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Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada

Discover gander, newfoundland labrador: a rich blend of history and tourism, introduction to gander, newfoundland labrador.

Gander is a charming town nestled in the northeastern part of the island of Newfoundland in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Approximately 40 km south of Gander Bay, 100 km south of Twillingate, and 90 km east of Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander is a hub of history and natural beauty. The town is situated on the northeastern shore of Gander Lake and is home to Gander International Airport, a crucial refuelling stop for transatlantic aircraft and a preferred emergency landing point for aircraft facing on-board medical or security issues.

The History of Gander, Newfoundland Labrador

Gander was chosen for the construction of an airport in 1935 due to its proximity to the great circle route between New York and London. The town began to develop with the construction of the base in 1936. The first landing at "Newfoundland Airport," now known as Gander International Airport, was made by Captain Douglas Fraser on 11 January 1938.

During the Second World War, Gander became a strategic post for the Air Ferry Command of the Royal Air Force, housing as many as 10,000 Canadian, British, and American military personnel. Post-war, the airbase transitioned into a civilian airport, and the town was moved a safe distance from the runways. The present town site began construction in the 1950s, and the municipality was incorporated in 1958.

Gander was the site of a major aircraft accident, Arrow Air Flight 1285, on 12 December 1985, which resulted in 256 fatalities. In 2001, Gander International Airport played a significant role in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, accommodating 38 commercial aircraft and 4 military aircraft, housing nearly 6,700 evacuees.

Geography of Gander, Newfoundland Labrador

Gander is located 310 km northwest of the provincial capital of St. John's. The underlying bedrock is formed of Ordovician-era shale, slate, and greywacke, covered by stony loam to silt loam podzolic or gleysolic soil.

Demographics of Gander, Newfoundland Labrador

As per the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Gander had a population of 11,880 living in 5,068 of its 5,424 total private dwellings, a change of 1.6% from its 2016 population of 11,688.

Climate of Gander, Newfoundland Labrador

Gander experiences a cool to cold humid continental climate, with moderately warm and rainy summers and cold, very snowy winters. The average frost-free period runs from June 1 to October 16–136 days.

Services in Gander, Newfoundland Labrador

Gander offers all the conveniences of a major centre, including a continually expanding business park, two malls, and branches of all five major Canadian banks. Medical services are provided by the James Paton Memorial Health Centre, and telephone services are provided by Bell Aliant.

Gander, Newfoundland Labrador in Popular Culture

Gander has been featured in various forms of media, including the Nevil Shute novel No Highway, the miniseries Above and Beyond, and the musical Come from Away.

Planetary Nomenclature and Gander, Newfoundland Labrador

In 1991, the International Astronomical Union's Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature officially named a crater on Mars after Gander.

Public Parks, Walking and Ski Trails in Gander, Newfoundland Labrador

Gander is home to several public parks and trails, including Cobbs Pond Rotary Park, Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest, Gander Heritage Trails, Newfoundland Trailway, and the Airport Nordic Ski Club.

Freedom of the Town in Gander, Newfoundland Labrador

In 2017, the 103 Search and Rescue Squadron, RCAF received the Freedom of the Town award.

• Wikipedia - Gander, Newfoundland Labrador

• 1.1 Visitor information
• 2.3.1 Airport
• 2.3.2 Airlines
• 3 Get around
• 9.2 Bed & Breakfast
• 9.3 Caravan parks

Gander is a small town of 12,000 people (2016) with a huge international airport ( YQX  IATA ) on the Trans-Canada Highway in Central Newfoundland . Established in 1935, the airport was once a major refuelling point for almost all trans-Atlantic flights.

Understand [ edit ]

As the easternmost major fog-free airport on the north Atlantic coast, Gander was a frequent stop for both civil and military trans-Atlantic aviation. " Goose and Gander" were strategic transit points for the Royal Air Force Air Ferry Command during World War 2 and key refuelling stops for civil aviation in the early years of commercial "jet set" travel. Both airports have diminished in importance as range of commercial passenger aircraft increased to allow more routes to fly non-stop, advances in instrument navigation made a fog-shrouded landing in St. John's safe and routine, and de-escalation at the end of the Cold War curtailed military flights. On the other side of the Atlantic, Shannon in Ireland had a similar function (and still does for the LCY-NYC flights that are too heavy when taking off with a full tank) and became known as the birthplace of the Duty Free Shop at Airports.

There are various local memorials to aviators and servicemen, including Commonwealth War Graves for a hundred and one who served during the Second World War (Gander hosted air-reconnaissance planes, military defence forces and an anti-aircraft regiment) and a Silent Witnesses Memorial which overlooks a site where an Arrow Air flight carrying 256 peacekeepers of the 101st US Airborne Division "Screaming Eagles” home from the Sinai Peninsula crashed on take-off.

Gander accepted more diverted passengers during the September 11, 2001 attacks than any other Canadian airfield except Halifax and Vancouver and more aircraft than any city except Halifax, adding 6,600 people to its local population (in 2001) of 9650 in just a few hours. Lufthansa named one Airbus A340 "Gander/Halifax" to acknowledge both cities and a book The Day The World Came to Town recorded the incident for posterity. There was also musical called Come From Away which enjoyed successful runs both on Broadway and in London's West End, among other places.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• 48.950533 -54.619162 1 Tourist Information Centre , 109 Trans-Canada Hwy . ( updated Jun 2022 )

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

Gander is located on Highway 1 ( Trans-Canada Highway ). Gander is 330 km (210 mi) west of St. John's and 570 km (350 mi) east of Port Aux Basques .

By bus [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], airport [ edit ], airlines [ edit ].

Canadian airlines operating to Gander:

Get around [ edit ]

Busy Bee Cabs ( ☏ +1 709 256-1444 ) and M&S Limousine Service (+1 709 256-8426) provide local transport.

Budget (+1 709 256-3566), National (+1 709 256-4934) and Thrifty (+1 709 256-8955) provide hire cars at the airport; there's also a Rent-a-Wreck (+1 709 256-7066) on the main highway.

See [ edit ]

• 48.9525 -54.6224 1 North Atlantic Aviation Museum , 135 Trans-Canada Highway , ☏ +1 709 256-2923 . Summer: daily 9AM-7PM, rest of the year: M-F 9AM-5PM . The history of aviation in Gander, once an important refuelling stop on trans-Atlantic flights. Museum exhibits cover wartime operations during World War II and the town's role in hosting 6600 travellers when 38 civilian and 4 military flights diverted to Gander during the September 11th, 2001 attacks. Adult (19-60) $8, senior (61 +) or youth (6-18) $7, student – $7 (ID required), child (0-5) free . ( updated Jul 2019 )
• A total solar eclipse on Monday 8 April 2024 starts at 5:12PM local time and lasts two minutes. The chances of a clear sky are 25%. The track of totality is northeast from Mexico and Texas to Ohio, straddling the Canada–New England border, then across Maine, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

Do [ edit ]

• 48.956008 -54.635367 1 Gander Golf Club , 251 Trans-Canada Highway , ☏ +1 709 256-4643 . Golf club with pro shop and "19th hole" restaurant $50-55 (18 holes) .  
• 48.9524 -54.6229 3 Beyond Words Tours - A Come From Away Experience , 135 Trans Canada Highway , ☏ +1 709 256-2923 , [email protected] . A tour that complements the Come From Away Broadway show. The 3½-hour tour shows the places and people that became the inspirations for the show. It includes a visit to the Gander International Airport, Gander Town Hall, meeting a notable local that is featured in the Broadway show, driving around key areas of the town (including schools and community centres that housed the "plane people"), exclusive mini-exhibit and finishes at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. $99/person . ( updated Jul 2019 )

Events [ edit ]

• Festival of Flight . First Monday in August . Five-day local festival with sports, parade, live music, fireworks on Gander Day municipal holiday.  

