Gander is a town unlike any other—a crossroads of history, humanity, and hope. Nestled in central Newfoundland, Gander’s story begins with aviation, when it became a strategic stopover for transatlantic flights. Its airport was once one of the busiest in the world, a vital link connecting continents. But Gander is more than its runway; it is a town defined by its compassion, resilience, and global spirit.
The world came to know Gander on September 11, 2001, when this small town welcomed nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers with open arms. In kitchens, churches, and schools, the people of Gander offered not just food and shelter, but kindness and community. That remarkable generosity inspired the hit Broadway musical Come From Away and made Gander a global symbol of humanity at its best.
But long before and long after that moment, Gander has stood as a hub of innovation and community spirit. With its modern infrastructure, health care facilities, schools, and vibrant arts and culture scene, it serves as a regional center for central Newfoundland.
The town blends urban amenities with small-town values. Parks, walking trails, and nearby wilderness areas offer residents and visitors a chance to connect with nature. Annual events like Festival of Flight bring the community together in celebration of its rich aviation heritage.
Gander’s strength lies not only in its location or history, but in its people—people who care deeply for one another and for the world beyond their borders. It is a place where stories take flight, where kindness lands softly, and where every arrival feels like a homecoming.
In Gander, the past soars, the present thrives, and the future is built on a runway of hope, generosity, and enduring Newfoundland spirit.
