Quirpon Lighthouse Inn — Hotel in Quirpon Island

We spent two nights here recently towards the end of our Newfoundland trip, and enjoyed it so much! Everything about it captures the essence of the country and its' history, and it was a wonderful and enjoyable experience. Do go into it with your eyes open though; it is not a luxury hotel, although the service standards are very high, and if the weather is bad you are unlikely to see much!||||The experience is full on from the start. You board a RIB boat, for a 15 - 30 minute crossing to the hotel, the length of time depending on wind and weather conditions. Our crossing was in quite choppy seas, which threw you about quite a lot at times, and as you're sitting on the edge of the boat you need to hang on tight. Wearing waterproof clothing is also advisable in such conditions. Our return crossing was in flat calm seas, in thick fog! The boatman, Paul, exuded confidence, and was a great guy.||||On arrival at the island, your luggage (don't take too much!) is taken to the house in a small vehicle, and you walk about 600 yards uphill to the houses. There are two houses, one right by the lighthouse (currently entirely clad in boarding as it's being restored), and the other about 150 yards away. Meals are served in the building by the lighthouse. We stayed in the main building, which has 5 double rooms. We had travelled across to the island with 3 other couples who we'd not met before, and we all bonded rapidly during the boat crossing. It was good to find that we were all in the same house, and we formed a strong little group during out short stay. That added another memorable element to the experience - it was great to meet different people and get on so well. The house was a restored lighthouse keepers cottage, and is a national historic building, whose character has been retained through careful restoration. The guests rooms are small, some with en suite facilities and some without, but are comfortable and clean. The walls are pretty thin, so there's not much noise insulation. The communal lounge area is comfortable and has laminated maps of the island and a variety of books. There is an honesty bar arrangement, with beers and wine.||||But what makes the whole experience so great is the people who run the place. The team consisted of 5 ladies, who did all the cooking and cleaning, and Brian the handyman. They were simply wonderful. They were so welcoming and friendly, and loved interacting with the guests; they never seemed to stop laughing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner (all included) were served in the main house, and were traditional Newfoundland fare. Tasty and hearty, and enough to keep you going all day. We were there on Canada Day, and they had prepared a special buffet, with all guests from both houses going together, before fireworks (in the fog!) to end the evening.||||The main activities available are all outdoors-related. There are several walking trails (marked by posts), and the island is also great for just exploring wherever you want to go. The small coves often have grounded icebergs (several there during our visit), and there are great views out to sea where we saw larger bergs drifting by. Wildlife watching was great. We saw whales and seals right up close to the island, often from just outside the door, and seabird watching was also good. You could also go on RIB tours from the island jetty, out to see whales and icebergs; some of our housemates did this, and circumnavigated the island.||||But our abiding memory of Quirpon is of the people who make your experience there so enjoyable. Madonna and her team were really great, and we thank...

Beautiful but not for everyone. Mid June 2025

I found it hard to find information on really what to expect so I'll try and give that.

When you meet at the wharf there isn't any bathroom available, just fyi. It's only a 15-20 minutes ride there though (faster than I thought it would be). Bring layers. We were they in mid June and we used all of them. Bring rain pants as much for the wind on the boat as anything, but you will get wet if you're sitting at the back (but it's a smoother ride there). Ed has dry spots for bags. Bring toques, gloves wind/rain proof coat with hood for wind, hiking shoes, and/or rain boots with good tread. We had waterproof hiking runners that were ok, but we didn't get rain. Also bring slippers because you have to take shoes off at the door and the floors can be cold.

It's about a 10-15 minute walk up hill to the houses. Ed was passing us with the luggage, they take that up for you, and offered us a ride the rest of the way, which was nice. There are two houses with rooms. The first (I labeled it second in the photos) house is about 5 minute from the main house, which is where all the meals are. Also, if you're staying in the other house, you have to walk back there to use the bathroom at your room, if needed. I would suggest staying in the main house, like others have said, if the choice. We had the large room in the other house, with an ensuite in the room, which was nice, but the toilet area was incredibly small so you have to back in, lol. Bed was comfortable. Each house has a living room to hang out in and an enclosed viewing room close by, although there one by us wasn't finished painting when we were there. You can buy wine, beer and pop in the main house. Juice, coffee, tea and water are provided. After reading things on the website I was concerned about having to walk the 5.5 km to the house if it was windy and we couldn't dock by the houses, but it was pretty windy when we came in and we docked at the normal spot. I saw a review about them having to lower a ladder down to get out of the boat, but there was a permanent ladder there and it was easy to get in and out of there boat. I also didn't think, from photos, there were seats in the boat, but there are.

