Spending Two Days on Fogo Island

Located off the northern part of the island of Newfoundland sits one of, if not the most, unique parts of the province. Fogo Island is a dichotomy of scenery and architecture. From the typical North Atlantic rocky coastlines to white sand beaches, as well as traditional fishing stages to ultra-modern structures. Because of what it has to offer, Fogo has become one of the more desirable places in Newfoundland and Labrador to visit.

Fogo has quaint communities with distinctive names, like Joe Batt's Arm above.

My wife and I have been to the island half a dozen times in as many years. In that time, we’ve discovered that you can see most of the major attractions in a couple of days - if you’re adventurous (and arrive early). If you catch the morning ferry, you won’t waste a day travelling. While maximizing your time exploring the island is the point of this list, I’d encourage you to take your time. Your starting point depends on where you’re staying. There are two major communities with ample places to stay, and those are the town of Fogo itself and Joe Batt’s Arm. Both communities are great hop-off points to explore the rest of the island.

I’ve compiled this list of the must-see sights and features that make Fogo worth visiting and can be accomplished in a couple of days if you’re enthusiastic (and organized). 

Artists Studios.
If you’re visiting Fogo, you really should see these four modern-looking structures. From the ferry, the easiest first stop would be the Bridge Studio. From the community of Deep Bay, this is a modern-looking rectangular box overlooking a small pond. It’s a short hike that takes you to the top of a hill where the studio is located. Next up would be the Tower Studio. The easiest one of the lot to visit, a short, flat walk along a boardwalk will take you to this towering structure. Next up would be the Long Studio. This one is as it describes - a very long and narrow building sticking out of the surrounding barren landscape. This one is the longest walk, but still relatively easy in terms of access. The last of the four studios is the Squish Studio. This structure is quite possibly the most interesting. The shape is very complex and changes with every viewpoint. At one angle, the building looks squished, giving its name appropriate context. 

If you’re into architecture like we are, there are other structures worthy of mention. Topping this list would be the Fogo Island Inn, of course. Its domineering stance stands out in the barren landscape on which it was built. Additionally, the Clay Studio in the Town of Fogo, as well as a few private homes scattered around the island, are worthy of second glances.

---

The Fogo Island in all its glory, jutting out from the rocky land on which is stands.

Hikes.
Fogo has a few incredible hikes that can be completed in short order. One is the 4.2km Lion’s Den trail - my favourite - and takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your fitness level and how much sightseeing you do. The trail is named after one of the four of its resettled communities along the shoreline. Each of the four was formed because of the bountiful fishing grounds and protected inlets. Many communities in outport Newfoundland, like these, were relocated in the early 1900s, as sustaining life proved to be too difficult to justify. Homes were abandoned, and others were towed by boat to neighbouring towns. Lock's Cove, Eastern Tickle, Shoal Tickle, and the trail’s namesake, the Lion's Den, were all deserted in favour of an easier life elsewhere. The start of the trail features the Marconi Interpretation Station, where wireless transmissions were sent to aid fishermen and to local and passing mariners. It was the second site to receive a distress call from the Titanic. 

The Fogo Head Trail is another popular route that will take you up a steep incline, including a lot of stairs. The reward once you get to the peak is a 360-degree view of the town of Fogo and the surrounding areas. 

Turpin’s Hiking Trail is also one of our top choices. Located in Tilting, you’ll start this shoreline walk at Sandy Cove - a white sand beach that will look out of place on an island as rugged as Fogo. We’ve been here in October when it was warm and sunny, which created a feeling of being somewhere tropical. Not at all what you’d expect given the surrounding landscape. On the opposite side of the cove from the Squish Studio, Turpin’s trail will give you a unique perspective on the community of Tilting and its beautiful architecture.

Hiking multiple trails in a day or two is a lot to ask for some, so my suggestion is to pick one per day and not feel so rushed.

Eats.
There aren’t many places to eat on Fogo, but the few they have more than make up for it. Bang Belly Bistro in the Town of Fogo is our favourite place to have a sit-down meal after a day of exploring. The Storehouse, located in Joe Batt’s Arm and owned and operated by the Shorefast Foundation, is another great option to grab a bite to eat. For a more casual experience, or if you want great coffee, there’s the Punch Buggy Pizza & Coffee Co. in the Town of Fogo. If preparing your food is the best option, Foodland will supply you with everything you’ll need to be self-sufficient. Other options for quick snacks include Tina’s Convenience and Growler’s Ice Cream Shop.

Communities.
Fogo Island communities, and the ones we like to spend time in are the Town of Fogo, Joe Batt’s Arm, and, of course, Tilting. Each one has something unique to offer, whether you want to do a little shopping, shoot photos of traditional fishing stages, or simply go back in time. Driving from to the other won’t take a long time, allowing you to easily visit each one in a couple of hours.

The island's namesake town of Fogo.

These recommendations are my stand-outs for visiting Fogo Island. There are other small communities worth visiting, as well as opportunities for chance encounters. Those can include a herd of caribou, multi-coloured foxes, and even celebrities visiting from afar. As you should anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador, bring a camera and take lots of photos.

Wayne Parsons