Fogo Island

A remote fishing island in the North Atlantic. Fogo Island Inn and artist studios on the cliffs dot the Irish-style fishing villages. In early summer, icebergs drift past, and coastal trails invite hiking.

Fogo Island lies in the North Atlantic, off the northeast coast of Newfoundland, Canada. It is about 25 km long and 14 km wide, the largest island off Newfoundland. More than a dozen fishing villages dot the island, including Fogo, Joe Batt's Arm, Tilting and Seldom. In 2011 they were merged into the Town of Fogo Island, with a population of about 2,000. Most residents are descendants of fishers from southwest England and Ireland who arrived in the 18th and 19th centuries, and their accents and customs are still preserved. After the traditional cod fishery declined, an entrepreneur from the island launched the Shorefast community project. It built the Fogo Island Inn on the cliffs and several artist studios with contemporary design, turning the island into a well-known "island of design and art" in North America.

The island can be explored in three areas. In the northeast, Joe Batt's Arm has an inn, the Joe Batt's Point trail and a great auk sculpture. At the far east end, Tilting is a national historic site, an Irish-style fishing village, with the Squish Studio, Sandy Cove beach and the Tippings trail. In the northwest, the town of Fogo has Sulphur Point, the Lion's Den trail, the ruins of the Marconi wireless station and the Desolation House museum. From the west side wharf, the same ferry route can also take you to the Change Islands, where you can see Newfoundland ponies.

The best season is May to September. In May and June, icebergs drift south along "Iceberg Alley" and can often be seen from the shore. July and August have the most stable weather and berries are everywhere; in August, the Sulphur Point folk music festival takes place. In winter, sea ice often stops the ferries.

Getting there: from Gander, drive about 1 hour to Farewell, then take a ferry of about 45 minutes to Stag Harbour on the island. Ferries are first come, first served, and long lines form in peak season, so allow extra time. There is no public transport on the island, so a car is necessary. Plan to stay 2 to 3 nights. Accommodation options are limited, so book ahead in peak season.

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