Gander

Gander used to be known as the “Crossroads of the World,” due to its perfectly positioned airport. Once the largest airport on Earth with runways big enough to land a space shuttle, it was a strategic location for refuelling and a bustling centre during wartime.

In recent years, the community became a focal point for human kindness during the tragedy of September 11, 2001. More than 6,000 passengers in 38 planes stayed here for several days, relying on the generosity of locals in a town with only 500 hotel rooms.

The best place to learn about the town’s aviation history is the North Atlantic Aviation Museum, while the award-winning theatre production of Come From Away tells the story of Gander’s role in 9/11.

A recommended detour between Gander and St John’s is Bonavista, where explorer John Cabot first sighted land in 1497 and apparently exclaimed “Oh, buono vista!” The town is famous for its red-and-white Cape Bonavista lighthouse. Climb the tower and see the original 19th century apparatus.