Author: Ruthie Pollard

“I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I’m going to believe that the best does.”

— Anne of Green Gables

When I was a little girl I got lost in the world of Anne of Green Gables. A world of optimism, kindred spirits, and rolling green fields. It was my dream to experience Prince Edward Island in all it's beauty. I was so excited when a friend of mine suggested a summer trip to the island. Four of us piled into a mini-van and headed up the east coast for a road trip to Anne's land! This post will feature some of our favorite stops highlights of the trip.

Charlottetown

This was the hub of our journey, a central point on the island. We just so happened to travel up on Canada Day which also happened to be...Canada's 150th birthday. The town was buzzing with celebration - free pins, special events, and tall boats in the harbor. In town, we were able to stop at the Anne of Green Gables Store and dine at some of the islands' best restaurants. We also saw two amazing shows that I highly recommend, Anne of Green Gables at The Confederation Centre of the Arts and Anne and Gilbert at The Guild.

Green Gables

“The woods were God’s first temples. One can’t help feeling reverent and adoring in such a place. I always feel so near Him when I walk among the pines. ”

— Anne of Green Gables

Ah yes, the highlight of our journey. In the small town of Cavendish sits the house that inspired it all. The quaint white house with green shutters is decorated to look just as the book describes. After touring the house, you can enjoy a refreshing raspberry cordial and take a walk down Lovers Lane and The Haunted Woods. My favorite place was author L.M Montgomery's homestead. The path to the home was lined with white flowers and ran parallel to the meadow that she saw out her window each morning. After a day at Green Gables we headed down the street for some food and shopping at Avonlea Village.

Our Anne journey was not complete without a trip to the Anne of Green Gables Museum. L.M Montgomery spent time here at her relatives home and it inspired many parts of the book. The rooms overlook the beautiful "Lake of Shining Waters." If you want to get real touristy, they offer "Matthew's Carriage Ride" around the lake.

PEI Beaches

Aside from all the Anne things, I was most looking forward to going to the beaches. Prince Edward Island is known for their red sand and cliffs. We went to three beaches, and each one was enchanting.

Greenwich Beach

This was the first beach we visited, and it was a lovely introduction to the island. The greenery around the beach was stunning and under the crystal blue sky, the colors were vivid.

Thunder Cove

I was thrilled to get to this beach! Besides the stunning red cliffs lining the shore, there were red caves and a large rock structure known as "Teacup Rock." In order to get to the rock at high tide, you had to go under the rock caves and through the waves. It was an adventure that was well worth getting soaked!

Penmure Island

The beach has it's own restaurant that offers a take-out service where they bring your food out to you on the beach. Walking the beach looked like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean with neon green seagrass, cliffs and lots of driftwood. Down the street from this beach is the oldest light house on the island where you can climb to the top for a picturesque view.

Island Food

Potatoes, potatoes, po-ta-toes. I can't even describe how amazing they were in every form...baked, boiled, fried. So good. That red soil though. There's even a potato museum on the island.

Must-Eat: Poutine (hello Canada), PEI mussels, chowder and lobster. I don't think I've ever had more seafood in one week. We hit up several restaurants, my favs were: The Merchant Man and Terre Rouge in Charlottetown.