Many historic villages are open this summer with greater access and time availability than during the fall and winter seasons.
Read below for a list of iconic locations to check out soon in the provinces of Ontario and Prince Edward Island.
Avonlea Village – PEI
Avonlea village features 9 eateries and 6 shops in replicas of houses reflecting the19th-century fictional hometown of ‘Avonlea’ from the book Anne of Green Gables. It also features several heritage buildings such as the original Belmont Schoolhouse L.M. Montgomery taught in, the 1906 Minister’s Residence,and the 1872 Historic Long River Church that Montgomery attended. The historic buildings were restored and moved to the Avonlea Village at 8779 Route 6 Cavendish, PE, COA 1N0
The shops are open from May to September, and the Anne of Green Gables Store and the Turkey Tavern are open until Thanksgiving.
For more information please visit Info – Avonlea Village
Westfield Heritage Village – Ontario
The Westfield Heritage Village contains over 30 historic buildings, many of which were used to film Anne of Green Gables and the Road To Avonlea TV series. Visitors can see the ‘Bright River’ train station (when Anne first arrives at Green Gables) and the D’Aubigney Inn (used for the interior filming of the orphanage). The village boasts a collection of restored historical buildings nestled within 204 hectares of conservation land.
The area is open daily from sunrise to sunset, for use of the trails and walking around the historical village, but the buildings are not open on a daily basis.
For more information, please visit Westfield Heritage Village – Experience the Charm and Spirit of Early Canada
Orwell Corner Historic Village – PEI
Reminiscent of a small Prince Edward Island agricultural crossroads of the 1890s, Orwell Corner was used as a filming location for the transition sequences in Anne of Green Gables and for numerous episodes and credit sequences in Road To Avonlea. The village offers daily programming for children including having fun with animals, dropping by the general store, and the PEI Agricultural Museum.
Hours of operation vary by month and the kids camp is only available from July – August.
For more information visit Orwell Corner Historic Village | PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation
Pickering Museum Village - Ontario
Pickering Museum Village is the largest living historical pioneer village in the Durham Region, with 19 heritage buildings, and is the site of many scenes from the Anne of Green Gables and An Avonlea Christmas films. The Cole House was where Anne walked the ridgepole of a roof. The Interior of the Oddfellows Hall was used as the Carmody Town Hall, where Anne attends her first ball, and the Blacksmith Shop was the Spurgeon farm and can be seen in the background of Mr.Philips’ departure.
The museum is open from May to August and Sept 7th & 8th.
For more information visit Visit Us -City of Pickering
Simcoe County Museum - Ontario
This large century rural museum contains 16 heritage and display buildings on 327 acres of land, including an early settler’s church, a log cabin, and a train station.The 1900s schoolhouse was used as the Avonlea Schoolhouse in Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel. The scenes where Anne and Diana were bombarded with pinecones, as well as when Anne trespasses on Mr.Sadler’s farm, were also filmed here.
The museum is open throughout the year, although the outbuildings are closed during the winter months.
For information visit Simcoe Museum
Black Creek Pioneer Village - Ontario
At Black Creek village you can Immerse yourself in the lifestyle and surroundings of those who built the foundations for modern Ontario from the 1860s. Visitors will discover 40 historic buildings, including the Tinsmith Shop, which was used as the exterior of Lawson’s General Store in Anne of Green Gables. The scene where Matthew looks in the window at the puffed sleeved dress was also filmed here. The back door of Burwick House was used in the scene where Matthew and the Doctor enter Diana’s house.
The village is open from April 20 – December 23 for general admission and self-guided visits.
For more information visit Black Creek Pioneer Village - Step into 1860s Ontario
Leaskdale,Ontario
Gain insight into Montgomery’s life when she lived in Leaskdale (1911 - 1926) on a self-guided tour using ‘The Lucy Maud Montgomery Trail’, and listen to her life on a podcast while driving through town, Lucy Maud Montgomery Trail ( discoveruxbridge.ca) Visitors can book a tea and tour visiting the restored Leaskdale Manse, as well as the St.Paul’s Presbyterian church where Montgomery's husband preached, and the Leaskdale store where she picked up her groceries.
Regular teas and tours are available at the Leaskdale Manse from June to September, as well as numerous events such as the ‘Maud of Leaksdale’ play. Off season tours are available by appointment only.
For more information visit the Lucy Maud Montgomery Trail website
Uxbridge Historical Centre - Ontario
The Uxbridge Historical Centre is a museum on a 5-acre site overlooking the beautiful Uxbridge Valley and consists of 10 buildings and more than 6,000 artifacts (including the WWI Red Cross Signature Quilt with Maud’s married name sewn on). The buildings preserve the history and heritage of Uxbridge Township,where you can visit the Scott Township Municipal Hall from Maud’s hometown, as well as the Nesbitt Shed and 5th Line Church which was used when filming the Road To Avonlea TV series.
Tours and exhibitions run from May to November.
For more information visit ABOUT UHC | UHC
Downtown Uxbridge - Ontario
Visit the busy and popular shopping area once frequented by former resident Lucy Maud Montgomery, when she resided at the Leaskdale Manse north of Uxbridge. Visitors can visit (all year round) the award-winning Blue Heron Books store located in a 200-year-old building, which sells Anne themed stationary, signed cookbooks by L.M Montgomery’s granddaughter, and hosts numerous events throughout the year. You can also enjoy a classic raspberry cordial at the nearby Bridge Social café.
For more information visit the Downtown Uxbridge website
The Distillery District - Ontario
Few may know that the popular downtown Distillery District was the world’s largest producer of alcoholic beverages in the 1860s, providing over 2 million gallons of whiskey annually. When it closed down in 1990, it became an incredible period film location and has attracted over 800 film and television productions, including Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story, By Way of the Stars, Road To Avonlea, and Sleeping Dogs Lie.
The district is open all year round with various events held throughout the warm and cold seasons.
For more information visit the Distillery District website
