Explore the Communities of Fogo Island

Fogo Island is more than a destination—it is a collection of eleven communities, each with its own traditions and stories. From sheltered harbours to windswept barrens, these communities offer glimpses into the rich history and culture of outport Newfoundland.

Stag Harbour

Stag Harbour is the first community you'll encounter after stepping off the ferry, greeting all who arrive on Fogo Island.

This community carries a rich history shaped by resettlement. Many homes here today once floated across the water from the nearby Indian Islands. Stag Harbour's appeal lay in its sheltered position, offering respite from the relentless winds that battered other parts of the coastline. Families sought refuge here, trading proximity to fishing grounds for a protective wooded area and a ready supply of firewood at the water's edge.

Seldom/Little Seldom

Once known as Seldom Come By, this community has long been a place of refuge for passing ships. Those bound for Labrador would rarely sail past without stopping into its deep, sheltered harbour—whether to replenish supplies or to wait out a storm. Nestled amidst the island's most heavily forested landscape, Seldom tends to be calm even on the stormiest days.

Here, the main office and shrimp plant of the largest employer on the island, the Fogo Island Co-operative Society, is found. Nearby, you will also see the Fisherman's Union Trading Company Museum, which features a historical retail store and outbuildings, including a fishing store and cod liver oil factory. This space also has a display dedicated to the now-extinct, Great Auk, a bird that once lived on the nearby Funk Islands.

Deep Bay

Nestled among steep hills, Deep Bay exudes a sense of quiet and calm, making it a place where time feels unrushed. This community is home to the studio of artist Bruce Pashak, the Courting Trail, and the Fogo Island Arts' Bridge Studio. Looking across the bay, you'll see the end of Waterman's Brook Trail – a walking trail that begins in Fogo.

Island Harbour

Located on the west side of the island, Island Harbour is situated along a long harbour dotted with many islands. This area is great for exploring – veer off the beaten path to find some stunning geological formations and spectacular sunsets.

Fogo Island Central

Fogo Island Central is where you'll find essential services such as the Health Centre, public library, and school. The closest you can get to the geographic centre of Fogo Island by road, the area was only established recently in the 1960s.

Fogo

With the scenic Brimstone Head formation always in view, this community is known as one of the four corners of the flat earth by the eccentric Canadian Flat Earth Society.

Along with a variety of shops, Fogo also offers many hiking trails ranging in difficulty and time commitment. Those looking for a short jaunt can tackle the steep, but quick, hike to the top of Brimstone Head. If you have more time to spare, Lion's Den trail rolls through the long-abandoned communities of Eastern Tickle, Lion's Den, and Lock's Cove.

Shoal Bay

Despite its name, Shoal Bay is quite deep and was the site chosen for the Fogo Island shipyard operated by the Fogo Island Co-operative Society as part of our resistance to resettlement during the 1960s. Currently, it is the site of the largest grocery store on the island, the Fogo Island Arts' Tower Studio, and is a popular haven for our caribou herd.

Barr'd Islands

Generally acknowledged as one of the oldest settlements on Fogo Island, Barr'd Islands hosts winding roads, rocky cliffs, and three important community structures that have been repurposed for contemporary use: the Orange Lodge, the SUF (Society of United Fisherman) Hall, and the former St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church.

Joe Batt's Arm

There are many stories told about how the community of Joe Batt's Arm was named. One tale is that the area was settled by a sailor from Captain James Cook's ship, Joe Batt, who is said to have jumped ship and swam to shore where he survived and embraced this rocky inlet.

The well-trodden Joe Batt's Point trail leads hikers past raised beaches on the coastline, past the Fogo Island Arts' Long Studio and ends at a monument that pays homage to the extinct seabird, the Great Auk.

Tilting

The houses, fishing premises, and fenced vegetable gardens of Tilting showcase a sturdy hold on their Irish roots. The family names and Irish accents are as genuine as the first to step foot on this rugged parcel of land.

A visit to Tilting might include checking out the Fogo Island Arts' Squish Studio, spending a sunny afternoon at Sandy Cove Beach, or hiking one of two trails. Turpin's Trail ventures into boreal forest and along the shore where seas swirl against jagged rocks, while Oliver's Cove leads hikers through community gardens, an abandoned community, and diverse geographic formations.

Plan Your Stay

People and place are tangled up with each other on Fogo Island. In getting to know the communities that make up this island, our guests understand how everything fits together.

As a part of your stay at Fogo Island Inn, one of our Community Hosts will guide you on an Island Orientation, where you will visit these communities and hear stories of their past and present.

Get in touch with our Guest Itinerary Advisors to book your retreat to Fogo Island Inn:

International Reservations: +1-709-658-7260
US & Canada Reservations+1-855-268-9277
or email [email protected]