Frequently Asked Questions
Get to Know Fogo Island Inn
About the Inn
What is Fogo Island Inn?
Fogo Island Inn is a Three MICHELIN Key, Relais & Châteaux 29-room luxury inn on Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada. Opened in 2013, it is a community-centred social business and an initiative of Shorefast, a registered Canadian charity. Learn more about our radical approach.
Who built and designed the Inn?
The Inn was designed by Todd Saunders, a Newfoundland-born, Norway-based architect and the founder of Saunders Architecture. The Inn was built through an eight-year collaborative process involving community members, local and international architects, designers, makers, and artisans. Explore the Inn’s architecture and design.
What is Shorefast?
Shorefast is a registered Canadian charity established in 2004 by Zita Cobb and two of her siblings, Alan and Anthony Cobb. Its activities include a holistic set of initiatives and businesses, including the Fogo Island Inn. All operating surpluses from the Inn are reinvested in the community of Fogo Island through Shorefast’s programs and initiatives. Learn more about Shorefast.
Has Fogo Island Inn won any awards?
Yes. Fogo Island Inn has been recognized by leading travel publications and organizations worldwide as one of the top hotels and most meaningful travel experiences globally. See our accolades.
Location & Getting to Fogo Island
Where is Fogo Island?
Fogo Island is located off the northeast coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the oldest European-settled areas in North America. Explore the island.
Can I see icebergs from Fogo Island?
Yes. Fogo Island is located within Iceberg Alley, the corridor in which icebergs drift south from Greenland in spring. Iceberg Alley stretches from the southern tip of Labrador to the south-east coast of Newfoundland. Along with nearby Twillingate, Fogo Island is one of the best places to see icebergs, from April to June.
Can I see stars, celestial phenomena, and Northern Lights from Fogo Island?
Yes. Fogo Island is an ideal destination for stargazing, offering dark skies free of light pollution. In late September to early April, when nights are longer, you could also see Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) from Fogo Island.
How do I get to Fogo Island?
Fly into Gander (YQX) or St. John’s (YYT), Newfoundland. From Gander, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to the ferry terminal at Farewell. The ferry to Fogo Island takes approximately 45 minutes. Detailed travel instructions are provided at booking. Get full directions.
Can the Inn help with travel planning?
Yes. Our Guest Itinerary Advisors team can help with routing, ground transfers, private charter plane or helicopter, and timing. Contact our Advisors team.
Is the Inn open year-round?
No. Fogo Island Inn operates seasonally, typically from April 1 to November 1 each year. View our online calendar for current seasonal dates and availability.
Where can I travel before or after my trip to Fogo Island?
A stay at Fogo Island Inn can be incorporated into a longer trip exploring Canada’s most captivating cities. Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax are all easily accessible through connecting flights. Each city offers culinary, cultural, and historical experiences to discover before or after your trip to Fogo Island. Extend the adventure.v
Planning Your Stay & Visiting the Inn
How many rooms does the Inn have?
Fogo Island Inn has 29 rooms and suites. Each room has views of the North Atlantic and is uniquely positioned within the building. Browse rooms and suites.
Is Fogo Island Inn all-inclusive?
All stays are full-board and include all meals (excluding alcohol), access to shared spaces, services and amenities, and most land-based excursions and activities. See what’s included.
Which activities are available?
Experiences and activities vary by season and include boat trips, foraging walks, cultural visits, music and storytelling, and architecture and design tours. Activities are tailored to every traveller, from mindful moments, like guided yoga and our sauna experience, to more adventurous excursions, like kayaking and off-trail hiking. Many experiences are led by Fogo Islanders and do not need to be booked in advance. Explore things to do.
What is the best time of year to visit Fogo Island?
Each season offers something distinct. Spring brings icebergs and dramatic seascapes. Summer offers long days, wildflowers, and vibrant community life. Fall is berry season, with vivid hues colouring the bogs and barrens. Winter brings quiet, snow, and the possibility of Northern Lights. Discover experiences by season.
Do you welcome families with children?
Yes. Children ages 8 and older are welcome. Contact our Advisors team to discuss programming suited to your family.
Is the Inn accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes. Please contact our Advisors team directly to discuss your requirements. Get in touch.
Is the Inn pet-friendly?
No. We make exceptions for service animals and emotional support pets with proper documentation.
Can I visit Fogo Island Inn as a non-guest?
Yes. Tours of the Inn can be arranged for visitors and residents of Fogo Island. The Fogo Island Gallery is also open to non-guests during select hours every week. To reserve a tour or for more information, contact Front Desk at (709) 658-3444 or at [email protected].
What can I pair a stay at Fogo Island Inn with?
Fogo Island Inn makes a natural anchor for a broader itinerary in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Many guests combine their stay with time in St. John’s, exploring Gros Morne National Park, or following the iceberg and whale watching routes along the province’s coast. Explore travel itineraries.