Buy [ edit ]

• 48.951422 -54.603646 1 Gander Mall , 132 Bennett Dr , ☏ +1 709 651-3784 , [email protected] . ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 48.954731 -54.606999 2 Fraser Mall , 230 Airport Boulevard , ☏ +1 709 651-3784 , [email protected] . ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 48.955 -54.606 3 Foodland , 151 Airport Blvd , ☏ +1 709 256-4860 . Tu-F 8AM-9PM, M Sa 8AM-6PM, Su 9AM-5PM . Grocer with water refill, fruit baskets, gluten-free products and greeting cards.  

Eat [ edit ]

• 48.958233 -54.591472 1 Bistro on Roe , 110 Roe Ave , ☏ +1 709 651-4763 , [email protected] . M-Sa 5-10PM . French/European.  
• 48.954929 -54.606813 2 Ches's Fish and Chips , 132 Bennett Dr ( in the Fraser Mall ), ☏ +1 709 651-CHES (2437) . Small regional chain (seven locations, based in St. John's). Chicken, burgers, salads, fish and chips. $9-15 .  
• 48.951394 -54.603392 3 Country Kitchen , 132 Bennett Dr , ☏ +1 709 651-3200 .  
• 48.953525 -54.602149 4 Tai Sun Restaurant , 298 Airport Blvd , ☏ +1 709 651-2801 . Terrible food, but the only game in town if you're hungry for Chinese.  
• 48.946272 -54.575865 5 Weston’s at the Airport , 1000 James Blvd ( in the Gander International Airport ). 24/7 . Home-cooked menu in a vintage cafeteria-style setting, ready-to-go meals, in-flight catering, and function room to host private events.  

Drink [ edit ]

• 48.963959 -54.620214 1 Friend's Lounge , 10 McCurdy Dr , ☏ +1 709 256-7002 .  
• 48.946419 -54.575941 2 Beech Bar & Grill , Gander International Airport , ☏ +1 709 651-3434 . Airport bar.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Hotels [ edit ].

• 48.952871 -54.605704 1 Sinbad's Hotel & Suites , 133 Bennett Dr , ☏ +1 709 651-2678 , toll-free: +1-800-563-8330 , fax : +1 709 651-3123 .  
• 48.949196 -54.615359 2 Quality Hotel & Suites ( Previously Hotel Gander ), 100 Trans Canada Highway , ☏ +1 709 256-3931 , toll-free: +1-800-563-2988 , fax : +1 709 651-2641 , [email protected] . Meeting and banquet facilities. Alcock & Brown's Eatery.  
• 48.95214 -54.62041 3 Albatross Hotel , 114 Trans Canada Highway , ☏ +1 709 256-3956 , toll-free: +1-800-563-4900 , fax : +1 709 651-2692 . Motel with 101 rooms, meeting facilities for 250 people, licensed restaurant serving traditional Canadian food, Newfoundland specialty dishes, seafood and pasta, hideaway lounge. $100+ .  
• 48.950718 -54.616209 4 Irving West Hotel , 1 Caldwell St , ☏ +1 709 256-2406 , fax : +1 709 651-3860 . Outdoor pool, continental breakfast.  

Bed & Breakfast [ edit ]

• 48.947524 -54.607575 5 Inn on Bennett , 66 Bennett Dr , ☏ +1 709 256-4560 , toll-free: +1-877-256-4560 . Check-in: 2:30PM , check-out: 10AM . $80-100 .  

Caravan parks [ edit ]

• 48.985345 -54.60838 6 Country Inn , 315 Magee Rd , ☏ +1 709 256-4005 , toll-free: +1-877-956-4005 , fax : +1 709 651-1004 , [email protected] . Motel (WiFi, coffee, continental breakfast) and one five-person cottage; 64 site RV/trailer park (34 with water/sewer/power hookups). $23-29 (caravan park) .  

Connect [ edit ]

• 48.958527 -54.60887 2 Gander Public and Resource Library , 6 Bell Place , ☏ +1 709 651-5354 . Free Internet and WiFi. Fax, scan, print. Books, CDs, DVDs. ( updated Sep 2015 )

Go next [ edit ]

• Beothuk Interpretation Centre, Boyd's Cove (70 km (43 mi) north) recalls the now-extinct native tribe.
• Terra Nova National Park is an hour east (88 km (55 mi)) on the Trans-Canada Highway
• Twillingate , Fogo Island and Change Islands are fishing villages with small museums
• Lewisporte is the base for coastal ferry service to various small Labrador outports not on the Trans-Labrador Highway

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Newfoundland Road Trips: Guide to Gander

April 23, 2019 | Home Town Tourist , North America by Melissa Hogan | Canada • Newfoundland | No Comments

Disclaimer: Information is accurate as of time of publication.

If you’ve been paying any attention over the last few years, you’ve heard lots about Gander, Newfoundland. On September 11, 2001, when American airspace was closed, 38 planes landed at Gander International Airport depositing almost 7,000 passengers and crew into the small town. With the population doubling overnight, the town’s residents jumped to action turning schools, church halls, and any other available space into emergency shelters. Some even took strangers into their own homes. Thousands of meals were cooked, and everything from clothing to toiletries donated to help out the “plane people.”

The most amazing thing about the generosity shown by Gander residents, is that they don’t think it’s amazing at all. It was just the right thing to do in that situation, so they did it. Their kindness extended beyond the basic of food, waster, and shelter. Over the five days that people were stranded, Gander residents took passengers sightseeing, moose hunting, berry picking, barbecuing, and hosted kitchen parties. Their spirit inspired an award-winning Broadway musical, Come From Away , that now has companies in four countries.

All that attention is piquing people’s interest in visiting Gander for themselves so I put together a guide to help you have an amazing visit to Central Newfoundland’s Broadway famous town.

Table of Contents

How to Get To Gander

Getting around gander, sinbad’s hotel & suites, quality hotel & suites, country inn cottage, inn on bennett, the gander bread box & cafe, the newfoundland tea co., rosie’s restaurant and bakery, ches’s fish & chips, jumping bean coffee, mystic dining room, legends lounge, thingamajiggers pub and eatery, gander international airport, beyond words tour, meet the flynns, north atlantic aviation museum, beyond the overpass theatre, silent witness memorial, thomas howe demonstration forest, picnic at cobb’s pond rotary park, see a show at the arts & culture centre, festival of flight, quad-a-palooza, the axe shed, will gander be your next newfoundland road trip, book your trip to newfoundland & labrador, related posts.

The town of Gander is located in Newfoundland’s central region, just over 330km from the capital of St. John’s. There are four main ways to get to Gander from off the island:

• Fly into St. John’s and drive or take the DRL bus
• Fly directly into Gander International Airport
• Take the Port-aux-Basque ferry from Nova Scotia and drive 570km east
• Take the Argentia ferry from Nova Scotia and drive 280km northwest

The town of Gander is roughly contained within the triangle of the Trans Canada Highway, Route 230, and Magee Road. There is no public transportation in Gander, though there are taxis for local destinations and some shuttle services that will transport you to St. John’s, Twillingate, or Lewisporte. There is no Uber in Newfoundland. It’s best to have your own vehicle to really get the most out of your visit to Gander.

