Twillingate and Fogo Island Photography
Fogo Island sunset #80143 Purchase
This post is the third of five posts about photographing in Newfoundland and Labrador
Twillingate and Fogo Island are arguably the focal points for many visitors to Canada’s Atlantic Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. These two destinations in north-central Newfoundland embody just about everything that attracts people to Newfoundland. Picturesque authentic towns, rugged coastlines, whales, and icebergs. They have an “away from everything” look and feel to them. For photographers, Twillingate and Fogo Island Newfoundland is a dream come true.
Twillingate Newfoundland #79861 Purchase
Twillingate
If you could choose only one destination to photograph in Newfoundland, I think Twillingate would be it. There is enough subject matter here to last a photographer an entire season! In spring and early summer, there are icebergs. In summer there is whale watching. And, of course, throughout the year there are beautiful coastal views and colorful fishing villages. I recommend at least three days to explore and photograph this very special area.
The town of Twillingate is about a five-hour drive from St. John’s. So plan accordingly if you’re flight arrives in St. John’s later in the day. After settling in it’s time to do some location scouting!
The area is divided into North and South Twillingate Islands. Prime locations on both islands are a short distance apart. So it’s possible to photograph both islands on the same day. During my first visit, I was able to photograph only the more well-known locations, several of which I describe here.
Tabular Iceberg off North Twillingate Island #79749 Purchase
Long Point Lighthouse North Twillingate Island #79844 Purchase
North Twillingate Island
First, take the short drive from town up to the Long Point Lighthouse on North Twillingate Island. The view from the lighthouse is spectacular and will allow you to see if there are any icebergs or pack ice in the vicinity. The lighthouse itself and the keeper’s house are very scenic. But, unfortunately, it’s difficult to take decent photos of it. However, this is a great spot to photograph the open Atlantic in dramatic light, especially if there is sea ice or bergs around.
Sea Ice in Sleepy Cove Newfoundland #80042 Purchase
The next stop is nearby Crow Head and Sleepy Cove. This is a very scenic cove with hiking trails that take you to more views and other rocky coves. I highly recommend scouting the area and photographing here during the golden hours.
There are more hiking trails all along the north edge of North Twillingate. A quick look at a map or satellite picture of the area will reveal lots of secret coves to explore.
Spiller’s Cove South Twillingate Island Newfoundland #80029 Purchase
South Twillingate Island
This island is by far the bigger of the two Twillingate islands. Some of the best areas for photography are along its northern headlands and coves. Arguably the most scenic is Spiller’s Cove. Not to be confused with Spillars Cove on the Bonavista Peninsula. Although both spellings are interchangeable, adding to the confusion. The drive to Spillars Cove from the town of Twillingate is also very scenic in itself, as you pass by numerous colorful fishing stages and homes.
Spiller’s Cove South Twillingate Island Newfoundland #79938b Purchase
Spiller’s Cove South Twillingate Island Newfoundland #80009 Purchase
Rockcut Twillingate Trails has created numerous well-maintained trails to the most scenic spots in this area, including Spillars Cove. I highly recommend thoroughly scouting out the entire length of the Spillers Cove trail in advance. There are numerous sea stacks and changing views which offer plenty of spectacular photo opportunities.
Tour boat off Long Point Newfoundland #79840 Purchase
Iceberg and Whale Watching Tours
The chance to see and photograph icebergs or whales up close is a rare and thrilling experience. Outside of incredibly expensive trips to the Arctic or Antarctica, there aren’t many opportunities. Newfoundland brings iceberg viewing within reach to the average traveler.
Tabular Iceberg Twillingate Newfoundland #79805 Purchase
Throughout Newfoundland, there are many choices for iceberg and whale watching tours. During my visit to Twillingate, I chose Iceberg Quest. My tour was very enjoyable, and I came back with many new iceberg images. The tour operators went out of their way to make sure everyone had plenty of photo ops.
Iceberg Twillingate Newfoundland #79810 Purchase
Tips for Photographing on Iceberg Tours:
- First, make sure to check and see if there are any decent bergs in the area. Always check Iceberg Finder for daily updates on where the icebergs are.
- Tour operators generally take you to bergs close to shore. On my visit, there were a couple of impressive icebergs further out near the pack ice. They were too far and we didn’t get to photograph them.
