held, you can explore exhibits on Canada’s founding history. A historical film is also shown, making it an interesting visit for history enthusiasts. Another must-see landmark is St. Dunstan’s Basilica, a Gothic-style church that serves as the city's symbol. Its towering spires and grand stone architecture are striking, and the stained-glass windows inside add to its beauty.

5. The Natural Beauty of “The Most Beautiful Island in the World”

With its blue skies, lush green pastures, red-soiled coastline, and vibrant wildflowers, Prince Edward Island offers breathtaking scenery that looks like a painting. Along the coast, white lighthouses stand tall against the deep blue sea, while the charming architecture in the towns complements the peaceful rural landscape. It’s easy to see why this island has earned the title of “The Most Beautiful Island in the World.”
Prince Edward Island is often associated with Anne of Green Gables, but in Canada, many visitors come specifically to enjoy its natural beauty. You might even enjoy searching for the flowers Anne loved—dandelions, apple blossoms, sunflowers, lupines, marguerites, and daisies—as you explore the island.

6. The Exquisite Cuisine of Prince Edward Island

When visiting Prince Edward Island, you absolutely must try its seafood. Surrounded by the ocean on all sides, the island is famous for its lobster, mussels, oysters, clams, cod, and halibut, offering an incredible variety of fresh seafood. The lobster is particularly recommended, and many restaurants across the island serve lobster suppers and the iconic lobster roll, a must-try local delicacy.
In addition to seafood, agriculture and dairy farming thrive on the island. Potatoes are a signature product, and strawberries, cranberries, and blueberries are also widely cultivated. These fruits are often enjoyed in delicious ice cream and fresh cream-based desserts, making them a favorite among visitors. With so many specialties to choose from, it might be hard to decide what to eat first!

7. How to Get to Prince Edward Island

◆By Car

The fastest way to reach Prince Edward Island is by crossing the Confederation Bridge, a 13 km-long toll bridge connecting the island to New Brunswick. The bridge leads to Borden-Carlton in the southwestern part of the island, where you’ll find visitor information centers, restaurants, and shops.

◆By Bus

The Maritime Bus service, based in Charlottetown, operates routes connecting Moncton, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. The bus stops in Borden-Carlton, Summerside, and Charlottetown, but keep in mind that some stops may be far from the city center, so plan accordingly.

◆By Plane

The main airport on the island is Charlottetown Airport. Direct flights via Air Canada operate from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Halifax, Montreal, and Ottawa, making it accessible via multiple transfer options.

◆ By Ferry

The Northumberland Ferry runs between Caribou, Nova Scotia, and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, offering 3 to 9 trips daily, depending on the season. The journey takes about 80 minutes, so be sure to check the official schedule in advance, as the number of sailings varies throughout the year.

◎ Finally: Enjoy Cycling and Hiking

Prince Edward Island has a well-maintained 357 km trail system connecting the entire island. When the island’s railway system was decommissioned in 1989, the land was transformed into the Confederation Trail, which spans from nature-rich areas to the heart of the island, making it ideal for sightseeing by bicycle. Rental bicycles are available across the island, so why not give it a try?
For those who prefer walking, there are plenty of well-maintained hiking and walking trails. The autumn foliage in particular is spectacular, offering views that resemble Canada’s famous Maple Route. Whether cycling or hiking, exploring Prince Edward Island’s natural beauty is a memorable experience not to be missed!

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[Canada] The Charm of Prince Edward Island | The Place to Meet ‘Anne of Green Gables’