Home to the iconic author of Anne and Green Gables from 1911 to 1926, Uxbridge is alive with the spirit of Lucy Maud Montgomery and her most renown character, Anne Shirley.
Step into the shoes of L.M. Montgomery and learn more about her life in Uxbridge through her perspective with the Lucy Maud Montgomery Trail!
A Historic Daytime Journey
What better place to start your day than the Leaskdale Manse National Historic site, the home where the author penned 11 books, while she raised her family. After a photo-op in the garden with the only full-size bronze statue of the beloved author, enjoy tea and scones on Maud’s own Limoges China dishes “Bridal Rose”. Children will be entertained during the tour with the manse’s brand new Cavendish cat and the art of old fashioned ice cream making! Before you leave, be sure to stop by the gift shop for a souvenir.
Each summer, you can enjoy the Maud of Leaskdale play at the Historical Leaskdale Church. See more details here.
Tickets for all dates at Starticketing.com or buy at the door.
Local Art
Outside Leaskdale there are a few places that are anxious to welcome you! To satisfy your thirst, visit Banjo Cider for a special glass of hand-crafted cider named after Maud herself. Book an appointment to visit Concession 6 Studio to discover some local art pieces including laser-engraved boards. Call ahead to visit Greenmantle Pottery. Patricia Cherrie makes small batch pottery in a charming cabin just down the road from Maud’s Leaskdale home.
UHC Themed Tours
At the Uxbridge Historical Centre, you can ask for the “Lucy Maud Montgomery Tour”. During this tour, you will learn about Maud’s connections to the museum’s historic buildings and a WWI exhibit. Interestingly, the exhibit explores Maud’s involvement in local war efforts. There are also complimentary kids’ activities!
Next, head to downtown Uxbridge to see where Lucy Maud Montgomery walked and shopped. For lunch, you have a wide selection of restaurant options in the downtown Uxbridge area. You might prefer a bison burger from Urban Pantry, or wide selection of plant-based dishes from fig kitchen and market.
Shopping
Afterwards, stop by the beloved Blue Heron Books where you can write a letter to your kindred spirit with beautiful custom Anne stationery. Additionally, try a game of hopscotch, or grab a FREE craft kit (available while supplies last). Then, walk next door to The Bridge Social to try a glass of organic cold brew berry ice tea and a raspberry tart. Both of these goods are inspired by her love of raspberry cordial. If you are a tea lover, make sure you stop in at Presents Presents Presents to pick up a loose-leaf tea infuser.
Take a few hours to explore the Lucy Maud Montgomery Trail, a self-guided driving tour with podcast audio. The podcast tells the story of L.M. Montgomery’s time in the area, If you are short on time, pick a few sites to visit and return for the full experience.
A day in Uxbridge is only part of the Anne and Maud Experience. For more fun, make sure you plan an afternoon at the Pickering Museum Village to explore the Anne part of the Experience. With a world behind-the-camera tour of various ‘Anne’ productions, including the Anne with an “E” set location. Enjoy a picnic, taste a scone, and listen to an audio tour with Anne recounting some of her favourite memories.
The Anne and Maud Experience is a perfect weekend outing! We look forward to welcoming you!
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and other indicia of ANNE are trademarks and Canadian official marks of the Anne of Green Gables Licensing Authority Inc. L.M.MONTGOMERY is a trademark of Heirs of L.M. Montgomery Inc.