Tip: book your car rental early as there’s a limited supply on the island and they’re routinely booked up during the busy season from June-August.

Where to Stay in Gander

There are approximately 500 hotels rooms available in Gander itself, with the main hotels located directly on the stretch of highway that runs past town. You will also find motel, B&B, and cottage rental options.

Sinbad’s Hotel & Suites is one of three hotels in town owned by Steele Hotels, a local chain if you will. They offer corporate suites with adjoining living rooms as well as standard bedrooms and efficiency units. The latter have tables and chairs, a small refrigerator and a stove with an oven should you want to cook a little something for yourself. The hotel is also equipped with a business centre, fitness room, and dining room on site.

Check Availability

Honestly, it was a toss up between the Quality Hotel and Choice Hotels sister property the Comfort Inn. Both are located steps from each other and are priced about equally. Both have business centres, fitness rooms, and complimentary breakfast. What swung me in favour of the Quality Hotel was the fact that they have a pool. However, if finding a pet friendly hotel in Gander is higher on your wishlist, then you’ll like the Comfort Inn. You can’t go wrong either way.

If you’re looking for a different experience than your typical hotel, you might want to check out Country Inn Cottage. It’s a two bedroom cottage with a double and queen sized bed, living room area with a flat screen TV, a spacious washroom and full kitchen. They are also wheelchair accessible. It’s located on the site of the Country Inn Motel & RV Park on the north end of town.

If a bed & breakfast is more your speed, Gander has that too. Inn on Bennett is an eight room B&B just a few minutes from the airport. The rooms mainly have queen beds, but there’s one room with two double beds if you’re travelling with a few people.

Where to Eat + Drink in Gander

Come for the freshly baked bread, stay for the touton burger with a side of wedges. Pick up a package of Jam Jams or snowballs for a quick hit of sugar and deliciousness during your day of sightseeing. They also have vegan and gluten free options. Don’t forget to get your “mugshot” by their mug wall.

Here’s what you’re going to do, you’re going to head to Rosie’s Restaurant on Sunday and order up their Sunday dinner, complete with salt beef and peas pudding. Would you believe they even serve up a crustless pizza for those who are on the keto plan? But if you’re a carb lover like myself, you’d do yourself a disservice if you left without trying some of their sweets like lemon meringue pie or their signature “Moose Farts”, tasty little balls made of  graham crackers, coconut, and chocolate chips.

A classic Newfoundland fish ‘n chip shop, Ches’s has 7 locations across the province. Do yourself a favour and order your fish ‘n chips with dressing and gravy on your fries. I also recommend an order of onion rings if you’re particularly hungry. Wash it all down with a pineapple Crush.

Feeling a bit fancier? Get dressed up and make a reservation at Mystic Dining Room at Sinbad’s Hotel. Whether you order the walnut crusted salmon, the bacon wrapped chicken, or one of their steak options, you don’t be disappointed. Order a bottle of wine from their excellent wine list and enjoy fine dining in Gander.

Now, while Legends serves food, that’s not why you’re going to go there. It’s Gander’s nightlife hotspot hosting trivia nights, karaoke, comedy, and live entertainment on the weekends. The lounge is attached to the Irving West Hotel so if you overindulge a bed is within stumbling distance.

If you’re down for a little dive bar pub grub, pop into Thingamajiggers for an affordable and  reliable menu of burgers, wraps, and deep fried seafood. If you want an authentic rural Newfoundland experience and to rub elbows with the locals, this is it. I’d recommend one of their homemade burgers with thick cut fries or the French onion soup served with a homemade roll.

Things to Do in Gander

The tiny airport that inspired a hit musical is also a modernist architectural gem. Gander has had a long history with aviation. During World War II, as the only operative airport in this maritime area, it became the main staging point for the movement of Allied aircraft to Europe. Post-war, it was at the crossroads of transatlantic flights and remained an important refueling stop for many years. Everyone from Hollywood movie stars to pop stars to world leaders touched down in Gander.

In 1959, the Queen of England opened a sleek, modernist International Departures Lounge at the Gander airport. The avant-garde lounge reflected the glamour of midcentury air travel and, though Gander’s importance has faded as jumbo jets can now make the trip without refueling, the lounge remains untouched. A time capsule to a time when flying was exoctic and glamourous.

Many people visiting Gander want to see the places mentioned in the musical, Come From Away, so Gander does what Gander does best and accommodated. The Beyond Words Tour will take you to the Gander International Airport, Gander Town Hall, an exclusive mini exhibit, driving tour around key areas of the town and concluding at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. You may even get to meet someone who inspired a character in the musical.

Note: Beyond Words Tours have been cancelled for the 2021 season and will be back in 2022.

Continuing with the Come From Away theme, take some time to Meet the Flynns. They played host to 6 “plane people” and Derm Flynn even inspired a character in the musical. Visit the Flynns in their home for a chat and a cuppa and learn more about the 9/11 efforts and Come From Away. Discuss why Come From Away has been so well received by all who see the musical. While in Appleton, visit Twin Towers Steel and Peace Park.

The North Atlantic Aviation Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting stories and artifacts highlighting Gander’s role in the development of Trans Atlantic Aviation. The bulk of the artifacts, photos, and text focusing on the WWII years through the early jet age. They also have a collection of planes you can explore, including a prized WWII Lockheed Hudson MkIIIA mid-range bomber.

Beyond the Overpass Theatre Company encourages the development of local theatre talent, especially in creating original content related to the town of Gander. Keep an eye out for their production of Diverted, a play with music that juxtaposes the story of Gander’s origins during World War II with specific events surrounding 9/11.

On the morning of Thursday, 12 December 1985, shortly after takeoff from Gander en route to Fort Campbell, Arrow Air Flight 1285 stalled, crashed, and burned about half a mile from the runway, killing all 248 passengers and 8 crew members on board. As of 2018, it is the deadliest aviation accident to occur on Canadian soil. A memorial statue by Kentucky artist Steve Shields was erected at Gander Lake dedicated to the memory of those who lost their life.

This informal, outdoor interpretive site is a demonstration area for people to learn about the forest and forest management techniques in Newfoundland and Labrador. Along with picnic and restroom facilities, the demonstration forest has a network of three interpretive walking trails ranging from .4km – 5km in length. Located on the Trans Canada Highway 1km east of Gander, the hiking is easy-moderate walking depending on the trail you choose.

Have a picnic on the lawn of one of Gander’s most scenic places. Walk the 4km trail or have a swing in the playground. Made up of boardwalk and granular sections, this trail is a light walk. Named after Mr. Alexander Cobb – a worker with the Newfoundland Railway Project in 1892 – the Park is a tranquil area with lots to offer including lunch hour concerts on Fridays during the summer (weather permitting).

The Arts & Culture Centres are a collection of theatres across the province that play host to plays, musicals, comedy, concerts, and more. Peruse their upcoming events and be sure to catch something when you’re in town.

The Festival of Flight is Gander’s annual multi-day summer festival featuring tons of fun, food, and music. Take part in events like a Splash Ball water obstacle course, horseshoe tournament, a demolition derby, the community breakfast, shop at the farmer’s market, or kick up your heels at the kitchen party.

