When we planned our 10-day Newfoundland and Labrador road trip, we intentionally left our final day fairly open.
We needed to catch a flight home from Gander, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to visit a town we admittedly didn’t know much about.
Like many people, my main point of reference for Gander was 9/11. I knew it was where thousands of airline passengers were unexpectedly stranded after North American airspace closed, and I’d heard about the extraordinary kindness shown by the community.
But what I didn’t realize was that Gander’s connection to aviation goes back much further than that.
For decades, Gander was one of the world’s busiest airports. Before aircraft could cross the Atlantic without stopping, nearly every transatlantic flight refuelled here, earning Gander the nickname The Crossroads of the World.
Royalty, celebrities, politicians, and millions of ordinary travellers all passed through this small Newfoundland town.
Today, Gander has a population of just under 12,000 people, but its aviation history has left a lasting mark.
Whether you’re stopping for a few hours as part of a road trip, catching a flight, or spending a night in town, there are several worthwhile ways to spend your time in Gander.
Read on to learn 7 things to do in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ktaqmkuk, the Mi’kmaq name for the island of Newfoundland, is the traditional territory of the Beothuk and the Mi’kmaq.
- Where is Gander?
- Where to Stay in Gander: Comfort Inn
- 1. Stop by the Visitor Information Centre
- 2. Grab a Coffee at Jumping Bean Coffee
- 3. Learn About Gander’s Aviation History
- 4. Walk Around Cobb’s Pond
- 5. Visit the International Lounge
- 6. See Come From Away
- 7. Enjoy a Meal in Gander
- Why I’m Glad We Spent Time in Gander
Where is Gander?
Gander is located in central Newfoundland. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Trinity, roughly 2 hours from Twillingate, and 3 hours from Harbour Breton. It’s also a convenient stop if you’re travelling between eastern Newfoundland and destinations like the Exploits Islands, making it an easy addition to a longer Newfoundland itinerary.
Where to Stay in Gander: Comfort Inn
If you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay in Gander, I recommend the Comfort Inn. It’s not a luxury hotel, but it has everything you need after a long day of driving or before an early flight.
Our room was clean, quiet, and had a large, comfortable bed that made it easy to get a good night’s sleep.
One thing I appreciated was that a hot breakfast is included, making it easy to get an early start before hitting the road. The hotel also offers free parking, Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, and guest laundry facilities.
There’s a Jungle Jim’s Bar & Eatery connected to the hotel, so you can grab dinner without having to drive anywhere.
The location of Comfort Inn is another big plus. It’s just a few minutes from Gander International Airport and directly across the road from the North Atlantic Aviation Museum, making it a convenient base whether you’re exploring Gander or wrapping up your Newfoundland road trip.
? Book the Comfort Inn in Gander
1. Stop by the Visitor Information Centre
The Visitor Information Centre was our first stop, and I’d recommend making it yours too.
The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and happy to recommend scenic drives, local attractions, restaurants, and events happening around town. Even though we already had a plan for the day, they pointed us toward a few places we hadn’t considered.
I also spent quite a while browsing the gift shop, which carries books about Newfoundland and Labrador history, locally made crafts, souvenirs, and products from local makers. It’s a great place to pick up a few souvenirs and gifts!
2. Grab a Coffee at Jumping Bean Coffee
Before heading out to explore Gander, we made a quick stop at Jumping Bean Coffee.
Jumping Bean is a Newfoundland-owned coffee company that’s been roasting beans in the province since 1994, and it’s become something of a local institution.
I ordered a simple drip coffee, which was exactly what I needed before a morning of sightseeing, but they also serve espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods if you’re looking for a quick breakfast.
3. Learn About Gander’s Aviation History
If you’re only able to visit one attraction in Gander, I’d make it the North Atlantic Aviation Museum.
Before visiting, I understood that Gander had played an important role during 9/11. But I didn’t realize that was just one chapter in a much longer aviation story.
The museum explains how Gander Airport was built in the 1930s, its strategic importance during the Second World War, and how it became one of the busiest airports in the world during the golden age of transatlantic travel.
Before aircraft had the range to cross the Atlantic nonstop, almost every flight between North America and Europe landed here to refuel.
Inside the museum you’ll find historic aircraft engines, flight memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and stories about the famous people who once passed through Gander.
One exhibit that especially stood out to me focused on Operation Yellow Ribbon. Alongside personal stories is a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, gifted to Gander in recognition of how the town welcomed nearly 7,000 stranded passengers following the September 11 attacks.
There’s a small entrance fee to visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. I’d plan to spend 1-2 hours here.
4. Walk Around Cobb’s Pond
After spending the morning learning about Gander’s history, my partner and I decided it would be nice to spend some time outdoors. At the Visitor’s Information Centre, the staff had recommended walking around Cobb’s Pond, so that’s what we decided to do.
