Literary Pilgrimage: How Anne of Green Gables Transformed an Island Community.

The article examines how Lucy Maud Montgomery’s 1908 novel *Anne of Green Gables* transformed Cavendish, a rural community on Prince Edward Island (PEI), into a major literary tourism destination. Montgomery’s vivid portrayal of the area as the fictional Avonlea attracted a growing influx of visitors seeking to experience the novel’s settings, leading local residents and businesses to develop accommodations and attractions inspired by the book. The creation of Prince Edward Island National Park in 1936 incorporated Green Gables as a centerpiece, though early park planning prioritized other developments like golf courses over literary heritage. Over time, commercialization expanded both within and beyond the park, generating tensions between preserving the island’s rural character and catering to tourism driven by Montgomery’s enduring cultural legacy.