Cavendish is the largest seasonal resort area in Prince Edward Island with an average daily population in the months of July and August of approximately 7,500 residents.

Administratively, it is part of the Resort Municipality of Stanley Bridge, Hope River, Bayview, Cavendish and North Rustico (37.74 square kilometres (14.57 sq mi)).

Montgomery would also frequently visit her cousins, the MacNeill family, who owned a farm named Green Gables located west of the intersection.

Following the critical acclaim of Montgomery's writing, as well as coincident with the increase in vehicle-based tourism throughout North America during the first half of the century, Cavendish began to evolve into primarily a resort community.

During any given week in July and August, the community's population expands as tens of thousands of tourists flock to the national park and local attractions.