Our Story

On behalf of our family, I would like to welcome you to the Cavendish Maples property! Our family takes great pride in offering you a special setting to enjoy your Prince Edward Island holiday.

Our family has deep roots in Cavendish and in the tourism industry on our Island. I am one of those rare people you will 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 1950's, at the age of 13, I was the "unofficial" first employee for the first tourist information center in Cavendish. Over the years, 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.

I am also a proud descendent of our Island's famed author, Lucy Maud Montgomery. In fact my aunt and uncle, Jennie and John MacNeill own and maintain L.M. Montgomery's Cavendish Home site 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 her writings, in particular the fascination with her most endearing and enduring character 'Anne' of Anne of Green Gables has resulted in books 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 for a few seasons. From our visitors comments we soon realized that they had enjoyed their stay, wanted to return and that they found the Maples property peaceful and relaxing and yet conveniently located, close to services, restaurants and attractions.

It was probably inevitable that in 1980, we decided to build cottages to rent during the summer months. Barry (Gordon's brother) Gordon and I carved out our first four cottages and as they say, the rest is history. Over the next almost three decades, we have gradually added cottages (the most recent additions are #'s 30 and 31 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 accommodations and a full range of services and amenities.

Today our guests will notice a few younger faces greeting them at the Maples as our second generation takes a more active role in helping manage our property, and our 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 Gordon and I with a great deal of personal satisfaction. It is such a good feeling to welcome back the families and friends who visit the Maples often and it is always exciting to welcome new guests as they experience the Maples for the first time.