Page 89 - 2023-2024 Travel Guide to Canada

PE
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ANNE OF GREEN GALBES • TOURISM PEI/STEPHEN HARRIS
P.E.I., introduced her title character in 1908; in
print ever since, her beloved book has sold
more than 50 million copies. But it is not only
readers who adore the feisty red-haired
heroine. Playgoers have given Anne of Green
Gables—The Musical a record-breaking run at
the Charlottetown Festival. Moving forward,
the musical will only be produced every two
years and will return to the stage in 2024. Fans
also flock to the Cavendish area to visit
themed attractions such as Montgomery’s
Cavendish home, the recreated Avonlea
Village and, of course, Green Gables Heritage
Place, which features the bucolic 19th century
farm that inspired her setting
(www.tourismpei.com/what-to-do/
anne-of-green-gables).
A FANTASYLAND FOR FAMILIES
Anne sites aside, the Island has a lot to
offer families. Beach babies, for example,
could spend their entire trip on Island
strands, although there are also
lighthouses to climb, bike and boat trips to
take, plus enough enjoyable festivals to fill
any calendar. P.E.I.’s national park and 21
provincial parks offer family-oriented
activities. Classic vacation venues, many of
them concentrated around Cavendish, have
their own appeal: Shining Waters Family
Fun Park, Sandspit Amusement Park, and
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! are all perennial
favourites. As if that isn’t enough, Experi-
ence PEI runs cool hands-on programs that
combine entertainment and education
(www.tourismpei.com/what-to-do).
MORE IN STORE
And that’s just the beginning . . . Pretty,
comparatively flat terrain, coupled with
top-notch facilities, make P.E.I. popular
with both cyclists and golfers. Wedding
parties come as well, attracted by the
postcard-perfect vistas and pastoral
atmosphere, while anglers are lured in by
the prospect of catching species that range
from brook trout and mackerel to big
bluefin tuna. If dancing the night away or
shopping till you drop are on your wish list,
no problem. Love theatre and musical
productions? There’s no shortage of
options. Want to immerse yourself in the
local culture? You can tick that box here,
too, thanks to a broad menu of innovative
experiential activities. So whatever your
passion, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
WHAT’S NEW?
The Island Walk is a 700 km (435 mi.)
walking trail that loops around P.E.I. With a
perfect landscape in both terrain and
scenery, there are options for everyone to
complete the entire route or tackle it in
sections, with routes available on the
website (theislandwalk.ca).
45 Steps – The Culinary Beachside Inn is a
unique boutique hotel in Goose River. It is
only “45 Steps” from the Gulf of St. Lawrence
and offers the best in Island food, culture and
coastline. An open kitchen allows for a special
dining experience (www.45stepsinn.ca).
Ride Solar in Charlottetown Harbour in this
fully electric solar-powered vessel. Choose
from a daily breakfast, lunch, dinner or a
late-night kitchen party cruise. Enjoy
beautiful views of the harbour while
indulging in a wonderfully-crafted local
repas (www.ridesolar.com).
Sea Rocket Oyster House is located in one of
Charlottetown’s most beautiful historic
properties on Victoria Row, with the Confed-
eration Centre across the street. It is one of
the city’s newest restaurants, serving fresh
PEI oysters and seafood (www.searocket.ca).
Located on St. Peters Harbour, Mysa Nordic
Spa & Resort offers thermal experiences and
spa services. Savour top-notch food and
beverages at the on-site restaurant or, for a