This post is part of the Worth the Detour series — where I spotlight destinations most people skip but absolutely shouldn’t. Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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There are places that look beautiful in photos but feel ordinary in person. Fogo Island is the opposite. The photos don’t even come close. This tiny island off the northeast coast of Newfoundland is one of the four corners of the earth (literally it was once believed to be the edge of the flat world), and it still feels like the end of something. In the best possible way.

Fogo Island is where fishing communities have lived for centuries, where contemporary art studios sit on stilts above the Atlantic, and where you can watch caribou wander across snow-dusted hills from your hotel room. It’s remote, it’s quiet, and it’s the perfect place to decompress.

Quick Facts

Location	Newfoundland, Canada
Getting There	Fly to Gander (YQX), then drive 4 hours + ferry to Fogo Island
Best Time to Visit	June–September for warmth, March–April for icebergs and caribou
Currency	Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Language	English
Trip Length	3–5 days

Where to Stay

Fogo Island Inn

This is the reason most people discover Fogo Island in the first place, and it lives up to every ounce of hype. Fogo Island Inn is a contemporary architectural masterpiece perched on stilts above the rocky coastline. Floor-to-ceiling windows in every room frame the North Atlantic like living paintings. The inn is community-owned and operated by the Shorefast Foundation, so every dollar you spend goes directly back to the island.

The rooms are outfitted with handmade quilts by local artisans, custom furniture, and wood-burning fireplaces. It’s luxurious in the most thoughtful, unpretentious way. Yes, it’s a splurge, but it’s the kind of stay that becomes the trip.

What to See

Brimstone Head Trail (Four Corners of the World)

The Flat Earth Society declared Brimstone Head one of the four corners of the earth, and standing at the top you’ll understand why. The short hike takes you up to a dramatic rocky summit with 360-degree views of the Atlantic. It feels genuinely like the edge of the world. Go at sunset if you can.

Shed Parties

This is pure Fogo. Locals gather in fishing sheds for music, food, and storytelling — think kitchen party meets seaside bonfire. If your visit coincides with one, don’t miss it. The inn can help arrange access.

Wildlife Tours & Caribou

Fogo Island has a resident caribou herd, and depending on the season, you can spot them wandering the hills right from the inn. In spring and early summer, look for icebergs drifting past the shore. Boat tours run from the island for closer encounters with both.

Fogo Island Arts Studios

Scattered across the island are a series of contemporary art studios — architecturally striking buildings that serve as artist residencies. They’re set against the rugged landscape in the most unexpected, beautiful way. You can visit some of them on a guided walk.

Where to Eat

Bangbelly Bistro

Casual, local, and exactly what you want after a long day outside. The menu leans into Newfoundland comfort food with a modern twist. Don’t skip the fish cakes.

Cod Jigger Diner

A no-frills spot that does classic Newfoundland dishes right. Cod tongues, toutons, and some of the best chowder on the island. Cash-only vibes, big portions.

The Storehouse

A converted fishing storehouse right on the water. The seafood here is as fresh as it gets — literally pulled from the ocean steps away. Great spot for a long, lingering lunch.

Rock Bridge Cafe

Coffee, baked goods, and light bites in a cozy spot. Perfect for a morning warm-up before heading out on a hike. The homemade bread is exceptional.

The Verdict

Fogo Island is not easy to get to, and that’s part of the point. The journey — flight to Gander, long drive through rural Newfoundland, ferry across the choppy strait — strips away everything and leaves you with just the island. And the island is enough. The architecture alone is worth the trip, but it’s the combination of wild landscape, deeply rooted community, and genuine quiet that makes Fogo Island one of the most memorable places I’ve ever visited.

Worth the detour? Absolutely. This is the kind of place that changes how you think about travel.

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Planning a trip? Browse all my travel itineraries or explore the full Worth the Detour series.