Twillingate and Fogo (Fogo Island), Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador · Canada

Twillingate and Fogo (Fogo Island), Canada

Islands off the northeast coast of Newfoundland: icebergs in late spring, whales in summer, lighthouses on cliffs and fishing villages with colorful houses.

Atlantic Canada

In the photo: Twillingate at dusk

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Twillingate and Fogo Island lie in Notre Dame Bay on the northeast coast of Newfoundland. It is a region of rocky islands, coves and fishing villages where icebergs drifting from Greenland are carried by the Labrador Current.

Twillingate, connected to the main island by bridges and road, is the most accessible. From Long Point Lighthouse, atop a cliff, you can see icebergs in late spring and whales in summer, and trails follow the shoreline. The town has wooden houses around the harbor, old churches and a museum dedicated to fishermen’s life.

Fogo is a larger island reached by ferry from Farewell. It has eleven communities scattered along the coast, such as Tilting, of Irish origin, with wooden fish stages on stilts, and the village of Fogo at the foot of Brimstone Head. The island has gained artist studios and contemporary architecture that coexist with traditional houses.

The region combines nature, fishing life and a slow island pace.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Twillingate, Fogo Island.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Twillingate and Fogo (Fogo Island), Canada is
TwillingateFogo Island

Boundaries: Statistics Canada (Statistics Canada Open Licence) / geoBoundaries. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Twillingate and Fogo (Fogo Island), Canada

✈ Gander International Airport (YQX), in Gander · 100 km to Twillingate

The nearest airport is Gander (YQX), about 100 km from Twillingate. From St. John’s it’s roughly a 430 km drive. For Fogo, the ferry departs from Farewell, about 1 hour from Twillingate, and takes 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.

Suggested arrival point: Twillingate

The local experience

Things to do in Twillingate and Fogo (Fogo Island), Canada

Brimstone Head
Fogo Island · Newfoundland and Labrador · Viewpoint

Brimstone Head

A roughly 90-meter rock next to the village of Fogo, with stairs to the top and views of the coast, the islands and, in late spring, icebergs.

Long Point Lighthouse
Twillingate · Newfoundland and Labrador · Lighthouse

Long Point Lighthouse

An 1876 lighthouse atop a cliff on northern Twillingate, a lookout for icebergs and whales, with coastal trails and a small exhibition centre.

Tilting National Historic Site
Fogo Island · Newfoundland and Labrador · Historic village

Tilting National Historic Site

A fishing village of Irish origin on the east of Fogo Island, with wooden fish stages, traditional houses and stone-walled fields, recognized as a cultural landscape.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From late May to June for icebergs, which vary a lot year to year, and from June to August for whales and seabirds. July and August have the mildest weather. Outside summer, many services close.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Three or four days: one or two in Twillingate and two on Fogo Island.

Which city to stay in

Twillingate has guesthouses and cottages around the harbor and near the lighthouse. On Fogo Island there are guesthouses in fishermen’s houses in Tilting, Fogo and Joe Batt’s Arm, and an accommodation with contemporary architecture on the coast.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Twillingate and Fogo (Fogo Island), Canada

When to see icebergs in Twillingate?

From late May to June, with higher chances; the number varies greatly from year to year.

How to get to Fogo Island?

By ferry from Farewell, with a crossing of 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes. In high season, arrive early at the terminal.

Do you need a car in Twillingate and Fogo?

Yes. The communities are spread out and public transportation is limited.

Can you see whales in Twillingate?

Yes, from June to August, from the shore or on boat tours that depart from the harbor.

What time zone is Twillingate in?

Newfoundland Time: UTC−3:30, and UTC−2:30 from March to November.

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