- If you go too early in the season, tour companies may not be operating. Although I was in Twillingate in mid-May, the harbor became ice-free only a few days earlier. So, my tour was one of the first of the season.
- Dress warmly! Once you get out on the water it can get very chilly.
- Wear a camera strap. Passengers are always hustling about on the deck to get a good photo. It’s very easy to get bumped and lose your camera overboard.
- Always use vibration reduction on your lens. Tripods are not practical on the boat.
Lighthouse Island Newfoundland #80152 Purchase
Fogo Island
Fogo Island is one of the premier destinations in Newfoundland. It is a wild and windswept island with an almost sub-arctic look and feel of more northerly locations in Labrador. Fogo is home to numerous artists’ studios and a distinctive world-class hotel. This small island also has numerous coastal hiking trails, colorful villages, fishing stages, and cultural attractions. Iceberg and whale-watching tours are also available on Fogo.
Fishing Stage Fogo Island #80095 Purchase
Tower Studio Fogo Island #80095 Purchase
Fogo Island is also about a five-hour drive from St. John’s. But, in addition, it also has a 45-minute ferry crossing which requires reservations. Accommodations are numerous, from camping to luxury rooms. Most essentials can be found in the towns of Fogo and Joe Batt’s arm.
Lion’s Den Trail Fogo Island #80141 Purchase
For landscape and nature photographers, the best opportunities are along the north coast trails, notably the Lion’s Den, Fogo Head, and Joe Batt’s Point trails. However, other great subjects on Fogo for photographers are several modernist-style art studios and the Fogo Inn.
Town of Fogo Newfoundland #80194 Purchase
Essential Tips:
- Coastal photography on Twillingate and Fogo Island greatly benefits from the presence of icebergs and sea or pack ice.
- Both Twillingate and Fogo Island are great areas to photograph long-exposure seascapes. Bring Big and or Little Stopper Neutral Density Filters, or their equivalent.
- Iceberg and whale viewing tours are available in the town of Twillingate.
- Like most of coastal Newfoundland, the cliffs and headlands here can be very windy. Dress appropriately and use extreme caution near the cliffs.
- The town of Twillingate has plenty of lodging, restaurants, groceries, and other amenities available. It makes a perfect base to explore the area for several days.
- The Fogo Island ferry requires reservations. It’s a long drive to the landing, so allow plenty of time to get there.
Iceberg Twillingate Newfoundland #79884 Purchase
Tips for Traveling in Newfoundland
When to go: Late spring through fall are all great times. However, May through early July are the best months for iceberg viewing.
Seasonal Closures: After the weather, my next introduction to Newfoundland was seasonal closures. The official summer/tourist season doesn’t begin here until June 1.
Nearly every provincial park, historic site, visitor’s center, campground, restroom, gift shop, etc., is shut tight until then. Of course, there are exceptions, but they are far and few between. On the other hand, all of this guarantees that you’ll escape the summer crowds and have most places all to yourself!
Lodging: I nearly always car camp on my photo tours, so I can’t say much about lodging. However, there are only a few large towns/cities in the province, so you’ll most likely be looking for lodging in small towns with limited accommodations. Book very early!
Camping: I didn’t find many campgrounds anywhere, aside from provincial and national parks, which were closed. However, free camping is available just about anywhere that isn’t private property. This mainly consists of gravel roads on Crown Land and trailheads.
Driving: Roads are generally very good. But I found that in some areas even main roads can be a bit rough.
Rest Areas: There are none! I have to include this since it was such a shock to me. Even driving from St. John’s on the Trans-Canada Highway to the other end of the province there were no rest areas or port-a-potty’s. Secondary and backroads? Forget about it! Keep that in mind when starting in the morning after drinking a big mug of coffee, or that breakfast burrito!
Spiller’s Cove South Twillingate Island Newfoundland #80029 Purchase
To see more images check out these galleries:
Newfoundland and Labrador 1
Newfoundland and Labrador 2
Now available: Newfoundland Sea, Sky Land, Ice Fine Art Folio
Other posts in this series:
Photographing in Newfoundland and Labrador/Cape Spear
Photographing Bonavista Peninsula Newfoundland
Coming up next: Photographing Labrador & Great Northern Peninsula
All photos appearing in Photographing in Newfoundland and Labrador/ Cape Spear are available for Commercial Licensing and Fine Art Prints. Click on any image to purchase, or contact me for more info!
Photographing Twillingate and Fogo Island Newfoundland