The “Slow Travel” Experience
Travelling to Fogo Island is an intentional act of disconnecting to reconnect. This isn’t a “bucket-list” destination to be checked off; it is a deep dive into regenerative travel. Here, luxury isn’t about excess—it’s about a Social Business Model where every stay serves community economic development rather than just a bottom line.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own and are based on my genuine experience at the Fogo Island Inn and in Central Newfoundland.
Fogo Island Photography & Stay: Quick Snapshot
- The Route: Central Newfoundland → Farewell Ferry → Fogo Island.
- Travel Style: Slow Travel—Indigenous-tinged culture, cinematic architecture, and “soul goals.”
- Expert Author: Roland Bast, TMAC Gold Medalist & Travel Photographer.
- Best Time to Visit: Late May (Ice) to September (Berry Season). Seasonal April 1st – Ocotber 31st
- Top Photo Spot: Joe Batt’s Arm — weathered fishing stages lined up along the water, just waiting for you to step in and make something unforgettable with your camera.
2026 Traveller’s Checklist: Island Essentials
- Weatherproof Shell: High-quality, windproof/waterproof jacket (umbrellas are useless here).
- Sturdy Hiking Boots: For over 200 km of rugged trails.
- Camera Gear: Bring an ultra-wide lens (16–35mm) to capture the Inn’s dramatic stilts against the North Atlantic.
- Binoculars: To spot whales and icebergs or other wildlife from your room.
The Journey to the Edge
On my first assignment as a writer for HOMME Magazine, I found myself winding through Central Newfoundland toward a destination that felt less like a hotel and more like a tether to the edge of the world. The drive to the Farewell Ferry is a slow-motion safari; I lost count of the bald eagles perched on roadside branches—majestic predators so indifferent to my car they didn’t even flinch.
Pro Tip: Arrive at the ferry early. In these outports, the schedule is a living thing. If there is a medical emergency, the ferry becomes an ambulance. The crossing is a modest $18.50, and you can visit
Change Islands for free on your return.
First Impressions: The Great Room
Upon arrival, the Inn’s “stilt” architecture—a modern nod to traditional fishing stages—commands the skyline. I handed my keys to the valet; at the Inn, cars are kept out of sight to preserve the silence of the landscape.
Stepping inside, I went blank. The scale of the North Atlantic framed by floor-to-ceiling windows is overwhelming. While local women sat nearby, stitching together “couverture piqués” (hand-made quilts), Fogo Island Workshop, my host, began my orientation. I was too busy absorbing the hand-crafted interiors and the sheer warmth of the space.
The Art of the Stay
My host walked me to my room, explaining the Inn’s philosophy. Every one of the 29 rooms faces the ocean. She pointed out a gift: a “twisted rope” market bag, handmade on the island.
“If you need a fire tonight, call us,” she said. “It would be our pleasure to light it for you.”
This is the Shorefast Social Business Model in action. The Inn is a non-profit engine. The “Economic Nutrition” labels in the rooms show exactly where your money goes—back into local charities and community holism. The staff are Community Hosts sharing their home.
The Seven Seasons and Local Life
Fogo Island lives by Seven Seasons. I arrived during a transition where the air smells of salt and ancient stone. My private tour took me to an old church repurposed as an artist-in-residence gallery. Exploring with a local is the only way to truly see “Local Life”—hearing stories of the Artist Residences (striking white pods perched on the rocks) and the resilience of the people who call this “Flat Earth” home.
*****New activity: starting in 2026, guests can now paddle along Joe Batt’s Harbour to view the community from the water, just as early settlers once did
Dining on the North Atlantic
Dinner is served in a dining room with vaulted ceilings and chandeliers that feel like frozen starlight. As a Maritimer, I have a high bar for seafood, but the lobster dish was a revelation. The only downside? “Eating Single at a Double Table.” This is a place built for connection, and I found myself wishing my other half were there to share the silence.
Reflect the “Michelin Three-Key” Status
The Fogo Island Inn was recently awarded a Michelin Three-Key Designation in late 2025, one of only two in Canada.
Nightfall Photography
After dinner, I took a quick moment outside to capture the hotel. Look at that beauty, sitting on stilts, every room pointing to the Atlantic Ocean, the clouds hovering over the giant inn. I was in heaven as I got to not just stay, but photograph this unique building.
The Morning Show
At 6:45 AM, the “show” began. Each morning, a “tackle box” of coffee and fresh pastries is delivered to your door. I opened my window to let in the Atlantic air—a scent that instantly transported me back to my youth on the wharves. Sitting there, picking at breakfast while the sun hit the pack ice, I realized my blood pressure had dropped significantly.
Checking out felt like leaving a family member behind. My car was waiting at the door, stocked with a light lunch for the road. On Fogo Island, you don’t just stay at an Inn; you find a piece of yourself you didn’t know was missing.
Why I Return to the Rock
I would return to the Fogo Island Inn because it is one of the few places on earth where “luxury” is synonymous with “community.” It is a Michelin Three-Key property that hasn’t lost its soul. In 2026, as the world moves faster, the Inn remains a masterclass in standing still.
At the Fogo Island Inn, that return is physical. It’s the way your blood pressure drops when the ferry pulls away from the mainland. It’s the realization that an economy can be built on kindness and craftsmanship rather than just consumption. I return because Fogo Island dares to stand still.
FAQ: Planning Your Arrival: Fogo Island Inn Insider Guide
To truly sink into the rhythm of the North Atlantic, a three-night stay at Fogo Island Innis the sweet spot. The first day is for arrival and decompression; the second and third days allow you to explore the Seven Seasons with a Community Host and capture the Inn’s architecture in varying light.
While the Inn is a sanctuary for quiet reflection, Fogo Island Inn welcomes children aged 8 and older. It’s a profound experience for older kids to engage with the Fogo Island Workshops and learn about the island’s social business model first-hand.
Your Fogo Island Inn reservation is a comprehensive, full-board experience. This includes all world-class meals, land-based excursions with local hosts, and full access to the rooftop saunas and cinema. The goal is to provide a seamless stay where the only thing you need to focus on is the landscape.
Most guests fly into Gander (YQX), followed by a scenic drive to the Farewell ferry. However, for the ultimate experience, you can arrange a private air charter to Fogo Island, landing directly on the island’s airstrip. This offers a breathtaking aerial view of the structure before you even touch down.
Key Takeaways for your 2026 Journey
- The “Slow Travel” Secret: Stay patient. Whether it’s waiting for a puffin to land or the pack ice to shift, the best moments at the Fogo Island Inn happen in the silence between activities.
- Community First: Engage with your Community Hosts. Their stories are the true “luxury” of the stay.
- Photography Tip: Capture the Inn during the “Blue Hour”—the modern architecture against the deep twilight of the Atlantic is a TMAC Gold Medal shot waiting to happen.
About the Author
Roland Bast is an award-winning Canadian travel photographer (TMAC Gold Medalist 2024). He specializes in authentic visual narratives, with Newfoundland as his top destination.
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