Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador Travel Guide

City City in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Gander grew around the great transatlantic airfield and still draws plane geeks to its aviation museum, historic airport sites and the small downtown diners famed for generous hospitality; nearby hikes and iceberg season keep nature-minded visitors busy.

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Costs
USD 90-140/day
Typical Canadian small-city costs with some tourism prices.
Safety
Very safe
Friendly community with low violent crime.
Best Time
June-September
Best weather for scenic drives and outdoor activities.
In This Guide
Local Time
8:56 PM
GMT-2:30
Weather
Overcast 26°F
Overcast
Population
11,688
Infrastructure & Convenience
Major transatlantic runway, local buses limited, car advised.
Popularity
Attracts aviation buffs, history visitors and transatlantic transit passengers.
Known For
Gander International Airport, 9/11 passenger hospitality, aviation history, North Atlantic refuelling hub, aviation museum, fishing, friendly hospitality, WWII history
During 9/11 Gander sheltered about 6,600 diverted airline passengers, famously showcasing local hospitality.

Why Visit Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador? #

A town defined by its aviation history and outsized hospitality toward unexpected visitors. Many come to learn the story memorialized in Come From Away and to visit Gander International Airport and the North Atlantic Aviation Museum, while boardwalks and ponds provide relaxed outdoor time. The town’s role in transatlantic flight heritage combines with local festivals and fishing opportunities to create an offbeat cultural stop in Newfoundland. Friendly cafés and aviator lore punctuate visits.

Best Things to Do in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador

All Attractions ›
Gander Lake
1
Gander Lake
Large glacial lake near town of Gander
Lake

Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • North Atlantic Aviation Museum - Museum chronicling transatlantic aviation history, Gander's role, and historic aircraft displays.
  • Gander Lake waterfront - Scenic lakeshore park with walking paths, picnic areas, and boat launches.
  • 9/11 remembrance sites - Memorials and exhibits honoring Gander's hospitality during the 2001 airline diversions.
Hidden Gems
  • Kinsmen Park pathways - Green park trails and family-friendly outdoor spaces close to the town centre.
  • Local café scene - Independent cafés serving regional seafood dishes, baked goods, and community atmosphere.
  • Aviation viewpoint - Accessible vantage points for watching aircraft operations and airport activity.
Day Trips
  • Twillingate - Coastal town famous for iceberg and whale spotting, reachable within a longer day trip.
  • Terra Nova National Park - Coastal national park with trails, bays, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Best Time to Visit Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador #

Gander is best visited in late spring through summer for mild weather and outdoor activities like whale watching and hiking. Winters are scenic but cold and can disrupt travel.

Winter
December - February · -10°C to 2°C (14°F to 36°F)
Cold, snowy and windy - flights and roads can be affected, but dramatic winter scenery rewards hardy visitors.
Spring
March - May · 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)
Cool, damp thaw with variable weather; good for watching migratory birds and quiet coastal exploring.
Summer
June - August · 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
Mild, breezy summers make hiking, whale watching and outdoor festivals comfortable and enjoyable.

Best Time to Visit Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador #

Climate

Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -12°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1200 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
-27°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-11° – -3°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.6h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-12° – -3°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8° – 1°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

2°
Feels Like Cold
2°C
Temperature
-2° – 5°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.5h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

6°
Feels Like Cold
6°C
Temperature
2° – 11°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
15.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
6° – 16°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
15.8h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° – 21°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
15.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° – 21°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
14.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
7° – 16°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

6°
Feels Like Cold
6°C
Temperature
2° – 10°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

1°
Feels Like Cold
1°C
Temperature
-2° – 5°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.1h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

29 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° – 0°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.2h daylight

How to Get to Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador

Gander is easily accessed via Gander International Airport (YQX), which sits very close to town and offers the most convenient arrival option. Overland coach services connect Gander with other Newfoundland centres, but there is no rail service.

By Air

Gander International Airport (YQX): Gander has an international airport (YQX) with scheduled flights within Atlantic Canada and occasional charter/international traffic. The airport is very close to town (5-10 minutes by car); taxis and local shuttles are available (CAD 10-20).

St. John’s International Airport (YYT): For more flight options, travellers sometimes route through St. John’s then connect by regional flight or drive; driving from St. John’s to Gander is around 3.5-4 hours, so flying direct to Gander is usually more convenient.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no passenger rail service in Newfoundland.

Bus / Coach: DRL Coachlines and other local carriers operate intercity coach services across Newfoundland that include Gander on some routes. Coach travel times vary widely by origin (e.g., St. John’s → Gander ~4 hours) and fares are typically CAD 30-70 depending on distance.

How to Get Around Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador #

Gander’s town centre is compact and walkable for short visits; the airport makes it a regional hub. Taxis operate locally and car hire is common for exploring the broader area; scheduled intercity buses are limited, so plan connections in advance.

Where to Stay in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador #

Budget
Near Gander town centre / airport - CAD 80-130/night
Gander offers convenient, no-frills motels and inns suited to transit travellers; solid options near the airport and downtown.
Mid-Range
Downtown / near airport - CAD 120-180/night
There are comfortable mid-range hotels in Gander; good for business and overnight stays with decent amenities.
Luxury
Limited luxury options locally
Gander doesn't have many high-end luxury hotels; for premium stays you usually look to St. John's or private lodges elsewhere in Newfoundland.

Where to Eat in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza
Chicken
Burger
Chinese
Sandwich
Donut
Wings
Ice Cream
Fish & Chips

Nightlife in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador #

The nightlife scene is practical rather than lively: a selection of pubs, hotel bars and restaurants with occasional live music. Expect venues to close earlier than in larger cities.

Shopping in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador #

Shopping in Gander covers everyday needs with local retailers, specialty gift shops and services aimed at travellers. For big-box shopping or a wide mall selection you’ll need to visit larger Newfoundland centres.