Happening in September, Quad-a-palooza is Newfoundland’s premier ATV event. Enjoy awesome trails, an ATV parade through the streets of Gander, and more. After a day on the trails, come back and enjoy some marvelous food and entertainment with a special accommodation package which includes meals, live entertainment, dances, and great prizes.

Try one of Newfoundland’s hottest new pastimes: axe throwing. It’s not just for lumberjacks anymore. Gander now its own local axe throwing joint. Your new spot for a great time with friends and colleagues. Plaid shirt not required.

Plan to spend at least two days exploring the area, but really three would be better. There’s enough to see and do so I guarantee you won’t be bored.

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Guide to Gander

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You can book your hotel with Booking.com as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hotel. If you want to stay in a vacation rental or cottage in Newfoundland & Labrador, use VRBO to find the perfect place for the whole family.

Book Your Car Rental

Newfoundland & Labrador is mainly rural and it's best to have a vehicle at your disposal. Be sure to book your car rental with Discover Cars early because they often sell out in summer.

Book Your Travel Insurance

While Newfoundland is generally a safe province, you never know when something could happen. Be prepared with travel insurance from SafetyWing . Travel insurance has certainly saved my butt before.

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Hi, I'm Melissa! I'm a web designer and digital marketer by trade, a newbie gardener, a shoe lover and a travel junkie. The travel bug hit me hard in 2012 and, ever since, I've been attempting to make the most of it while still working 9-5.

I want to inspire you to get out there and see the world, push your own limits and look good while doing it.

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I'm a web designer by trade, a one-time amateur bellydancer, a shoe lover and a travel junkie. The travel bug has only hit me hard in recent years but I'm attempting to make the most of it while still working 9-5.

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Top Things to Do in Gander

Things to do in gander.

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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. North Atlantic Aviation Museum

2. Cobb's Pond Rotary Park

3. Silent Witnesses Memorial

4. Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest

5. Gander Heritage Memorial Park

6. Beyond The Overpass Theatre Company Inc.

7. Airport Nordic Ski Club

8. Czechoslovakian Airline Plane Crash Memorial

9. Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery

10. Xheight Zone

11. Gander Golf Club

12. Arts and Culture Centre - Gander

13. Gander International Lounge

14. The Globe Theatre

16. Gander Goods Shop

17. revibe centre.

18. Beyond Words Tours

19. Gander River Outfitters Inc

20. Whale Watching and Coastal Tour with Seafood Lunch

21. White Cliff Lodge

22. The Axe Shed

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• Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest
• Gander Heritage Memorial Park
• Airport Nordic Ski Club
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The Capital of Kindness

D ianne Flynn pressed play on the stereo and released the voice of country singer Alan Jackson into her home in Newfoundland. Her husband, Derm Flynn, listened to the words intently, his face and thoughts drawn inward.

Derm, the former mayor of Appleton, sang along in a near whisper.

I’m just a singer of simple songs / I’m not a real political man.

I sat across from Derm on the leather couch where, 18 years ago, an American had slept after his plane was diverted to eastern Canada following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In all, 38 commercial planes and four military aircraft were forced to land at Gander International Airport. More than 6,500 passengers descended on several small towns in central Newfoundland. Appleton was one of them. Gander was another.

In “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” Jackson repeatedly asks us, “Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?” I was in Washington, on my way to work. My mother, who was also sitting beside me on the Flynns’ couch, was sailing with my father in Croatia, far from a telephone. Dianne and Derm were in Appleton, preparing for more visitors than the area had ever handled in one month, much less one day.

“Everybody was doing what they could,” said Derm, whose town of 680 residents cared for about 90 passengers for up to five days. “The plane people needed food and a place to eat and sleep. They needed some assurance, compassion, love and counseling. They needed someone to give them a warm hug.”

My mother and I spent three hours — not five days — with the Flynns in early June. And in that short time we received heartfelt conversation, a ramekin of fish with cheese, homemade fruit tarts, Appleton pins, a cup of coffee and two rounds of hugs, which I admittedly needed more than the cod and caffeine.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks were catastrophic. However, the tragedy did produce one positive outcome: Americans came together, healing en masse. But that was 2001. The 2016 presidential election and current administration have fragmented our country. Our pieces don’t fit anymore; we are no longer whole. I am no longer whole.

Current events are causing me to sleep less and curse more. No rom-com movie or carb-heavy meal or puppy yoga session can dispel the sense of dread I feel as I watch the pillars of tolerance and decency wobble and threaten to fall. I have tried to find a release close to home, but none of my usual therapies are sticking. I needed a more powerful pill to lift my spirits and remind me that good people and selfless deeds still exist. So I decided to fly north of the border and due east for some mending. If 9/11 history served correctly, Newfoundland could restore me.

I n the 847-page Dictionary of Newfoundland English, you can find one phrase for inclement weather (“not fit fer a dog”) and nearly a dozen terms of endearment, including “m’darling,” “ducky” and “trout.” In Canada’s easternmost province, affection trumps storminess.

I learned a sampling of these sayings from a display in the lobby of the Elgin Theatre in Toronto, which is staging “ Come From Away ” through Dec. 1. (The title refers to anyone who is not from Newfoundland and Labrador.) The Tony Award-winning musical about the events that unfolded in Newfoundland on and after 9/11 has been drawing audiences and accolades all over North America and beyond. Members of the Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College in Ontario developed and workshopped the show in 2012. Over five years it ascended the performing arts ladder, from regional theater festivals to Broadway. The show, which was staged at Ford’s Theatre in 2016, returns to Washington on Dec. 10 for a nearly four-week stint at the Kennedy Center.

While studying the vocabulary list, I met Susan Rollinson, an audience member whose vernacular rolled off her Newfoundland tongue.

“Newfoundland is a great place to be from,” she said. “We’re all about giving. We take care of people. We’re also curious. ‘Oh, you’re from away?’ Away is a big place.”

After the 100-minute performance, I sought out Susan. She wasn’t hard to find. I spotted her a few rows back, frozen in place, her cheeks glistening with tears.

“I’m so proud,” she said. “That’s my people. That’s what we do. The actors gave dignity to what we stand for: humanity and kindness.”

We exited a side door together, hoping to bump into the actors. We ran into George Masswohl, who played Derm Flynn and Gander mayor Claude Elliott, among other characters. Susan, full of emotion, thanked him for his moving portrayal and complimented him on his accent. I told George I thought the audience was not just applauding the actors, but that they were cheering for Newfoundlanders — and for altruism and empathy. He agreed.

“We take this very seriously,” he said. “We are spreading the message of what they did, with no questions asked.”

W e landed in the provincial capital of St. John’s on a cold, gray and foggy summer’s day. However, we didn’t stand still long enough to feel the chill. We rushed over to the Rooms, a cultural center, to catch a free musical performance held during the summer months. Mark Hiscock, who performs traditional songs from Ireland and the province, was on a break, so we scanned the exhibits on cod fishing and musical instruments.

“Do you play?” Larry Dohey, the museum’s director of programming and public engagement, called out to me. He removed an ugly stick from its peg and stomped its kid-size boot, causing the metal bottle caps to clink and the head’s ropy dreadlocks to sway. I took the stick from his hands and pounded the floor, sounding like a petulant child with a piggy bank.

Larry grew up in a small southeastern town in Newfoundland that has more seabirds than people. In his youth, he would dress up for the Mummers Festival, a Christmas tradition, and visit neighbors’ homes wrapped in what he hoped was a cloak of anonymity. However, his costume wasn’t fooling anyone. Friends immediately knew who was beneath the get-up, identifying Larry by his footwear.

