Green Gables Heritage Place celebrates the Anne of Green Gables book series and its author/Tourism PEI, John Sylvester

A national historic site on Prince Edward Island that celebrates author L.M. Montgomery and her beloved Anne of Green Gables book series has opened has opened for the season with a variety of plans to cope with COVID-19 challenges and crowds.

Green Gables Heritage Place is open by appointment for hour-long private tours from now until May 31. There’s only one group a time with a limit of 10 people per group. Visitors can take their time exploring Green Gables House, the visitor centre and the grounds with staff nearby to answer questions.

The site that celebrates Canada’s most-loved fictional character will then open daily from June 1 to September 30 with various hours. From June 1 until July 1, it’s open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From July 2 to September 6, that’s reduced to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. but there will be some interpretive programs by appointment before and after opening hours, including the popular program called “A Cordial Visit” which features an intimate experience with an actor playing the fictional Anne Shirley. From September 7 to 30, it’s back to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Finally, from October 1 until November 30, Green Gables is open by special appointment.

Everything is subject to change. Book at 902-963-7874 or [email protected].

The new visitor centre only opened near the end of the 2019 season/Brady McCloskey Photography

“The health and safety of our visitors and employees is our first priority,” says Elizabeth DeBlois, promotions officer for Parks Canada in P.E.I. “If at any point P.E.I. sees a resurgence in Covid-19 cases or direction from the provincial health authority changes, we may need to reintroduce restrictions and/or closures to ensure the safety of visitors, team members and the collective Island community.”

In 2020 as the pandemic hit, Green Gables didn’t fully open until July 15. It reduced the number of people allowed on site and in the visitor centre, barn exhibit and Green Gables House. Signage and markers helped communicate physical distancing protocols and direct traffic flow. There were no formal, organized group tours or interpretive programming with costumed characters, but staff still provided safe, informative interpretation.

While the number of visitors permitted on site and in the visitor centre will be slightly increased this year, DeBlois says people will once again “be treated to a more intimate experience” of Green Gables house as the number of visitors in the house at one time will be limited to facilitate physical distancing. Both floors of the house will be available for viewing.

Inside the still new visitor centre/Brady McCloskey Photography

The visitor centre officially opened in August 2019, so many people haven't yet had a chance to explore it. The exhibit hall explores the factual life and career development of Lucy Maud Montgomery, the writing of her fictional story, Anne of Green Gables, and the ongoing impact of her writing on a local, national and global scale. Visitors also learn more about the Cavendish landscape that inspired author and played an important role in the books. Parks Canada also worked with the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island to share the story of Mi'kmaq people in Cavendish.

Green Gables is in Prince Edward Island National Park. Its two trails — Balsam Hollow (including Lover’s Lane) and Haunted Wood —will be open by May 21. 

“We welcome visitors to come and explore the site and trails, and enjoy a picnic on the scenic and historic grounds where L.M. Montgomery drew inspiration for the landscapes found in Anne of Green Gables,” says DeBlois.