Joe Batt's Arm

"Joe Batt's Arm"

Photo taken by Mark Jones

            The largest of eleven communities on Fogo Island, Joe Batt’s Arm is named after a sailor who jumped ship while passing by the coast and swam to shore. This picturesque fishing outport is bursting with Newfoundland charm that has kept visitors intrigued since the early 1750’s. Fishing families still live on the rugged coastline near Etheridge’s Point and long liners make steady traffic out to sea. Without hesitation, Joe Batt’s Arm’s friendly residents are always ready to tell you a story and to introduce you to a lifestyle unknown to most.
            Located on the north side of the Joe Batt’s Arm harbor is the Brett House Museum, which was designated a Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland & Labrador on October 2^nd, 2003. The museum also recently earned the Southcott Award in 2007. The Brett family arrived in Joe Batt’s Arm in the early 18^th century from England and the house has been beautifully preserved and maintained since its early residents.
            Across the harbour on the southern side, the Groswater Archaeological Dig took place in 2000 investigating the history of the Groswater Eskimo in Joe Batt’s Arm. From this Archaeological dig there was historical material found from the late 1700’s and 1800’s. This is the beginning of the Grosswater Archaeological Trail that runs along the spectacular shoreline of Etheridge’s Point.

Barr'd Islands View Statistics

	"Barr'd Islands, Making Fish"	Photo taken by Mark Jones

Barr’d Islands is located between Joe Batt’s Arm and Shoal Bay. It is one of the smaller communities on Fogo Island, yet it still captivates beauty. This is the second oldest settlement, dating back to the early 1700’s when fishermen from Poole, England, and Waterford, Ireland inhabited Fogo Island. Barr’d Islands, whose name may have derived from the long barrier ridge of islands forming the harbour, is one of the best places on Fogo Island to witness a scenic and breathtaking sunset in the evenings of summer. During the winter months, Barr’d Islands harbour can be seen overflowing with arctic ice, and in early spring one can be sure to catch a glimpse of gleaming ice bergs floating on the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Barr’d Islands main tourist attraction, Mercer Memorial United Church, is one of the islands oldest churches. Its stone walls and old English appearance makes this a very eye-catching and picturesque site. Though it is no longer used by parishioners, it still serves as a beautiful tourist attraction.

Shoal Bay View Statistics

	"Shoal Bay, Cruise Ship"	Photo taken by Mark Jones

The gentle aquamarine waters and the rolling hillsides surrounding Shoal Bay provide the perfect backdrop to any family vacation. Shoal Bay was chosen as the perfect site for the former shipyard, operated by the Fogo Island Co-operative Society. Thirty sturdy ships were built and were used by the proud fishermen of the area. Make Shoal Bay one of your stops on our beautiful island and let your worries wash away with the steady roll of the waves crashing on the shoreline.

Joe Batt's Arm, Barr'd Islands, Shoal Bay Town Council
Box 28
Joe Batt's Arm, NL
A0G 2X0

For more information call:
Telephone: 1-(709)-658-3490 / 1-(709)-658-3494
Fax: 1-(709)-658-3408