Fogo Island

Perched off the rugged coast of Newfoundland, Fogo Island feels like the edge of the world—and that’s precisely its allure. This remote, windswept island is a haven for artists, hikers, and anyone seeking profound solitude and raw natural beauty. With its colourful fishing outports, dramatic cliffs, and the iconic, architecturally stunning Fogo Island Inn, the island offers a rare blend of traditional outport culture and contemporary design. Getting here requires a ferry from Farewell, but the journey is part of the magic.

Highlights & What to See

• Fogo Island Inn – Even if you don’t stay, visit this architectural marvel perched on stilts over the North Atlantic. Its angular lines and floor-to-ceiling windows frame the ocean like living art.
• Tilting – A picture-perfect Irish-Newfoundland outport with brightly painted houses, ancient fences, and a palpable sense of history. Wander the lanes and chat with locals.
• Brimstone Head – Hike to this flat-topped hill for 360-degree views of the island and the sea. It was once claimed by the Flat Earth Society as one of the four corners of the earth.
• Joe Batt’s Arm – A lively community with a long boardwalk, the Fogo Island Gallery, and the chance to see icebergs drift by in spring and early summer.
• Long Studio – An artist residency space designed by Todd Saunders, open to visitors. Its stark concrete form contrasts beautifully with the landscape.
• Iceberg Alley – From late May to July, massive icebergs float past the island. Head to the northern tip for the best views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Fogo Island rewards a slow pace. Plan for at least two full days, ideally three, to soak in the atmosphere. Day one: explore Tilting and Joe Batt’s Arm, then hike Brimstone Head for sunset. Day two: visit the Fogo Island Inn (book a tour or afternoon tea), and take a drive to the island’s northern reaches for iceberg-watching. If you have a third day, consider a guided kayak or a hike on the wild eastern coast. The ferry schedule is limited, so plan your arrival and departure carefully.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Twillingate – Known as the Iceberg Capital of the World, this charming town on the mainland offers more iceberg views and coastal hikes.
• Change Islands – A tiny, car-free archipelago with a strong fishing heritage. Take the ferry from Farewell for a day trip.
• Gros Morne National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site with fjords, towering cliffs, and the famous Tablelands. About a 4-hour drive from the ferry terminal.
• L’Anse aux Meadows – The only confirmed Viking settlement in North America. It’s a long drive (6+ hours) but a bucket-list detour for history buffs.
• St. John’s – Newfoundland’s colourful capital, with Signal Hill, vibrant row houses, and a lively music scene. A 5-hour drive from the ferry.

Please check official sources for current details.