Cavendish PEI
PEI’s Hotspot
Cavendish is a bustling summer destination on the Island with family-friendly attractions, beautiful beaches and scenic golf courses. It was made famous by Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables novels and is centrally located on the North Shore of the Island, nestled between North Rustico and Stanley Bridge. Pristine Cavendish Beach is at the gateway into the Prince Edward Island National Park which itself boasts panoramic views of the shoreline looking out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The Birthplace of Lucy Maud Montgomery
In 1790, Cavendish was founded by Scottish immigrants as a small farming community. Cavendish was the inspiration for author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s famous ‘Anne of Green Gables’ novels. Montgomery was born nearby in New London and moved to Cavendish to be raised by her grandparents after the death of her mother. She frequently visited her cousins at Green Gables farm which inspired the creation of Anne of Green Gables.
In the first half of the 20th century, Cavendish began to flourish as a tourism destination due to the popularity of L.M. Montgomery’s novels along with increased vehicle travel. In 1937, the Prince Edward Island National Park was opened with Cavendish Beach quickly becoming one of the most popular beaches. As tourism increased, the National Park created an 18-hole golf course Green Gables Golf Club and opened the Green Gables Heritage Place for tours. The second half of the 20th century saw motels, campgrounds, amusement parks, shops, and restaurants established throughout Cavendish.
Places to Stay in Cavendish
Today, thousands of tourists visit Cavendish, the PEI National Park and local attractions throughout the summer months. Cavendish has accommodations to suit every taste and budget but we recommend:
- Cavendish Country Inn & Cottages: Situated in a quiet country setting with heated outdoor pools and hot tubs, it is family and pet friendly.
- Marco Polo Land: A world-class campground with great family activities, theme-weeks, playgrounds, water zone, jumping pillow and petting farm.
- Sundance Cottages: Affordable cottages on a nine-acre property with magnificent ocean views where guests can pick fresh vegetables from the garden or borrow a free bicycle and helmet to explore the shoreline pathway.
- Swept Away Cottages: A collection of 16 cottages, spaced 100 feet away from each other on an 11-acre property. Equipped with an in-ground pool, hot tub, sauna, indoor games room, and large outdoor play area.
- Fairways Cottages: A 4-star winning property located in the heart of Cavendish across the road from Anne of Green Gables House and specializing in customized vacation packages.
- The Gables of PEI: Located just 5 minutes from Cavendish in Stanley Bridge, The Gables of PEI offers 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom villas as well as Vacation Homes and Executive Suites that all feature air-conditioning, fully equip kitchens, and private outdoor spaces with a BBQ. Check out their fitness centre, tennis court, and heated salt water pool.
Things to See & Do in Cavendish
Cavendish has it all! World class golf, amusement parks, beautiful beach, shops and is a haven for Anne of Green Gables fans. Here are some activities not to miss:
- Green Gables Golf Course: Along with exceptional golf course conditions, this seaside course has stunning views of the famous sand dunes, the ocean and Green Gables House.
- Shining Waters Family Fun Park: Explore Shining Waters’ 36-acre waterpark with over 40 wet and dry attractions including a roller coaster, splash pool and waterslides.
- Green Gables Heritage Place: Tour the home and grounds that inspired L.M Montgomery to create “Anne of Green Gables” and stroll through the Lover’s Lane or Haunted Wood trails.
- Cavendish Boardwalk: Known as the place to shop in Cavendish with an eclectic mix of summer fashions, accessories, unique gifts, souvenirs and restaurants.
- Avonlea Village: Enjoy the fictional 19th century hometown of Anne Shirley and enjoy Island hospitality with delicious food and quaint shops.
- Cavendish Beach Adventure Zone: A family fun center with six fun and thrilling activities tucked ideally into one location. Enjoy laser tag, mini golf, an escape room, and if you are brave enough, the haunted motel.
- Joey’s Deep Sea Fishing: A few minutes’ drive away in Rusticoville is the opportunity to experience an authentic lobster fishing trip complete with on-board dining. Or participate in a tuna charter with the chance to catch and release a giant Bluefin tuna.
- Cavendish Beach: A visit to Cavendish wouldn’t be complete without hitting the beach!
Places to Eat in Cavendish
You are going to work up an appetite while exploring Cavendish. It’s a good thing there are some fabulous options near by to enjoy.
- COWS Ice Cream: Get your COWS ice cream fix as you stroll along the Cavendish Boardwalk or wonder through Avonlea Village.
- Chez Yvonne’s Restaurant: Savour a delicious home-cooked meal or dessert at Chez Yvonne’s with fresh produce from local farmers and fishers.
- BOOMburger: Nothing goes better with a 100% fresh Island beef burger than hand-cut PEI fries.
- La Rose Bistro: This upscale bistro features classic dishes with a refined twist, made with fresh local ingredients.
- New Glasgow Lobster Suppers: Take a short drive on Route 13 to New Glasgow and experience what generations of Islanders call one of their favourite PEI lobster suppers.
- Fisherman’s Wharf Lobster Suppers: Enjoy a delicious lobster supper along with the Island’s only 60 foot salad bar when you take drive to beautiful North Rustico.
