Fogo Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)About Fogo Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Fogo Island is an island off the northeastern coast of the island of Newfoundland in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, made up of a cluster of small coastal communities. The island gained international attention in the 2010s for a high-profile hospitality and arts initiative centered on a single, modern hotel.
Small fishing villages, rocky shorelines and a working coastal landscape form the main attractions, with walking routes and viewpoints along the shoreline. The island is also visited for contemporary cultural projects and locally run craft studios concentrated in a handful of settlements.
The island has long been settled by fishing communities with roots in Newfoundland’s outport economy; economic and social change in the 20th and 21st centuries shifted many aspects of life toward tourism and cultural enterprises. Local initiatives in the 2000s and 2010s emphasized economic diversification through hospitality and the arts.
Situated in the North Atlantic off Newfoundland’s northeast coast, the island is part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and accessed by ferry from the Newfoundland mainland. The landscape is coastal and rocky with clustered harbors and coves.
- Fogo Island Inn: A modern, architect-designed hotel and social enterprise opened in 2013 that brought international attention to the island and is a focal point for cultural tourism.
- Natural highlights: Iceberg season and migratory seabirds make spring and early summer notable for wildlife viewing along the rocky coastline.
Nearby Attractions to Fogo Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Best Time to Visit Fogo Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Summer and early autumn are the most practical and pleasant times to visit for ferry schedules and cultural programming.
Weather & Climate near Fogo Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Fogo Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)'s climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -12°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1051 mm/year), wettest in September, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -10° - -3° | -13° | 89 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -12° - -3° | -15° | 84 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -8° - 0° | -10° | 77 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -2° - 5° | -4° | 76 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 2° - 11° | 3° | 74 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 7° - 17° | 12° | 77 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 84 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 99 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 7° - 16° | 12° | 106 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 10° | 3° | 95 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -1° - 4° | -3° | 96 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -6° - 0° | -10° | 94 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Fogo Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Fogo Island is reached via a passenger-and-car ferry from Farewell on Newfoundland’s main island. Drive to Farewell (roughly 2-3 hours from Gander depending on start point) and take the scheduled ferry; vehicle reservations are recommended in summer. Air service to nearby communities is limited; most visitors arrive by road and ferry.
Tips for Visiting Fogo Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)
- Take the intra-island ferry or a charter from Fare Harbour to reach outlying communities and the Fogo Island Inn area.
- Book accommodations well in advance during summer festivals - the island's limited rooms fill quickly.