The island is beautiful, but two nights is perfect. All you need is one full day here, in our opinion. Definitely one night wouldn't be enough. There is very limited cell service but you do get the occasional bar on your phone when near the main house, if you're concerned about being totally off the grid. The ladies who work here are so nice and great cooks. The meals were good and filling. No need to bring snacks. If you want to go hiking here be prepared to hike where there are no trails. It's very rocky and marshy, so it’s a slow walk.

All in all we had a great experience and are really glad we came. But our weather was good (although windy the day we came in and out). I think if it rained while you were here, the experience wouldn't be as good. But at least with the viewing buildings close by you can still enjoy the view and stay warm and dry. But bring a book.

I only gave it a 4 because I save 5’s for places that have everything. But I know it was a 5 for many that were there at the same time as us. If you’re looking for a rugged get away from everything, this is it. We really liked it but there was room for improvement, so I couldn’t give it a 5. And if you have any mobility issues, this is not the...

I found it hard to find information on really what to expect so I'll try and give that. ||When you meet at the wharf there isn't any bathroom available, just fyi. It's only a 15-20 minutes ride there though (faster than I thought it would be). Bring layers. We were they in mid June and we used all of them. Bring rain pants as much for the wind on the boat as anything, but you will get wet if you're sitting at the back (but it's a smoother ride there). Ed has dry spots for bags. Bring toques, gloves wind/rain proof coat with hood for wind, hiking shoes, and/or rain boots with good tread. We had waterproof hiking runners that were ok, but we didn't get rain. |Also bring slippers because you have to take shoes off at the door and the floors can be cold. ||It's about a 10-15 minute walk up hill to the houses. Ed was passing us with the luggage, they take that up for you, and offered us a ride the rest of the way, which was nice. There are two houses with rooms. The first (I labeled it second in the photos) house is about 5 minute from the main house, which is where all the meals are. Also, if you're staying in the other house, you have to walk back there to use the bathroom at your room, if needed. I would suggest staying in the main house, like others have said, if the choice. |We had the large room in the other house, with an ensuite in the room, which was nice, but the toilet area was incredibly small so you have to back in, lol. Bed was comfortable. Each house has a living room to hang out in and an enclosed viewing room close by, although there one by us wasn't finished painting when we were there. |You can buy wine, beer and pop in the main house. Juice, coffee, tea and water are provided. |After reading things on the website I was concerned about having to walk the 5.5 km to the house if it was windy and we couldn't dock by the houses, but it was pretty windy when we came in and we docked at the normal spot. I saw a review about them having to lower a ladder down to get out of the boat, but there was a permanent ladder there and it was easy to get in and out of there boat. I also didn't think, from photos, there were seats in the boat, but there are. ||The island is beautiful, but two nights is perfect. All you need is one full day here, in our opinion. Definitely one night wouldn't be enough.|There is very limited cell service but you do get the occasional bar on your phone when near the main house, if you're concerned about being totally off the grid.|The ladies who work here are so nice and great cooks. The meals were good and filling. No need to bring snacks. |If you want to go hiking here be prepared to hike where there are no trails. It's very rocky and marshy, so it’s a slow walk.||All in all we had a great experience and are really glad we came. But our weather was good (although windy the day we came in and out). I think if it rained while you were here, the experience wouldn't be as good. But at least with the viewing buildings close by you can still enjoy the view and stay warm and dry. But bring a book. ||I only gave it a 4 because I save 5’s for places that have everything. But I know it was a 5 for many that were there at the same time as us. If you’re looking for a rugged get away from everything, this is it. We really liked it but there was room for improvement, so I couldn’t give it a 5.|And if you have any mobility issues, this is NOT the...