Cobb’s Pond has a beautiful 4-kilometre boardwalk that loops around the water through forest and wetlands, with plenty of benches and viewpoints along the way. At a relaxed pace, the walk took us about an hour, although you could easily spend longer stopping for photos.
If you’re visiting during the summer, stop by The Grounds Café, located right in Cobb’s Pond Rotary Park. It’s a great place to grab a coffee, ice cream, or a light snack before or after your walk, and its outdoor seating overlooks the park.
The trail around Cobb’s Pond is flat, well maintained, and accessible, making it a great option for almost anyone. There are also picnic areas, playgrounds, washrooms, and in the summer, the park sometimes hosts concerts and community events.
5. Visit the International Lounge
One of the most fascinating attractions in Gander is actually inside the airport!
The International Lounge has been carefully restored to look much as it did when it opened in 1959, making it feel like you’ve stepped back into the golden age of air travel.
During Gander’s busiest years, this is where passengers waited while their aircraft refuelled before continuing across the Atlantic. Everyone from celebrities and politicians to royalty and everyday travellers passed through this room.
Today, the lounge is considered one of the finest surviving examples of Mid-Century Modern public architecture in Canada. In fact, it has been called “one of the most beautiful and important Modernist rooms in the country,” and in 2026 it was officially designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.
As you walk through the space, you’ll see its original terrazzo floors, vintage furniture, Kenneth Lochhead’s 22-metre Flight and Its Allegories mural, Arthur Price’s Birds of Welcome sculpture, and exhibits that tell the story of Gander’s remarkable aviation history, including Operation Yellow Ribbon and the town’s response to 9/11.
One of the best parts is that you don’t need to be flying anywhere to visit. The International Lounge is open to the public, so even if Gander is simply a stop on your road trip, it’s absolutely worth spending an hour here before you leave town.
6. See Come From Away
If you’re visiting Gander during the summer, one experience I’d recommend trying to fit into your itinerary is Come From Away, the award-winning musical based on the true story of what happened in Gander after the September 11 attacks.
The show tells the story of the nearly 7,000 airline passengers who were unexpectedly stranded in Gander after North American airspace closed, and the extraordinary kindness shown by local residents who welcomed complete strangers into their homes and community.
Unfortunately, Come From Away wasn’t playing on the night we stayed in Gander, so we didn’t get the chance to see it. I was genuinely disappointed because it was something I had really hoped to experience during our trip.
If your visit lines up with a performance, I think it’s absolutely worth going.
While the musical has been staged around the world, seeing it in the town where the events actually took place is a completely different experience.
Many audience members have personal connections to the story, and the theatre is just minutes from Gander International Airport, making it a uniquely meaningful place to watch the production.
7. Enjoy a Meal in Gander
After a day of sightseeing, there are a few great places to stop for a meal in Gander.
One of my favourites was Bistro on Roe, a locally owned restaurant serving elevated comfort food with a Newfoundland twist.
The menu changes seasonally, but you’ll find fresh seafood, local ingredients, and creative daily specials alongside classic favourites. It’s a nice option if you’re looking for a relaxed sit-down dinner.
If you’re staying at the Comfort Inn, Jungle Jim’s is another convenient choice.
This casual Newfoundland restaurant chain is known for generous portions and a menu that has something for everyone, from burgers and steaks to seafood, salads, and pasta. It’s an easy spot to grab dinner after a long day on the road, especially since it’s connected directly to the hotel.
Whether you’re after a meal highlighting local ingredients or something familiar before an early flight, you’ll have no trouble finding a good place to eat in Gander.
Why I’m Glad We Spent Time in Gander
Before this trip, Gander was simply where we were flying home from. But after spending a day here, I left with a much better understanding of why this small town has such an important place in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history.
Most people know Gander because of what happened on September 11, but that story is only one piece of a much longer aviation history.
Between the museum, the International Lounge, and even conversations with locals, I came away with a new appreciation for the role this community played in connecting North America and Europe for decades.
If your Newfoundland road trip begins or ends in Gander, I’d recommend giving yourself at least a day here. It may not appear on every itinerary, but I think that’s exactly what makes it worth visiting.
More guides for travel in Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Miawpukek First Nation Powwow: What to Know Before You Go
- How to Spend 2 Days in Trinity, Newfoundland
- Why You Should Visit the Exploits Islands (& What to Expect)
- 7 Places to Experience Newfoundland & Labrador’s History
- Visiting The Beaches: A Glimpse Into Newfoundland’s Past
I want to thank Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism for hosting Lucas and I as media. All opinions expressed are my own. If you enjoyed this blog, you’ll love my newsletter, as well as my Facebook group. You’re welcome to join these communities – would love to see you there!