“We only had two pairs of shoes,” he said of his humble upbringing, “one for school and one for all the other times.”

On 9/11, Canada accepted more than 200 planes forced to reroute when the U.S. government closed its airspace. Halifax, Nova Scotia, accepted the most aircraft, with 47, followed by Gander and Vancouver. More than 20 planes landed in St. John’s. I asked Larry if the museum had an exhibit documenting the unprecedented event. “We wouldn’t want to steal Gander’s thunder,” he said. But he was more than happy to share his own experiences.

He told us about a Connecticut family with a baby who were returning from Belgium. The mother was afraid to board a plane, so they traveled home by car and ferry. After the concert, Larry handed me a printout of a letter from the couple.

“Never have we felt so surrounded by warmth and good will as we did during those days following 9/11 in St. John’s,” they wrote. “Actually we feel a little guilty because we had such a good time enjoying the people and learning about the heritage and culture of Newfoundland.”

The museum was closing, and Larry likely had some programming and public engaging to do before heading home. Instead, he spent several minutes sketching out an itinerary for us: Signal Hill, Cape Spear and Petty Harbour, fish and chips at Duke of Duckworth, live music at O’Reilly’s. (Of all small-world coincidences: The Flynns’ son owns the pub.) If Larry hadn’t had a full schedule of meetings the next day, I am fairly certain he would have loaded us into his car and taken us around himself. He probably would have packed us lunch, too.

Fortunately, St. John’s is compact and the road signs are in British English, not Newfoundland English. On the drive to the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, I spotted a large white shape offshore. Closing in on the object, I experienced a swell of emotion, from dread (Is that Styrofoam?) to elation (No, it’s an iceberg!). I parked and followed a cliffside trail, leaning in as much as possible without tumbling into the Atlantic. A local man and his friend, who had moved to New Brunswick 40 years ago, were critiquing the iceberg.

“It is small and nicely shaped,” the man said.

“I think it looks like an origami bird,” I added.

The friend called her husband at home to gloat. The pair said they had heard of a second iceberg sighting at Petty Harbour. In the nearby fishing village, I could even buy a bag of ice chipped from a berg, which seemed like a humiliating finale for a floe that had likely faced whales, cargo ships and sunshine on its journey from Greenland. I could only hope that the St. John’s berg didn’t succumb to a similar fate and spend its final moments on Earth chilling in someone’s orange juice glass.

B efore 9/11, Gander was primarily known for its airport and strategic location on the east coast of Canada. During World War II, more than 20,000 Allied fighter planes and bombers took off from Gander’s airport, destined for battles across the Atlantic. In 1942, the Canadian military gained control of the airfield but returned it to civilian hands after armistice. By the 1950s, Gander was operating one of the busiest international airports in the world, though few passengers ventured beyond the terminal. The airport was basically a pump-and-go station for flights needing fuel for the ocean crossing. Locals would hitchhike up to the airport to buy ice cream and search for famous faces waiting to reboard, such as Elvis Presley; Frank Sinatra, who unsuccessfully tried to cut the food line; and Johnny Cash, who drunkenly fell off his bar stool at the Big Dipper Bar.

The advent of long-haul jets put an end to Gander’s golden aviation age, though a few planes, mainly from communist countries, continued to arrive. Often times, the aircraft left with empty seats, when defectors claimed political asylum on Canadian soil. The Concorde also used the airport to test its supersonic technology. As a thank you, the company treated the airport staff to lunch in England; they arrived back in Gander a half-hour before their departure time in London, a feat accomplished by time zone.

Gander, whose main economies are aviation, government and health care, was just doing its small-town thing when terrorists attacked its southern neighbor. After all the passengers departed on Sept. 16, residents returned to their routines; even the bus strike that had been suspended resumed. In 2011, a pair of strangers showed up at the 9/11 commemoration. Seeking material for their musical, Canadian composers and lyricists Irene Sankoff and David Hein interviewed hundreds of residents and passengers about their experiences. (Michael Rubinoff, an associate dean at Sheridan College, deserves credit for the concept.) The married couple turned the conversations into “Come From Away.” In a plot twist few anticipated, come-from-aways who had seen the show started flocking to Gander — and tourism flourished.

Last year, the Flynns started offering Meet the Flynns on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the warmer months. The official season begins in July, but they received requests for June and adjusted their calendar accordingly. They’re thoughtful in that way.

A few days before our visit, Dianne sent me their address in Appleton, including distinguishing features of their house. I instructed my mother to look for three flags, but nearly every resident on their street accessorized with flags. I drove up to one house and saw a man dressed in a “Come From Away” baseball cap and T-shirt. Found it.

Derm greeted us with a big bear hug. Dianne followed, adding a kiss on the cheek. I don’t normally exchange affections with strangers, but Newfoundland was slowly turning me into a hugger. I returned their embrace. We entered their kitchen, and I noticed a photo of their grandchildren scanned onto a blanket. We chatted about grandkids and how fast they grow. (The Flynns were attending their grandson’s high school graduation in Nova Scotia the following weekend.) Derm led us to a “Come From Away”-themed photo assemblage on the wall and started naming names: director Christopher Ashley, Rubinoff, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The couple, as well as other locals dramatized in the play, often attend the show’s openings and walk the star-studded red carpet.

After admiring the indigenous art collection in their living room, we descended into the basement, known as Flynn’s Whisky Bar in the musical. The writers were not embellishing; there was definitely a bar and a lot of bottles of booze.

Derm, who retired two years ago after 24 years as mayor, told us that they decided to open their home to (paying) strangers because of a growing interest in the event. But they also wanted to tell the unsung version of the story.

“ ‘Come From Away’ is more current; 9/11 is getting fainter in people’s minds,” he said. “No one will ever forget the serious part of 9/11, but we don’t want anyone to forget the people who were here and taken care of.”

After the thousands of passengers deplaned in 2001, Derm and Dianne each invited three guests to stay over, surprising each other. “We weren’t talking to each other because we were too busy,” said Derm. The passengers included an Israeli couple on their honeymoon, a New York sports reporter and a New Yorker who later became a billionaire. They also hosted Tom McKeon from New Jersey. In the musical, he is the nervous man who worried about his wallet getting stolen (fact) and collected grills from the neighbors’ backyards for a cookout (also fact).

“I told Tom that his name is now Bob,” said Derm. The reason for the name change was to avoid confusion, he explained. The husband of American Airlines pilot Beverley Bass is Tom, too.

The Flynns also shared a startling piece of information: The government had apparently directed the planes to less populated areas in case the aircraft blew up. Officials wanted to minimize the number of casualties. “We were disposable,” Dianne said with a tinge of sadness.

(Alexandre Desjardins, a spokesman for Transport Canada — Canada’s department of transport — wrote in an email, “In any decision related to the diversion of a flight to an alternate airport, the factors considered include, but are not limited to: the type of the aircraft, the number of passengers, runway length, fuel on board, urgency of the situation, weather, and services such as Canada Border Services Agency, police and Canadian Air Transport Security Authority screening.”)

After a snack of Newfoundland specialties, we followed the Flynns in their car to the Derm Flynn River Front Peace Park. It was after 9 p.m., and the sky was still strikingly blue. We entered the park, which the town built with funds donated by the grateful guests. We walked over to a long piece of rusted steel that resembled a whale. The U.S. government and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey had sent a section of the World Trade Center as a thank you gift to Appleton. In true humble fashion, a plaque said that Appleton shares the honor with Gander, Gambo, Glenwood, Lewisporte, Norris Arm and the other communities that cared for the stranded passengers.

