The town of Gander is situated on the northeastern part of the island of Newfoundland in an area known as Central Newfoundland. It has a population of about 12,000 people, and a rich history involving aviation, as it is home to the Gander International Airport (YQX). The YQX airport is a common emergency landing location, once a common refuelling point for transatlantic flights due to its position along the great circle route between New York and London. It’s because of this the town’s slogan is “The Crossroads of the World.”
Gander International Airport played an integral part during the September 11 terror attacks in 2001. Residents generously came forward to house and feed the nearly 6600 stranded passengers of flights who were forced to land there, temporarily increasing the town’s population by 2/3’s! This event would later be turned into a popular musical known as Come From Away.
If you’re traveling to Newfoundland, you’ll most likely fly into St. John’s airport (YYT) on the Avalon Peninsula. Generally, residents making the 210km (130 miles) journey between these two municipalities do so either by motor vehicle (roughly 3.5 hours driving) or DRL bus. As a tourist, if you’re looking to see most of the island, you’ll likely be traveling by rental vehicle or on a tour bus, and you’re sure to see Gander along the way. In addition to Gander airport, farther west on the island is Deer Lake airport. Either of these could factor into your travel plans, you may drive east to west from St. John’s and then catch a flight back to YYT or off of the island, but the cost of flying from these two airports is likely to be higher.
View this post on Instagram
Visiting Gander Newfoundland
There’s plenty to explore in Gander, Newfoundland. Passing through for a few hours will be enough time to take in most of what the town has to offer, or you could stay a little longer, spend the night, and perhaps take in some local cuisine at a fine Gander restaurant.
Gander is about 100 km (62 miles) south of Twillingate, 90 km (56 miles) east of Grand Falls-Windsor, 358km east of Corner Brook, and 335km east of Gros Morne National Park.
View this post on Instagram
While visiting, you’ll want to check out the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. Some other points of interest in Gander are The Airport Nordic Ski Club, Newfoundland Trailway, Cobbs Pond Rotary Park, and Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest. You can take in a show at Beyond the Overpass or take in a game at the Gander Golf Club.
Gander has all the services you’d expect from a major center, big box stores such as Walmart and Kent Building Supplies, Canadian Tire, SportChek, Dollarama, grocery stores, banks, a hospital, library, and more.
Gander Newfoundland Hotels
Looking to spend a night or two in Gander? You’re in luck, Gander Newfoundland offers a number of hotels for your comfort. The town of Gander is not overly large, and the hotels are relatively close together, so you needn’t worry about picking your hotel based on location!
Sinbad’s Hotel & Suites
Sinbad’s Hotel & Suites in Gander is a 3.5-star hotel. Guests appreciate its free breakfast and also the bar/lounge around back. Sinbad’s also offers free WiFi and is pet friendly!
Albatross Hotel
With its unique exterior design, the Albatross Hotel in Gander is hard to miss! Its 89 rooms are smoke-free, and it boasts a 3.5-star rating. Guest’s love the on-site bar/lounge and friendly staff.
Quality Hotel & Suites
This 3-star hotel brings along the reputation of Choice Hotels, assuring you a pleasant stay. With an indoor pool and fitness center, the Quality has some amenities not found at other Gander hotels. Your stay also includes free WiFi and free breakfast buffet! Yum!
Comfort Inn Gander
Guests at the Gander Comfort Inn love the friendly staff, free breakfast, and free WiFi! Clean, comfortable rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, laundry and luggage service make this hotel a great pick for your time in Gander, Newfoundland.
We hope you enjoy your time in Gander! While you’re there, why not check out one of Newfoundland’s Craft Beer Breweries.