Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada’s smallest province, has long been synonymous with rolling green hills, red-sand beaches, and a certain red-headed orphan. For over a century, the island has been a pilgrimage site for fans of L.M. Montgomery’s beloved “Anne of Green Gables.” However, a new chapter is being written in PEI’s tourism story, as a contemporary bestseller ignites a fresh wave of literary travel, proving that the island’s power to enchant readers is as strong as ever.
The Enduring Legacy of Anne of Green Gables
The foundation of PEI’s literary tourism is built on the enduring global appeal of “Anne of Green Gables,” first published in 1908. The novel has sold over 50 million copies and been translated into dozens of languages, creating a dedicated international fanbase.
At the heart of this phenomenon is the Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish. This site, which inspired Montgomery’s idyllic setting, is a major draw for the province. According to Parks Canada, the site has consistently welcomed a significant number of visitors, with figures in recent years surpassing 150,000 annually. This single literary connection has shaped the island’s tourism identity for generations, supporting countless local businesses from museums to souvenir shops, and cementing PEI’s image as a whimsical, nostalgic destination.
A New Wave: The “Readaway” Tourist
While “Anne” continues to be a primary draw, the summer of 2024 is seeing a new kind of book lover arrive on PEI’s shores. These visitors are inspired by Carley Fortune’s contemporary romance novel, “This Summer will be Different,” a bestseller that uses the island’s charming landscape as its backdrop.
This has given rise to the “readaway” tourist—travelers who seek to experience the specific locations and atmospheres described in a book they’ve recently read. Unlike the historical pilgrimage to Green Gables, these travelers are seeking out modern, everyday island spots mentioned in Fortune’s novel. Local businesses are experiencing a direct impact, with visitors specifically seeking out:
- COWS Creamery: The iconic ice cream brand, already a PEI staple, is seeing a new level of interest from readers wanting to taste the flavors their favorite characters enjoyed.
- Malpeque Oyster Barn: This specific restaurant has become a must-visit destination for fans looking to immerse themselves in the novel’s culinary scene.
This trend blurs the line between fiction and reality, allowing readers to step directly into the world of the book. It’s a phenomenon heavily amplified by social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where fans share their experiences of visiting these real-life settings.
Future and Impact: A Diversified Literary Landscape
The emergence of this new literary tourism wave has significant implications for Prince Edward Island’s future.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The success of “This Summer will be Different” demonstrates that PEI’s appeal is not limited to a single story. This new trend diversifies tourism revenue, spreading economic benefits to a wider range of businesses beyond the traditional “Anne” trail. It also helps the island appeal to a younger demographic that connects with contemporary stories and is highly influenced by social media trends. This dual appeal—classic and contemporary—strengthens PEI’s brand as a timeless yet relevant literary destination.
Predicted Future
This trend is likely to continue. The success of Fortune’s novel may inspire other authors to set their stories on the picturesque island, creating a virtuous cycle of new content and new visitors. We can anticipate that PEI’s tourism board and local businesses will increasingly lean into these connections, potentially creating curated tours or marketing materials based on popular contemporary books.
However, this also presents a new challenge: managing visitor expectations and potential overcrowding at smaller, previously less-frequented locations. The key for PEI will be to harness this new energy sustainably, ensuring that the very charm that draws readers to the island is preserved for generations of book lovers to come.
