Gander

Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, is a town indelibly marked by aviation history and profound human kindness. Its very existence is interwoven with its airport, once the world's largest, which functioned as a vital transatlantic refueling point. From its beginnings as a strategic military installation during World War II to its designation as the 'Crossroads of the World' in the golden era of air travel, Gander has extended its welcome to countless individuals from every corner of the globe.

While its bustling international traffic has lessened with advancements in aircraft technology, Gander's most extraordinary chapter unfolded on September 11, 2001. When North American airspace closed, 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers and crew were rerouted to Gander International Airport, almost doubling the town's population. The remarkable generosity and empathy demonstrated by the residents of Gander and surrounding communities towards these unexpected 'come from aways' became the muse for the acclaimed musical Come From Away, a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and radical hospitality.

From Wildlands to Wartime Hub

The narrative of Gander commences in 1935, when its strategic position on the Great Circle Route between New York City and London was identified as ideal for an airport. Construction of 'Newfoundland Airport' began, and the first landing occurred in 1938. The onset of World War II swiftly transformed Gander into a crucial military asset. In 1940, control transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and Gander became the primary staging area for Allied aircraft, with an estimated 20,000 North American-built planes departing for Europe from its runways. During this period, up to 12,000 Canadian, British, and American military personnel resided in Gander, living in temporary barracks directly between the runways.

The World's Intersecting Paths

After the war, the airport returned to civilian control, and Gander's function evolved into a critical refueling stop for transatlantic commercial flights, earning it the designation 'Crossroads of the World.' The town itself began to grow further from the runways in the 1950s. This era saw Gander International Airport become one of the world's busiest, a sophisticated stopover for international travelers, celebrities, and political figures. The airport's distinctive International Lounge, opened in 1959, stands as a notable example of Modernist architecture and design.

A Legacy of Empathy

While the advent of longer-range aircraft reduced the necessity for Gander as a refueling hub, the town's aviation legacy persisted. Gander International Airport remains a preferred emergency landing point for aircraft. This role was profoundly demonstrated on December 12, 1985, when Arrow Air Flight 1285 crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of all 256 people on board, many of whom were American soldiers returning home. The Silent Witness Memorial offers a poignant remembrance of this tragedy.

Perhaps Gander's most globally recognized moment of empathy occurred on September 11, 2001. As U.S. airspace closed, 38 international flights carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were diverted to Gander. The town's approximately 10,000 residents, alongside those in surrounding communities, opened their homes and hearts, providing sustenance, shelter, and solace to the stranded 'plane people' for five days. This incredible act of kindness inspired the Broadway musical Come From Away, bringing Gander's spirit of radical hospitality to the world stage.

Begin your exploration at the Gander International Airport, which is a destination in itself. Visit the Observation Area to watch flights and experience the preserved 1959 International Lounge, a significant Modernist space featuring original furniture and artwork like Kenneth Lochhead's "Flight and Its Allegories." The Lounge also houses a historical exhibit on Gander's aviation past.

Delve deeper into aviation history at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum, where you can view a collection of aircraft, including a World War II-era Lockheed Hudson and a Voodoo fighter jet, and even climb into the cockpit of a DC-3. For a moment of quiet reflection, visit the Silent Witness Memorial, overlooking Gander Lake, which remembers the 256 lives lost in the 1985 Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash.

Embrace the outdoors at Cobb's Pond Rotary Park, offering a 4 km boardwalk, viewing areas, and a playground. Explore the Gander Heritage Memorial Park, home to the 125 (NL) Squadron R.A.F. Memorial and a monument to Sgt. Gander, a valiant Newfoundland dog. You can also walk the Gander Heritage Trails at the Old Town Site, where storyboards share narratives of the original airport community. For those interested in the 9/11 events, seek out the Come From Away Interpretive Panels around town.

The most pleasant time to visit Gander for outdoor activities is from mid-July to late August. During these months, average daytime temperatures range from 16-23°C (61-73°F), with July typically being the warmest. While rain occurs throughout the year, the summer months generally offer more clear skies. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) provide scenic beauty, especially with the changing fall colors, though temperatures are cooler.

Gander is located on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), approximately 330 km (210 mi) west of St. John's. The town serves as a regional service center for surrounding communities, with a population exceeding 13,000 residents. Gander International Airport (YQX) is situated 4 km from the city center.

When preparing for your trip, anticipate variable weather conditions. Even in summer, a light jacket or sweater for evenings is advisable. Given the consistent potential for precipitation, waterproof clothing and layers are recommended throughout the year. Gander maintains a casual dress code, and prices for dining and drinks are generally more accessible than in larger Canadian cities. The town is considered very safe for walking, even at night in well-lit areas.