Green Gables House & Our Island Experience

This review covers the “Green Gables House & Our Island Experience” tour, a popular choice for travelers eager to see the heart of PEI’s most iconic scenery. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the feedback from hundreds of travelers and the detailed itinerary paints a clear picture of what to expect. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a blend of natural beauty, literary history, and local flavor—all packed into about four hours.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the opportunity to visit Green Gables Heritage Place, the farmhouse that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s beloved novel Anne of Green Gables. Second, the chance to see some of PEI’s stunning coastline and rural landscapes, along with charming stops like North Rustico and Cavendish Beach. These scenic views are often the highlight for visitors. However, a potential consideration is the time spent waiting in line—particularly at Green Gables House, which can be busy during peak times.

This tour is a good fit for travelers who love literature, scenic drives, and local food. If you prefer more personalized or lengthy visits to each site, or are traveling with very young children, it’s worth noting the tour’s structured schedule and group size. Overall, it offers a practical, engaging way to get a taste of PEI’s most famous spots without the hassle of driving yourself.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation: The tour uses air-conditioned vehicles, making the roughly four-hour trip pleasant even on warm days.
• Expert guides: The knowledgeable, friendly guides add a lot of value with stories, local insights, and humor.
• Beautiful scenery: From rolling farmland to sandstone cliffs, the landscape is a star in its own right.
• Well-curated stops: Highlights include Green Gables, Cavendish Beach, North Rustico, and the Preserve Company, providing a nice balance of sites.
• Good value: At around $85 per person, the tour offers a structured experience with included admissions and local treats.
• Crowd considerations: During busy days, lines at Green Gables House can be long, and the visit might feel rushed.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Green Gables Heritage Place

The visit to Green Gables is the centerpiece, and we love how it captures the imagination—this farmhouse is the very setting that inspired Montgomery’s tales. The tour’s inclusion of admission to Green Gables House is a major plus, though some reviews note it can get crowded, especially with long lines. One traveler mentioned, “Needed about 30 minutes or more at Green Gables. There was a long line getting into the house…which we didn’t get to browse the gift shop as much as we would have liked.” This implies a need for patience, especially during peak times.

The Heritage Place also features Lovers’ Lane and Haunted Wood Trails, ideal for a quick stroll through the areas made famous in the book. If you’re a Anne fan, this is a must-see, and the tour guides tend to be quite knowledgeable, sharing stories that bring the setting to life.

Prince Edward Island National Park

A short stop here gives you a snapshot of PEI’s dramatic coastline, with standout views of red cliffs and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The 15-minute photo opportunity is brief but enough for some great pictures. It’s a scenic teaser for those who want to see more of the island’s natural beauty but don’t have time for a longer exploration.

North Rustico

This charming fishing village offers a quick look at lobster fishing and traditional PEI life. The 15-minute stop at Rustico Wharf provides a chance to learn about the lobster trap industry, which is a vital part of the island’s economy. Travelers generally find this stop interesting—one noted, “learn about lobster fishing,” which adds a tangible connection to PEI’s maritime roots.

New Glasgow and the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company

The Preserve Company is often praised for its artisan jams, marmalades, and local treats, making it a highlight for food lovers. The 20-minute visit here is more of a browsing stop, giving you a chance to sample and purchase locally made products. Some reviews mentioned the variety of jams and teas, especially noting how the tasting added a delicious dimension to the tour.

Passing Through Charlottetown

The tour concludes with a quick drive through Charlottetown, offering a glimpse of the provincial capital. It’s a light touch for travelers interested in PEI’s main city, though most focus on the scenic and historical sites outside the city.

What to Expect and Practical Tips

The tour begins at the Founders Food Hall & Market, a convenient central meeting point. The group size tops out around 50 travelers, balancing social interaction with manageable logistics. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which makes a big difference in summer months.

Your guide provides live commentary—expect stories, local insights, and some humor. Several reviews praise guides like Maura and Joan for their knowledge and engaging personalities. One reviewer mentioned Maura’s ability to “bring the books alive” with her stories, making the experience more memorable.

The timing at each stop is fairly tight. Expect about an hour at Green Gables (including waiting time), 15 minutes at the national park, 15 minutes at Rustico, and about 20 minutes at the Preserve Company. The entire tour wraps around four hours, including travel time, so don’t anticipate long visits or extensive exploration.

Pros and Cons of the Tour

Pros:
– Well-organized with a clear itinerary
– Knowledgeable, friendly guides who add personality and local flavor
– Comfortable transportation with scenic views
– Good balance of iconic sites, scenic stops, and local treats
– Included admissions and tastings add value

Cons:
– Can get crowded, especially at Green Gables House
– Limited time at each stop might feel rushed for some visitors
– The stop at the Preserve Company can seem somewhat random, though it’s well liked for tastings

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded overview of PEI’s highlights without the stress of driving or planning each stop. Literature fans will appreciate the focus on Green Gables, while outdoor lovers will enjoy the scenic drives and coastal views. Foodies will enjoy tasting local jams and visiting the Preserve Company. It’s also suitable for a wide range of ages and physical abilities, given the short walks and manageable pace.

If you’re short on time but want a taste of PEI’s most iconic sights, this tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to see the island’s best.

The Sum Up

The “Green Gables House & Our Island Experience” tour provides a memorable look at Prince Edward Island’s lush landscapes, literary roots, and charming communities—all in a compact four-hour trip. With friendly guides, scenic vistas, and included attractions, it offers solid value for the price. While lines at Green Gables can be long and the schedule tight, most travelers find the experience enriching and fun.

It’s especially well-suited for those who love stories, scenic drives, and tasting local goodies, making it a perfect introduction for first-time visitors or those with limited time. If you’re craving a taste of PEI’s magic, this tour does a good job balancing practicality and authenticity.

FAQ

Q: How long is the tour?
A: The tour lasts approximately four hours, including travel, sightseeing, and stops.

Q: What is included in the price?
A: Your ticket covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a driver/guide, live commentary, and admissions to Green Gables House.

Q: Can I visit Green Gables at my own pace?
A: The tour gives about an hour at Green Gables, but some travelers mention lines can make things feel rushed, so plan accordingly.

Q: Is food included in the tour?
A: No, food and drinks are not included, but you’ll have the chance to browse and sample at the Preserve Company.

Q: What are the main sights I will see?
A: Expect Green Gables, Cavendish Beach, North Rustico, and a quick drive through Charlottetown.

Q: Is this tour suitable for children?
A: Yes, most travelers of all ages enjoy it, especially those interested in Anne of Green Gables or scenic coastal views.

Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour is a delightful way to combine PEI’s literary history with its stunning scenery, all while enjoying the comfort of a guided trip. It’s suitable for a broad audience and offers a well-organized introduction to the island’s highlights—perfect for those who want a taste without the hassle.