“You never know what peace is until you walk on the shores or in the fields or along the winding red roads of Prince Edward Island.” This nostalgic sentiment from writer Lucy Maud Montgomery resonates in the hearts of readers around the world who have journeyed to this enchanting setting through the pages of Anne of Green Gables.
Though Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province, magnificent views are discovered around every bend in the road. The Points East Coastal Drive meanders along miles of peaceful coves, scarlet cliff faces, and lighthouses such as this iconic red-and-white tower standing watch on the island’s easternmost tip.
Charlottetown, the island’s charming capital, embodies the coastal beauty that defines Prince Edward Island. Though modest in size, it holds a place of great national significance as the celebrated “Birthplace of Confederation,” where the 1864 Charlottetown Conference sowed the first seeds of Canada’s creation. Along Peake’s Wharf Historic Waterfront, above, rows of cheerful shops and inviting eateries welcome visitors with fresh local fare, scenic boat tours, and meaningful souvenirs. Steps away, the PEI Crafts Council Retail Gallery offers a thoughtfully curated collection of artisan-made treasures—perfect keepsakes from the island’s creative community.
Though the village of Avonlea is imagined, Lucy Maud Montgomery drew inspiration for Anne of Green Gables from her beloved Prince Edward Island. The town of Cavendish, where the Green Gables House—once owned by distant cousins of the author—has been carefully restored to reflect the home as described in her iconic novels. A “lake of shining waters” appears, as in Anne Shirley’s description.
Lush with fireweed flowers and tall grasses that ripple in the breeze like the waves of the sea, tranquil vistas such as this one at Priest Pond are scattered abundantly across Prince Edward Island. Here, coastal splendor and pastoral charm meet in perfect harmony, creating a landscape that feels nothing short of paradise.
