Gander

Overview

The small town of Gander was once known as the “Crossroads of the World” thanks to its airport—it used to be the largest on the planet, and poised at a strategic location for refueling aircraft during wartime. But other than its fascinating aviation history, it’s the friendly people in town who are famous for their generous open-door policy.

They proved their warm-hearted nature by welcoming stranded air travellers into their homes on September 11, 2001, when nearly 7,0000 passengers from 38 international planes were diverted to Gander, nearly outnumbering the locals. The hit Broadway musical, Come From Away, was inspired by these true events. Located in the very heart of the island of Newfoundland, Gander is an easy jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the province. Soak up the spirit of the place as you explore rugged coastal landscapes and along Iceberg Alley, including Hare Bay, Twillingate, Fogo Island, and the Kittiwake Coast.

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Destination Basics

Newfoundland and Labrador has a temperate marine climate, meaning extreme temperatures are rare. The average summer temperature on the island is 16°C (61°F), while in winter it’s around 0°C (32°F).

No matter the time of year, however, you should prepare for cool evenings or sudden dips in temperature – especially if you’re out on the open water. Pack layers and bring warm clothing.

The range of seasonal activities in the Gander area include whale watching along the scenic sandy coast, Nordic skiing, summer golf, kayaking, hunting, and fishing for Atlantic salmon on the Gander River.

Many of the towns in this region are part of Iceberg Alley, a corridor on the North Atlantic where massive icebergs drift by each year usually from late spring to early summer. Some of the best viewing opportunities are in nearby Twillingate and Fogo Island.

Air travel has always played a central role for Gander. The city's location was originally chosen as a refueling depot for flights leaving North America for the United Kingdom and continental Europe, giving it the nickname the "Cross-roads of the world". Its location as the most easterly airport in Canada played an important role in World War II as allied aircraft and troops were stationed in Gander before heading over the Atlantic.

After the war, the town of Gander began to spring up a short distance from the airport. Many of the streets and avenues of Gander are named after historic aviators and airline innovators. Other big names brought to Gander for stop-overs (and longer visits) include Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, The Beatles, Fidel Castro and George Bush Sr.