How many of you have heard or know about the Fogo island? If you don’t know much about it, you are missing a beautiful destination that could become a part of your bucket list. Yeah! I have a reason behind saying this. Fogo Island, Newfoundland is among the most beautiful islands along a coast home to many others. It has stunning scenery, excellent hiking, icebergs, a surprising quantity of wildlife in the lap of nature (both on land and in the water), and some of the oddest claims of fame in all of Newfoundland and Labrador.
So, if you are looking for a unique destination and want to visit some different locations check this blog to learn why should you travel to Fogo Island.
Fogo Island, which is approximately 25 km by 14 km in size, can be categorized as either fairly large or quite small when compared to the hundreds of rocky islets that are dispersed along the Newfoundland coast. Even though Fogo Island has only about 2,000 permanent residents. It is among the best spots in Canada to see icebergs, whales, and community hosts. It also has a rich Irish past among the first communities in North America, is quickly establishing itself as a well-known art destination, and is home to one of Canada’s most opulent hotels.
People from all around the world come here to enjoy themselves with their partners and families. The morning scenes there makes your day. It also happens to be Newfoundland’s largest secondary island, boasts stunning natural landscapes, and has a resident caribou population.
I suggest you visit there in summer, from roughly mid-June to mid-September. Even though the weather on Fogo Island can change quickly—from fog to sunshine on the same day—summer is the best time. The ideal period to see icebergs is from mid-May to early June. If your chance is good, you could be able to witness both, perhaps as early as mid-June, since the whales often arrive at the end of June.
The Fogo Island’s Major Towns
Around 750 people live in the town of Fogo, the island’s principal community hosts, by the standards of Fogo Island, nearly a metropolis. As early as the late 17th century, there was evidence of a fishery in the town, and by the 1720s, it had become a permanent settlement. There are various historic buildings on Fogo Island, like the Black House Museum, United Church Cultural Centre, and Marconi Wireless Interpretation Centre.
Many of the town’s original structures are still standing today, so you may visit them to find out more about the region’s intriguing past.
1. Seldom-Little Seldom
Seldom and Little Seldom, a neighbouring smaller settlement, are just off the major road that connects Stag Harbour Ferry Terminal & the remainder of the island’s sea. Together, they are home to less than 500 people. There are beautiful harbours and stunning ocean vistas.
2. Tilting
Small, atmospheric Tilting, with a relevant population of 250, has been named both a National Cultural District and a National Historic Site of Canada. This 18th-century Irish town, hidden on the extreme eastern side of Fogo Island, nonetheless firmly maintains its culture, traditions, and architectural style. The Tilting Designated Heritage District, one of the first to be established in Newfoundland and Labrador, includes Tilting Harbour & Pigeon Island.
While exploring Tilting’s calm alleys, traditional garden walks, and beautiful docks, you can also take a look at a broad array of historic structures. Don’t forget to see Sandy Cove Beach, Old Irish Cemetery, Lane House Museum, and Dwyer Premises on Fogo Island. I am sure you will love this lovely place.
3. Joe Batt’s Arm
The somewhat surprise Joe Batt’s Arm, the other major settlement on the island, is about the same size as Fogo. The main concern, though, was whether there was any relationship between this picturesque small Newfoundland community and Jose Bautista’s eponymous “Joey Batt’s arm” moniker as a renowned Blue Jay. Most likely not; however, it might call for more research. It is a very short walk from the island.
Most guests arrive at Joe Batt’s Arm with the intention of hiking to the Great Auk monument, staying at the extravagant Fogo Island Inn, exploring the surrounding area to view Tower Studio, or visiting the distinctively English Brett House Museum. So why not you? I would highly recommend to explore this nearby attraction whenever you visit Fogo Island.
So, What Can You Do on Fogo Island?
Having gained a general understanding of the island’s towns, I have some additional suggestions for activities to do while visiting Fogo Island.
1. Visit the Special Art Studios
For a wide range of creative pursuits, the island offers an artist residency program for everyone from painters & sculptors to authors & directors to musicians & designers. Isn’t this exciting?
Four distinctive wood studios were constructed in reasonably remote areas by Fogo Island Arts (FIA) following the traditional island architecture styles. They are accessible to candidates through the organization’s overseas residency program and are built to have the least environmental impact possible using solar power, composting toilets, and wood stoves.
You are welcome to view the studios from the outside, even though they are private & not accessible to the general public, as long as you are careful not to go off the path. Each of the 4 studios is situated in a stunning natural setting. These are Studio Tower, Crossing Studio, Studio Squish, and Studio Long.
2. View Whales and Icebergs
The icebergs that travel south in the spring (probably to the Caribbean beaches) and the whale migration that passes by the entire coastline of Newfoundland & Labrador during the summer (perhaps to the major summer festivals of Labrador) are both famous. Additionally, Fogo Island, which protrudes significantly from the rest of Newfoundland and is a part of Iceberg Alley, is bound to get its fair share of sightings. You found all these at Fogo Island Inn. I hope you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of whales around.
3. Visit the Notre Dame Bay
This is also situated on Fogo Island. You may see the surroundings of Fogo Island from Notre Dame Bay. Additionally, you can go to the Fogo Island Marine Observation Centre, which houses the Funk Island Great Auk Exhibit, the Cod Liver Oil Factory, and the Fishermen’s Union Trading Co. Museum from Notre Dame Bay. This multi-purpose building has one of the largest historical displays on Fogo Island and provides a craft shop, picnic spots, wifi, public showers, and even acts as a dock for private yachts.
4. Take a Hike
Adding to your surprise, you won’t miss the trekking and hiking part there too. I am saying this because there are a surprisingly large number of excellent treks on Fogo Island for such a small area. It is simple to get out with flat seaside hikes, short, steep climbs, expansive lookouts, and longer forest walks and start engaging on Fogo. The Brimstone Head Hike, Hike to Fogo Head, Hike to Lion’s Den, and the Courting Trail.
Where Should You Stay and Eat?
The Fogo Island Inn is, without a doubt, the best spot to stay while you are there. The 29 guestrooms and suites at the Inn have floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the ocean with good furniture, shiny doors, big rooms, and wonderful services. The costs include many excursions, a half-day Islands orientation with a local host, and all meals for two people. From June to September, a minimum stay of three nights is required. 15% of the lodging charge is donated to the Shore Fast Organization to be used for investment in the local area.
Talking about the foods available there, it’s natural that fish & seafood will be on the menu and some berries you might not be familiar with. The jam produced from partridgeberries resembling cranberries or lingonberries and local ingredients is everyone’s favourite. Another well-liked local product is bakeapple, an orange berry similar to raspberries and not like an apple.
The fish and chips at Fogo Island eatery. Beaches Bar and Grill in Fogo Town and the Cod Jigger Restaurant on Highway 333 in the island’s center are both good options. Bangbelly, a brand-new eatery has also received excellent reviews. You should also check out Scoff Restaurant, which is well-regarded for its creative interpretation of regional food. It is located at 159 Main Road at Joe Batt’s Arm, close to the Fogo Island Inn.
Fogo Island is a stunning and unique location. It is the largest island in Newfoundland. Fogo is an outstanding destination on any Newfoundland itinerary thanks to its remarkably unspoiled natural areas. You will have a memorable journey while exploring the abundant flora & fauna, surprise art scene, ferry ride, and living history sites spread around the island. The best period to visit there is in early August.
Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