“If it happened again,” Derm said, “we’d be ready to respond.” The bugs were biting, so we didn’t linger for too long. But we braved the insects for one final hug.

M y mother and I showed up at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, asking for Bonnie. Instead, we were introduced to Edgar Allan Poe, Cooter, Adam and Eve, and Squash, a giant tabby with Velcro paws. We were so busy playing with the rescue cats, we nearly forgot our mission: to meet the woman who defied orders for the sake of the animals.

When Bonnie Harris, the center’s manager, heard about the planes idling on the tarmac, she asked airport officials if any pets were onboard. The response was no. She didn’t accept the answer and persisted. She eventually discovered 19 animals, including two bonobo chimpanzees, in the cargo hold. She and several volunteers set to work, crawling into the tight, dark space to clean the crates and feed the animals. She soon received permission to move her charges to a hangar on airport grounds. In the musical, Bonnie learns that one of the chimps was pregnant and lost her baby. This is true, as was the birth of a healthy baby bonobo two years later by the same mom. The Columbus Zoo named him Gander.

Bonnie shrugged off the attention. This is what we do, she told us, a refrain we heard repeatedly. (Gander’s former mayor, who invited us over to his house, explained it this way: “We’re just ordinary people doing what we’re supposed to do. This was our upbringing.”) In fact, when Petrina Bromley, the Newfoundland actress who portrayed the animal rescuer on Broadway, was in town, Bonnie wasn’t available to meet the star. She had to run off to help a young orphaned moose.

In Gander, the Beyond Words Tour promises a conversation with a resident who will share personal stories from that week in 2001. Bonnie was too busy assisting other species, and our guide Katerina Lane was only 2 years old then. (The tour’s organizer, Abby Moss, was barely older, at 6.) But Katerina’s family, like the rest of the community, was very involved: Her parents worked at the airport; one grandmother made sandwiches; one grandfather was a bus driver; and the other set of grandparents volunteered with the Salvation Army.

Five of us piled into a van at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum and drove the short distance to the airport, our first stop. Inside the main hall, Katerina showed us a fragment of the World Trade Center that had traveled from New York City with a motorcycle escort of a dozen first responders. By the time it reached Gander airport, the entourage had grown to 70 riders. “It is our healing piece,” she said of the metal chunk.

For me, as an American, seeing the 9/11 artifact brought back the horror of that day and the overwhelming grief I felt for the victims and our country. But, to my surprise, I also experienced a rush of happiness. Gander’s airport was like a vortex, and I soaked up the positive energy emanating from the walls and floors of the passenger waiting room.

Katerina led us to a tunnel with a clear view of the international terminal, which opened in 1959 and resembled a “Mad Men” set, with mid-century furnishings in blue, brown and gold. She pointed out the 72-foot-long modernist mural “Flight and Its Allegories,” by Kenneth Lochhead, and the province’s first escalator, which was period-paneled in wood.

Although Katerina’s mother works for customs — she interrupted herself to wave at her mom — she did not have the authority to take us inside the terminal, which in its heyday accommodated up to 4,000 passengers daily. But Jerry Cramm does. The airport site manager, who leads free tours, will even escort you inside the women’s bathroom, where Queen Elizabeth II, who blessed the terminal 60 years ago, powdered her royal nose.

We were running behind, and Katerina pushed us along. The tour van pulled up in front of the town hall, which houses another piece of the World Trade Center plus several notebooks bulging with letters of gratitude. We entered the council meeting room and were greeted by a towering man with a pink face and a white mustache that curled down his lip like a woolly bear caterpillar. He wore the blue attire of authority. “We have been following you like groupies,” Nadia Reece, who was visiting from Toronto, shouted at Oswald “Oz” Fudge.

The retired municipal police officer spoke with us for about an hour. He told us where he was on the morning of 9/11: staking out speeding cars by the curling club. When he heard the news on the radio, he thought the report was an Orson Wellesian hoax. He still seemed in awe of the town’s speedy response. He had made a quick call to the principal of Gander Academy and, less than four hours later, volunteers had moved 1,000 desks, disinfected the elementary school (germy kids) and set up beds for 800 passengers. So many people heeded a call for toilet paper, a local news reporter had to go back on air to call off the request. When a passenger staying at Gander Collegiate expressed a curiosity about tasting moose, 20 pounds of meat showed up at the high school shelter.

“We’ve always been a Newfie joke. We were known as the welfare province,” Oz said. “But now it’s cool to be a Newfoundlander.”

In the musical, several passengers participate in a screeching-in ceremony, which turns visitors into honorary Newfoundlanders. Oz asked us if we wanted to be initiated and called Beulah Cooper, a volunteer with the Royal Canadian Legion, to make the arrangements.

“Who are ya screeching in?” we heard Beulah ask him.

They ran down the list of mandatory items: Vienna sausages, capelin, peppermint nobs, bread.

“I can pick up some Jam Jams at Walmart,” said Oz, referring to the cookie.

I asked if we could bring anything. Oz said no. Again, Gander’s residents would take care of everything for everyone. After two days in town, I was growing accustomed to their acts of generosity. And I wanted to return the gesture, even if it was as simple as donating a bag of sweets.

Later that day, we met at the Royal Canadian Legion hall, surrounded by photos of soldiers with the Canadian flag rippling behind them. Beulah had screeched-in two visitors the day before and was preparing for two busloads of tourists over the weekend.

“How many people has Todd the Cod kissed?” Oz asked of the fish pulled out of the freezer for the ritual.

“I don’t know. I’ve lost count,” Beulah responded.

Oz handed us yellow rain hats made fashionable by Gorton’s fisherman and a Newfoundland flag that we draped around our shoulders like Olympians. He seated us in a row beneath a sign that read “Lest We Forget” and began the induction.

“You’re going to have to talk like us,” he said. He and his assistant, Carl Waterman, demonstrated several scenarios. Two fishermen are passing by each other on their respective boats. Fisherman One asks if the cod are biting.

“Arn,” Oz said.

Fisherman Two replies they aren’t.

“N’arn,” Carl responded.

Now our turn.

Next, we had to stomach a buffet of traditional foods passed on down the line: bologna, also known as Newfie steak or Walbologna (“It’s best when it’s burnt,” advised Oz); smoked capelin eaten head first; ship’s biscuit, part of the old seafarer’s diet; Vienna sausage; Purity’s peppermint nobs, “to clean the palate”; and Jam Jams, also by Purity, the Newfoundland snack maker. After making sure our ritualistic foods stayed down, we had to open our mouths again to repeat the phrase, “Deed I is, me old cock. And long may your big jib draw.” Translation: “Yes indeed, my friend. Long may your big sail draw wind.” And now, the kiss.

The first participant kissed Todd the Cod as if it were a great-aunt with a heavily rouged face. “It doesn’t say peck the cod,” Carl said. The participant tried again with more passion.

As the last to go, I was required to kiss Todd the longest. At this point, both of us were melting — for different reasons. I smooched Todd and then begged for the shot of Jamaican rum to obliterate the taste. One, two, three — we downed our screech in “Come From Away” shot glasses. Beulah handed me my certification and a card that stated that I was an honorary Newfoundlander.

