Located on Fogo Island, off the northeastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Fogo Island Inn is a place where time seems to stand still. Nestled amidst rugged landscapes and welcoming communities, this unique destination offers visitors a deep immersion into wild nature and local culture, providing an authentic and unforgettable experience.
At the Edge of the World
Named Fogo (fire) by Portuguese fishermen who came to fish for cod in the Middle Ages, Fogo Island is not very large: just about 3000 inhabitants spread over a piece of land 25 kilometers long and 14 kilometers wide. Located northeast of the Newfoundland and Labrador coast, the island is considered by the Flat Earth Society to be one of the four corners of the world… It is certainly a destination not chosen at random.
Reaching the end of the world takes effort, as the journey seems endlessly long. From Montreal, it takes a 1h15 flight to Halifax, then a 1h45 flight to Gander. From there, another 1h15 drive to Farewell, followed by a 45-minute ferry crossing to Fogo Island. Finally, a 30-minute drive to the small village of Joe Batt’s Arm, and the Fogo Island Inn will be in sight…
Given the length of the journey, you don’t come to Fogo Island just to stay for one night. Visitors typically stay for 4 or 5 nights at the Fogo Island Inn, taking the time to settle in, far from everything, to immerse themselves in the wild nature and local culture, and simply to disconnect.
A Fusion of History and Modernity
Designed by Todd Saunders, a Newfoundland-born architect based in Norway, Fogo Island Inn stands as a contemporary symbol perched on stilts reminiscent of the traditional fishing houses scattered across the island.
Inspired by 400-year-old vernacular building techniques, Fogo Island Inn evokes a time when settlers, forbidden from building permanent dwellings, used lightweight materials and designed structures that could be easily moved. The result is a work that honors local traditions while seamlessly integrating into the natural landscape, offering modern comfort and an authentic experience to its visitors.
Each of the 29 suites of this boutique hotel offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding nature.
Here, modernity is warm and reflects the rich folklore tradition of Fogo. Carpenters and cabinetmakers crafted the furniture using shipbuilding techniques, while women created crocheted rugs, knits, and quilts, adding authenticity and conviviality to this contemporary setting.
Strong Community Roots
Beyond its status as a luxury hotel, Fogo Island Inn embodies a multifaceted project initiated by a local woman. At the age of 16, Zita Cobb, the only daughter among seven siblings, left her native island after receiving a scholarship to study at the University of Ottawa.
After making a fortune in the fiber optics industry, she returned to her homeland with the firm intention of creating a unifying project to support the island’s inhabitants, who had been severely affected by the cod fishing moratorium.
Since its opening in 2013, Fogo Island Inn has played a crucial role in the ongoing cultural and economic revitalization of Fogo Island. In addition to sparking a revival of traditional building techniques, the boutique hotel and its associated projects have generated significant employment opportunities in a community on the brink of extinction. Moreover, it follows an innovative and radical social enterprise model, with 100% of profits reinvested in the Fogo Island community.
Artist Residencies
Scattered around Fogo Island Inn, several avant-garde tiny houses, also designed by Todd Saunders, offer peaceful retreats for international artists. These fully self-sufficient mini-houses, equipped with dry toilets and solar power, host artists participating in the Fogo Island Arts program, free of charge, in exchange for a contribution to the community.
“Black, gray, or white, the colors of the studios reflect the rocks and icebergs that float even in 20 °C weather,” says Todd Saunders.
The Rhythm of Fogo’s Seven Seasons
It’s said that on Fogo, activities follow the rhythm of the island’s seven seasons. In addition to the four traditional seasons, there’s the iceberg season from May to July, the trap berth season, and the berry season in September and October.
Throughout the year, visitors to Fogo Island Inn are invited to explore the island with a local guide, discovering the daily life of its inhabitants. From visiting the cod-drying huts to Tilting, a charming village deeply rooted in Irish culture, to embroidery sessions or fishing trips aboard old faded skiffs, the possibilities are endless.
Good to Know
Staying at Fogo Island Inn comes at a cost, around 3000 CAD per night for double occupancy with full board. A minimum reservation of two nights is required, and three nights in July and August.
For those in a hurry, it’s possible to book a helicopter ride, albeit at a high price.
