Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/1499370
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 19 th 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 PE 87 ANNE OF GREEN GALBES • TOURISM PEI/STEPHEN HARRIS