I have visited some of the most monumental sites on the planet, including the pyramids in Egypt, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia. I have ridden a reindeer in Mongolia, drunk beer with members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces in Colombia and chatted up the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India. All of these experiences have wowed me. Only Gander, which has neither world-renowned landmarks nor wondrous natural attractions, has moved me.

I asked Oz what were my responsibilities. “It’s not that you should come back,” he said. “Now you have to come back. You are family.”

As a newly minted emissary of kindness, I had a sacred tradition to uphold. With Todd the Cod as my witness, I wouldn’t let my family down.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that passengers on a Concorde flight would have been in London a half-hour before their departure time in Gander. They would have arrived in Gander a half-hour before their departure time in London.

Andrea Sachs is a Washington Post staff writer.

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20 Years Later: The Little Town in Newfoundland That Welcomed Nearly 7,000 Strangers on 9/11

As captured in the Broadway musical "Come From Away," the Canadian community of Gander welcomed in nearly 7,000 strangers in the midst of America's darkest days.

There's one thing that's for sure about the community of Appleton, just outside of Gander in Newfoundland : "It's the Little Apple and not the Big Apple," Derm Flynn , who was the mayor of the town in 2001, told Travel + Leisure. "We'd never get any accidental tourists to Newfoundland."

But on Sept. 11, 2001, the community was flooded with accidental visitors — nearly 7,000 of them — when the airspace over the United States was closed as the horrific events of 9/11 cast one of the darkest days on American history 20 years ago today. Suddenly, 38 commercial planes and four military aircraft were diverted to Gander International Airport.

Fortunately, Gander was used to getting international guests passing through — after all, the town was built around the airport, chosen for its strategic location on Canada's eastern island in the early days of transatlantic flying when planes would need to stop between North America and Europe. "Gander exists because of its airport," the town's current mayor, Percy Farwell , tells T+L of the airfield that was once the largest in the world. "We like to say in the Newfoundland context, we're not an outport, we're an airport."

Welcoming in the global community became etched in its DNA. "Our Sunday afternoon entertainment as kids would be to jump on our bikes and go to the airport, get an ice cream, and sit in the middle of that beautiful international terminal and watch the world come and go," Farwell, who has lived in Gander for more than five decades, said. "Security wasn't there at the time, so we'd mingle with the passengers. We're a small community in the middle of a relatively isolated island in the northern Atlantic, but we were very much exposed to the rest of the world… That probably helped prepare us for what happened in September 2001."

Indeed, the events of 9/11 unveiled the global compassion woven into the community's culture. As it became clear that the stranded passengers — or "plane people," as the locals affectionately dubbed them — were going to be there for days, they were eventually let off the planes, some after nearly 24 hours on the grounded aircraft. Without hesitation, the Newfoundlanders opened their homes to let them shower; their school gyms, community centers, and hotels to let them sleep and eat warm meals; and their hearts to the unknowns following a tragedy of such magnitude.

"People did it without any instructions — it was something that really came naturally to our people and volunteers," Flynn said. "In Newfoundland, 99% of the population are huggers." As proof through their actions, Flynn and his wife, Diane, each invited three strangers to stay with them in their modest three-bedroom home. "Our house is always open, quite frankly," he said. And they were just one of the families who did so throughout the region.

The unusual coming together of strangers put everyone on a level playing field. "All religions, all politics, all whatever were being treated exactly the same," Flynn said of the nearly 100 nationalities that were represented, being forced to eat the "craziest foods," including local favorites like moose and rabbit stew. "They were all being fed the same kind of buffet-style food. One guy might have been a millionaire and the other person next to him might have been [down to their] last dime — it didn't matter. This was a time when people were thrust into a circumstance and situation that they were all the same."

The empathetic kindness that was intrinsically showcased on a spontaneous and grand scale touched so many lives during such a dark time that the story found its way to books, documentaries, and most prominently, the 2017 Broadway musical " Come From Away ," which will reopen at Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Sept. 21.

The attention wasn't ever something the community expected when they sprang into action, but two decades later, it has completely shaped not just Gander, but also the world's perspective of how essential embedded goodness can be.

That spirit now draws so many to visit the region. "Your typical tourist coming to Newfoundland and Labrador was not looking for Gander," Farwell said of tourism before 2001. "They were looking for whales and icebergs — we don't have whales and icebergs in Gander. But they left with the biggest impression being the experience they had with the people they met."

Farwell recognizes that kind of expectation can be hard to deliver, as they work on building out more tangible offerings where the local interaction comes organically as a side dish. "We're very cognizant of what precipitated all the positive attention," he said. "It was precipitated by horrific events that we wish had never happened — we wish nobody showed up here that day for that reason, but they did. And our people responded instinctively."

The Flynns also noticed that desire from people to catch the Newfoundlander spirit as they traveled to premieres of "Come From Away" around the globe, including on London's West End and in Melbourne, Australia. "The audiences swarmed us and wanted to talk and ask the question, 'Did it really happen?'" he said. So, about eight years ago, they started inviting strangers into their home again by creating Meet the Flynns , in which guests can come into their homes and reflect on the impact of 9/11 over a cup of tea. They then take them over to the Appleton Peace Park, which has been renamed Derm Flynn Riverfront Peace Park, on the Gander River banks, where a memorial with a piece of the World Trade Center towers stands alongside a children's playground that was built by money the "plane people" pooled together in 2001 in hopes of paying it forward to the next generation in Appleton.

Looking back on what happened 20 years ago now comes with mixed emotions. "This week has a degree of difficulty, but it also has a degree of pleasant thoughts because of so many nice people we met at a time when it was much needed," Flynn said. "We're honored to be a part of that whole experience and sympathize with the families that lost their loved ones."

While the small community definitely receives more time in the spotlight than before 2001, in a way, they're still just living life the way they know best. "I don't know that the people here have changed," Farwell said. "We've probably changed the way we look at each other or that we're looking at ourselves, and we probably appreciate more the value of what we do take for granted in what we consider just normal human interaction. But it also shows how significant it is that you can change the world without doing anything outside of your own doorstep."

And for those who do seek a bit of that Newfoundland inspiration, Flynn recommends allowing at least 10 days to two weeks to visit in order to properly soak it all in. "Don't book reservations in such a way that you're forced to be constantly in the car trying to get from point A to point B — we are Newfoundland, not Disneyland," Flynn, whose son runs O'Reilly's Irish Newfoundland Pub in St. John's, said. "Come for the scenery, come for the people, and don't be shy to talk to a stranger… In all likelihood, they'll invite you to their house."

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Chamber news articles

Gander and area chamber of commerce announces its 2022 board of directors.

News Release                                                              Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce109 Trans Canada HighwayGander, NL A1V [email protected] Gander, NL, April 29, 2022 The

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February 11, 2022 – Canadian businesses have suffered under the strain of constant disruptions over the last two years. The challenges

Province Entering into Modified Alert Level 3

Effective 12:01 a.m., Monday, February 7, Newfoundland and Labrador will enter into a modified Alert Level 3. Under a modified

Chamber optimistically encouraged by Town of Gander’s 2022 Budget

The Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Town of Gander on its presentation of a “balanced budget” of

ALL of Newfoundland and Labrador is now in Alert Level 4!

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COVID-19 Alert Level Updates

Yesterday, the Chief Medical Officer of Health updated Special Measures Orders, effective midnight December 20, 2021, the communities of Badger, Gander, Grand

We are very pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Central MinEx Mineral Industry Showcase, an initiative by the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Town of Gander.