Food & Drink
Is dining included at Fogo Island Inn?
Yes. All meals are included in your stay: breakfast, lunch, and supper daily; a welcome snack and departure lunch pack; food from the 24-hour In-Between menu and room service; Daybreak service, Tea Room treats, and lunches for hikes; all non-alcoholic beverages; special meals like the Shed supper; and meals at any restaurant on the island. The culinary team led by Executive Chef Timothy Charles, creates menus based on seasonal ingredients that are fished, foraged, and farmed locally and regionally. Learn more about food & drink.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
Yes. Please share any requirements at the time of booking. Contact us.
Is the Dining Room open to non-guests?
Yes, but for supper only. A limited amount of seating for the 5:30 PM service is occasionally available for visitors and residents. Reservations are required and should be made at least three days in advance. Reservations will be confirmed two weeks prior to the requested date, at the earliest. For more information or to make a reservation, contact us at [email protected]
Reservations & Booking
How do I book a stay?
Contact our Guest Itinerary Advisors team directly, book through a preferred travel advisor, or use our online booking portal. Make your reservation. A minimum stay of three nights applies to all bookings.
Do you work with travel advisors?
Yes. Visit our Travel Advisor page to learn about our trade partnership program.
What is your cancellation policy?
At the time of booking, you will be asked for a non-refundable 50% deposit to confirm your reservation. You can cancel for a credit up to 30 days before arrival, after which the remaining balance, as well as a 15% sales tax, is due. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance. Read our full Reservation Terms and Conditions.
Celebrations & Retreats
Does Fogo Island Inn accommodate groups?
Yes. Whether you’re planning a small group stay or an exclusive, private stay, Fogo Island Inn can be reserved for celebrations, corporate retreats, creative gatherings, and milestone events. Host your group at Fogo Island Inn.
Do you host weddings and elopements?
Yes. Fogo Island Inn is available for intimate weddings and elopements, as well as larger celebrations if you book the entire Inn for a private group stay. Learn more about celebrations and weddings.
Can we book the entire Inn?
Yes. Full bookings of Fogo Island Inn are available, offering your group exclusive use of all 29 rooms and shared spaces. It is one of the most distinctive private venue options in North America. Contact us to start planning your private stay: [email protected].
What is the maximum number of guests for a private stay?
A private booking of the Inn accommodates up to 64 guests, including children of all ages, across 29 rooms and suites. Some availability for smaller groups is also available. Contact our Sales team to discuss options.
Do you host corporate retreats?
Yes. Fogo Island Inn offers a genuinely removed setting for leadership offsites, strategy retreats, and team gatherings. The Inn’s programming, spaces, and culinary experiences can be tailored to suit your group’s objectives. Learn more.
How do I enquire about a group booking?
Contact our Group Sales team directly to discuss dates, group size, and programming. Get in touch.
Mission & Social Impact
Is the Inn a for-profit business?
No. Fogo Island Inn operates as a social enterprise under Shorefast, a registered Canadian charity. All operating surpluses from the Inn are reinvested in the community of Fogo Island through Shorefast’s programs and initiatives. Learn more.
What is Economic NutritionCM?
Economic NutritionCM is an initiative developed by Shorefast to track how money circulates within a community and how it stays local. Explore the framework.
What are the Inn's sustainability practices?
Fogo Island Inn operates within a regenerative model rooted in a deep commitment to nature, culture, and community. Learn about our gentle footprint.
Can guests learn more about Shorefast's work during their stay?
Yes. Programming at the Inn regularly includes opportunities to meet Fogo Islanders and engage with the community initiatives and businesses supported by your stay. Discover Shorefast’s programs and initiatives.
How can I apply to be an artist-in-residence with Fogo Island Arts?
Artists are invited to participate in a residency, receive a residency as an award through one of the partnership residencies, or are selected through a call for applications. Fogo Island Arts (FIA) releases several calls throughout the year which will be listed on the Open Calls page of their website. Sign up for their mailing list to know about the next call for applications.
Media & Press
How do I request press materials?
For access to fact sheets, photos, and videos, contact our Communications team. To read the latest media coverage, visit our Press page.
Are press or FAM visits available?
Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please include your publication, audience, and proposed dates. Contact our Communications team.
Is commercial photography or filming permitted on property?
Personal photography for guests is welcome at Fogo Island Inn. Commercial photography, filming, or content creation on property requires prior written approval from the Inn. Contact us.
Can Fogo Island Inn be rented for music recordings or TV and film productions?
Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Send enquiries to our Communications team.
Travel Advisors
How do I become a travel trade partner?
Visit our Travel Advisor page to get started. Need access? Contact our Sales team.
Do you offer FAM trips for travel advisors?
Yes, on a selective basis. Priority is given to advisors with a client base suited to Fogo Island Inn. Express interest here.
What resources are available to registered advisors?
Registered trade partners have access to property materials, destination guidance, and direct support from our Advisors team. Explore the Trade program.