Award-winning PEI Accommodations – The Story of Cavendish Maples
On behalf of our family, I would like to welcome you to our award-winning PEI accommodations, Cavendish Maples Cottages! Our family takes great pride in offering you a special setting to make the most of your PEI vacation.
Our family has deep roots in Cavendish and in the tourism industry on our Island. I am one of those rare people you’ll meet who actually grew up in Cavendish. Our history in the business goes back to 1949 when my parents moved off the farm and built the service station at the intersection of Route 6 and 13. This same station was run by my father, my brother’s family, and our family until 1990.
In the late 1950s, at the age of 13, I was the “unofficial” first employee for the first tourist information center in Cavendish. Over the years, my husband Gordon has played an active role in the tourism industry by serving in many leadership positions with the local and provincial tourism associations. Most recently, Gordon was selected to represent PEI on the Canadian Tourism Commission. In 1998, we were humbled to be recognized as the “Tourism Operators of the Year” by the Tourism Industry Association of PEI. Most recently, in 2011 we were honored as the third ever recipient of the PEI Brand Essence Award as chosen by our peers at the Tourism Advisory Council. This award is presented to the tourism operation that best exemplifies the values of the PEI brand.
I am also a proud descendant of our Island’s famed author, Lucy Maud Montgomery. In fact, my aunt and uncle, Jennie and John MacNeill, own and maintain the site of L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish Home, which was recently designated a National Historic Site. Lucy Maud Montgomery’s writings, with her vivid description of the beauty and the peace to be found in her beloved Prince Edward Island, have captivated people the world over.
The unwavering popularity of Montgomery’s writings, in particular the fascination with her most endearing and enduring character “Anne” of Anne of Green Gables, has resulted in book sales surpassing 50 million copies.
The history of the Maples really began in 1974, although we did not begin to build cottages to rent until 1980. In 1974, Gordon and I built our own cottage amongst the maples trees on this distinctive piece of property. Over the next few years, family circumstances dictated that we rent our cottage out for a few seasons. From our visitors’ comments, we soon realized that they had immensely enjoyed their stay, wanted to return, and found the Maples property peaceful and relaxing, yet conveniently located—close to services, restaurants and attractions.
In 1980, we decided to build cottages to rent during the summer months. Gordon, his brother Barry, and I carved out our first four cottages and, as they say, the rest is history. Over the next three decades, we have gradually added cottages (the most recent additions were made in 2008), and through expansions, improvements to the infrastructure, and general upgrades we believe that we have retained the original charm of the property while providing guests with four star PEI accommodations and a full range of services and amenities.
Today our guests will notice a few younger faces greeting them at the Maples, as a second generation takes a more active role in managing our property, while a third generation takes advantage of the pool, sports equipment, and play areas.
Building and maintaining the Maples has been a labour of love, and season after season it provides our family with a great deal of personal satisfaction. It is such a good feeling to welcome back the families and friends who visit the Maples each year and it is always exciting to welcome new guests as they experience the Maples for the first time.
We look forward to hearing from you when you’re ready to book your PEI accommodations.
