100km / 62mi ~ 4-7 days ~ Waypoints 15 to 18 to 32
Inspired by Montgomery
From Kensington to Charlottetown through all the places that inspired Montgomery to write her famous novels. Many of the L. M. Montgomery Literary tour stops can be visited on this walk.
START: WAYPOINT 15
Section 16: Kensington to Bayview – 24km / 15mi
Start your walk in Kensington where you will find the Kensington Railway Station, a National Historic Site of Canada and where Montgomery met Sir John and Lady MacDonald. The train station also hosts the Island Stone Pub, home of some of the Island’s best fish tacos.
This walk will take you though picturesque farmland and meandering rivers until you arrive at the small village of New London. The village has a wharf and is the birthplace of Lucy Maud Montgomery. Her birthplace is open to the public so build in some time to drop in. You could take a break in this village and immerse yourself in the culinary world of Marilla Cuthbert from the beloved Anne of Green Gables novels. Using the Anne novels and L.M. Montgomery’s own cookbook as inspiration The Table Culinary Studio delves into Island history and you can create a delicious meal of traditional PEI recipes worthy of Marilla’s table.
Onward to Stanley Bridge, another wonderful fishing village. You will then enter Cavendish proper where Montgomery spent most of her young life. You can choose to walk through the Cavendish section of the Prince Edward Island National Park or walk through the municipality itself. Camp in the National Park. These are the obligatory stops for any Montgomery fan:
- Montgomery Park where you will find the iconic Montgomery statue.
- L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish home, the setting that inspired and enabled her to write.
- Green Gables Heritage Place, Lover’s Lane and the Haunted Wood
For more on Montgomery, see https://lmmontgomeryliterarytour.com
Island Walk Partners on Section 16:
The Home Place Inn
Inn at the Pier
Carr’s Oyster Bar
Section 17: Bayview to Cymbria – 24km / 15mi
Head east along the spectacular shoreline of the National Park to the town of North Rustico, arguably one of the most beautiful fishing villages on PEI. You can watch the boats sail out of the harbour, purchase the freshest seafood right on the wharf and enjoy some of the most highly rated restaurants in the province.
Your walk then takes you to Rustico and the one of the oldest communities established in “La Nouvelle Acadie” following the Treaty of Paris in 1763 and is the oldest Acadian settlement in Prince Edward Island.
Island Walk Partners on Section 17:
Cavendish Breeze Inn
The Olde Manse B&B
The Mill in New Glasgow
ECO-Retreat
Cymbria Campground
Section 18: Cymbria TO DALVAY – 21km / 13mi
As you continue you will re-enter the National Park through the Brackley entrance and walk on the trail following the Gulf Shore Parkway right through Covehead, Stanhope where you can camp in the National Park, and finally Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site, site of the White sands Hotel in the Sullivan Films production of Anne of Green Gables.
Island Walk Partners on Section 18:
Shaw’s Hotel & Cottages, Restaurant
Section 19 to 32: Dalvay to Charlottetown – 26km / 16.2mi
There is a split midway into Section 19 where you turn right (not left) at Bedford Station and head to Charlottetown via the Confederation Trail.
Walking through farmlands, you will soon arrive in the capital city of Charlottetown where you can take in the theatre productions based on Montgomery’s works, try award winning restaurants, visit the birthplace of Canada and go for a sail on the water. Enjoy the many wonderful restaurants and places to stay in Charlottetown. End your adventure with the spoils of The Holman Grand.
Island Walk Partners on Section 32:
The Holman Grand
This itinerary is part of the Central Coastal Drive, Cavendish Beach and Discover Charlottetown.
For more information on these regions of PEI visit their websites.
Why I walk