Attractions
Green Gables House
Nestled in the Prince Edward Island National Park in Cavendish is the charming and picturesque Green Gables House that, in the early 1900s, inspired author Lucy Maude Montgomery to create her much-loved story about a precocious red-headed orphan Anne Shirley, entitled Anne of Green Gables. Thousands of visitors flock here to enjoy a ramble around the famous house and its surrounds (originally owned by relatives of the author) that served as a setting for the treasured tale and also to drink in the sights and sounds of the beautiful park that houses Green Gables. The house itself is filled with displays (including audio-visual), a gift shop, the charming Butter Churn Café, a visitor's center and restored rooms. There are trails to be explored (fans of the book will recognized Lovers Lane and the Haunted Wood), guided evening walks, children's activities, restored gardens and many other treasures to be enjoyed.
Address: 2 Palmers Lane, Cavendish
Telephone: 902 963 7874
Email: peinp-pnipe@pc.gc.ca
Web site: www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/pe/greengables
Openingtime: Open daily May to October; Wednesdays 10am to 4pm (March to April)
Admission: C$7.25 (adult); C$3.50 (youth 6-16 years); concessions available
Confederation Center for the Arts
Founded in 1964 as a National Memorial to the Fathers of the Confederation, the Confederation Center of the Arts is more than a tribute to those who formed the notion of a united country; it is also a celebration of the diversity, talent and character of Canada and its history. Situated on the site of the old Charlottetown marketplace, the Center takes up a city block and is home to an art gallery, several theaters, a gift shop and restaurant. The annual Charlottetown Festival, begun in the mid-1960s, is a firm favorite hosted by the Center and runs from late May to mid-October. A celebration of musical theater and comedy, the Festival has spawned several highly successful musicals, including the immensely popular Anne of Green Gables - The Musical - Canada's longest running musical, now in its 42nd year. The Confederation Center Art Gallery has over 15,000 pieces of contemporary, modern and historical Canadian art work, and is well worth a visit.
Address: 145 Richmond Street, Charlottetown
Telephone: 902 628 1864
Web site: www.confederationcentre.com
Opening time: Art Gallery: Daily 9am to 5pm (13 June to 30 September); Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm; Sundays 1pm to 5pm (30 September to 13 June). Show times vary
Admission: Admission to the Art Gallery is free; show prices vary
Confederation Trail
Perhaps one of the best ways to explore Prince Edward Island is via the Confederation Trail. Following what was once the railway line, the trail stretches from tip to tip of the island, through forests, wetlands, villages and waterways, for 173 miles. The trail is almost entirely flat, and has a finely crushed gravel surface, making it easy going; perfect for walkers, cyclists and those in wheelchairs. In winter, the trail is a favorite with snowmobilers and provides a picturesque route through the province, from Tignish to Elmira. Visitors can enjoy the natural splendor of the island, including its lush flora and abundant fauna, and experience its peace and tranquillity at a pedestrian pace. Entry points to the trail are marked by distinctive plum colored gates, and the less adventurous can choose to follow the trail for some of the way and stop off to rest and grab a bite in one of the many villages connected by the trail.
Email: info@islandtrails.ca
Web site: www.islandtrails.ca
Founder's Hall
Founder's Hall is one of Prince Edward Island's highly popular attractions, located at the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront. Also known rather grandly as Canada's Birthplace Pavilion, the Hall is a well-designed heritage attraction set in a restored 1906 building that previously housed a CN rail car repair shop. The Hall incorporates state-of-the-art technology with history, allowing visitors to enjoy interactive exhibits, holovisuals, various exciting displays and an absorbing 'Time Travel Tunnel' that allows visitors to trace the development of Canada and its provinces. The aim of Founder's Hall is to celebrate the spirit of co-operation shown by the Fathers of the Confederation, and to educate the public about Canada's heritage. Far from boring, the exhibits and displays continue to delight visitors, and for those tired of all the culture, a boutique selling island crafts, memorabilia and souvenirs is also within its walls.
Address: 6 Prince Street, Charlottetown
Telephone: 902 368 1864
Email: info@capitalcommission.pe.ca
Website: www.foundershall.ca
Opening time: Opening times vary according to season, usually open daily. Closed December and January
Admission: C$7 (adults); C$3.75 (youth). Concessions available