This conference and trade show event will promote exciting dialogue featuring industry thought leaders, technical experts, suppliers and the local business community to exchange ideas and ignite new opportunities in the mineral exploration and development sector. The conference program will feature a Trade Show, Prospectors’ Tent, Core Shack, and Networking Events.

You can register today at the following link:

https://CentralMinEx2024.eventbrite.ca

There are going to be many exciting sponsorship opportunities available as well where you can promote your organization/company. Keep an eye out for more information on sponsorships coming out in the next week.

We are very excited to host Central MinEX again this year and look forward to seeing you there. Please register early as space is limited. If you have any questions please message us by e-mail at  [email protected]  or reach out by phone to 709-256-7110.

Our Mission Statement

To promote and improve the economic climate of the area, to support the needs and concerns of the business community and to enhance the civic and social well-being of the area.

The Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization made up of businesses, professionals, community groups, and interested individuals. We have been established for 61 years and today we currently have over 300 members.

The Chamber is organized to advance the area’s commercial, industrial, civic, and general interests, so that all areas of the business community will prosper. The Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce acts as a unified voice for business, enabling its membership to accomplish collectively, what no one person can easily do individually.

Each year a Board of Directors is elected by the membership. This Board establishes the goals and objectives for the year and works with the members and staff to accomplish our mission.

We provide information and referrals to businesses and the general public on a wide range of issues such as economic development, community activities, shopping areas, demographics, and professional services. As well, we are involved with all levels of government and a strong membership means we can lobby municipal, provincial, and federal governments for the betterment of our members and the community in general.

We seek solutions to today’s economic and social problems and then we work towards the implementation of these solutions. The Chamber is a vehicle for action through which businesses can work together for the overall good of the communities we serve.

"In business for business"

How we're helping our local businesses.

Advocacy is the heart and soul of Chamber activity. Your Chamber takes a stand on local, regional and national issues that affect business. It actively supports local businesses and lobbies for their benefit. The Chamber acts as your voice to government at all levels and provides a unified voice for municipalities and businesses.

Chamber membership makes for a strong voice on important issues. The Chamber is associated with the, Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce and Canadian Chamber of Commerce as mediums to lobby governments while demonstrating a strong voice for business. The larger the Chamber membership, the stronger our voice becomes.

The Chamber provides publicity opportunities through listings on the Chamber website. Sponsorship of Chamber events provides exposure to a large segment of the business community. Your Chamber understands the importance of business exposure.

The Chamber offers many community events for its members.

This discount allows merchant members a rate as low as 1.68% on MasterCard transactions, 1.79% on Visa transactions and as low as nine cents per transaction for Interac! Only as a Chamber Member can you enjoy such great discounts. 

The Chamber operates the Gander Visitor Information Centre and offers advertising opportunities for businesses in the tourism industry. Last year the Centre provided information to more than 22,000 visitors. It is also an excellent summer employment opportunity for a number of local students.

“Networking” is one of the most important factors in business success. The Chamber hosts many business and social functions that provide the opportunity to network. These networking events allow you to expand your business and social contacts. 

The Chamber hosts many educational events featuring informative and provocative guest speakers. Educational issues range from local politics to regional development and business issues.

This plan gives all Chamber members, from a sole proprietor to large employers, the opportunity to be part of a high value, flexible group benefit insurance plan. Over 30,000 businesses across Canada are a part of the Group Insurance Plan.

GanderAreaChamber.ca plays an important role in Chamber communication. It allows visitors to keep up to date with Chamber news and activities, view and register for Chamber events and e-mail questions and concerns.

The Chamber encourages its members to support other members by with its “Did you know” Campaign.

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gander - Gander Must-See Attractions

Things to do in gander.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. North Atlantic Aviation Museum

2. Cobb's Pond Rotary Park

3. Silent Witnesses Memorial

4. Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest

5. Gander Heritage Memorial Park

6. Beyond The Overpass Theatre Company Inc.

7. Airport Nordic Ski Club

8. Czechoslovakian Airline Plane Crash Memorial

9. Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery

10. Xheight Zone

11. Gander Golf Club

12. Arts and Culture Centre - Gander

13. Gander International Lounge

14. The Globe Theatre

16. Gander Goods Shop

17. revibe centre.

18. Beyond Words Tours

19. Gander River Outfitters Inc

20. Whale Watching and Coastal Tour with Seafood Lunch

21. White Cliff Lodge

22. The Axe Shed

What travellers are saying.

• North Atlantic Aviation Museum
• Silent Witnesses Memorial
• Cobb's Pond Rotary Park
• Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest
• Gander Heritage Memorial Park
• Airport Nordic Ski Club
• Xheight Zone

Request for Quotation: RFQ24-10

Removal, Replacement and Disposal of 12 Steel Doors and Door Frames at Steele Community Centre

Any questions or queries about the project, or to arrange a viewing, contact: Mike Harris [email protected] / cell 709-424-9009. Please refrain from accessing private property without Town of Gander approval.

Site visit is recommended.

Work to be completed by June 28, 2024.

Bids shall be submitted no later than Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Bids may be emailed to [email protected], couriered or hand delivered in a sealed envelope with the words clearly marked on front of envelope Request for Quote "Replacement -12 Dressing Room Doors/Frames - SCC" and must be received by the above noted deadline.

Water Line Flushing

The Town of Gander is advising residents that the systematic flushing of all main water lines will start April 15, 2024, and will continue until late June. This will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

During this period, residents may experience fluctuating water pressure, discoloration, or debris in the water lines. If this occurs, run the water until clear, then remove faucet aerators and carefully flush any debris from screens and washers, ensuring that all parts arereassembled in the correct order and orientation.

It is not recommended to wash laundry between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. when water main flushing is active in your area, to avoid the possibility of staining.

The purpose of this flushing is to provide a higher quality of water. Further updates will be provided as water line flushing begins. Thank you for your understanding.

Proposed Municipal Plan and Development Regulations Amendment

Pursuant to Section 14 of the Urban & Rural Planning Act, notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Gander is considering a Municipal Plan and Development Regulations Amendment.

It is Council’s intention to add Apartment Building and Apartments Over Permitted Uses to the Discretionary Use Classes of the Commercial Shopping Centre (CSC) zone. A change will also be initiated to the Commercial Shopping Centre policies of the Gander Municipal Plan in support of these additions.

An open house regarding this matter will be held in the Council Chambers at the Town Hall on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, commencing at 2:00 p.m.

Further information on this matter may be obtained by contacting the Planning & Public Works Department at 651-5915.

Discretionary Notice

Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of Gander has received an application from a developer for approval in principle to construct a 4-unit apartment building at 1 Waterton Street, Gander, NL

Anyone wishing to make representation on this matter must do so in writing and the representation must be received by the Planning & Public Works Department no later than 12:00 noon, Monday, April 8, 2024 .

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NL Outfitters Association Hosting Outdoor Show in Gander

The Outfitters Association is hosting its very first Outdoor Show this month in Gander.

President of the Outfitters Association, Brad LeDrew says the outdoor industry is huge in Newfoundland and Labrador.

He says the outfitting industry alone represents about $55 million dollars of non-resident money coming into the province each year. Because Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have always been keen outdoor enthusiasts, the overall outdoors industry is “at an all-time high.”

The NLOA Outdoor Show runs April 19-21 at the Steele Community Centre in Gander.

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