Come from aways book Gander, N.L., solid for 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

Gander, N.L., booked solid for 9/11 anniversary

The Canadian and United States flags were lowered to half mast at a commemorative ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the U.S., in Gander, N.L., on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002. Gander was one of several Canadian communities that welcomed thousands of air travellers stranded when U.S. airspace was closed. (CP PICTURE ARCHIVE/Andrew Vaughan)

Writer

The town won’t be quite as packed as it was 25 years ago, but it’s still hard to find a room in Gander, N.L., for the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The town was home to about 9,500 people when it took in 38 passenger planes carrying more than 6,500 stranded travellers when United States airspace closed on Sept. 11, 2001.

Passengers were housed in schools, church halls and residents’ own homes for days, in an outpouring of support recounted in the hit musical “Come From Away.”

Dignitaries including Governor General Louise Arbour, former prime minister Jean Chrétien and U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra are expected in Gander for a commemoration event.

Cory Abbott, marketing manager for Steele Hotels, which operates four properties in Gander, says the town is pretty much booked solid for the commemoration.

He says it's always exciting when the so-called “plane people” return to Gander and share their stories.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 1, 2026.

Come from aways book Gander, N.L., solid for 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

Recalls for yogurt, croissants, chocolate, water and more items have been issued in Canada

A few Costco products are on this list.

This monthly fall forecast reveals when Ontario will get the first snow of the season

Flurries and snow showers are coming soon!

This Ontario fall train ride takes you through a red and gold canyon with shimmering waterfalls

It's features "some of the most spectacular fall colours in North America."

Statistics Canada is hiring for jobs that pay you up to $90,000 a year to travel

You'll work as part of a survey collection team.

This Canadian island is 'more Scottish than Scotland' and it's like a trip to the Highlands

Explore rugged cliffs, coastlines and Scottish traditions — without having to leave Canada. 🇨🇦

7 things I never realized Canada did so badly until I moved abroad

Canada, I love you, but we need to talk. 😬

11 stunning fall destinations every Ontarian needs to visit at least once, according to locals

How many have you been to? 👀 🍁

Canada's monthly fall forecast says this is when it'll start snowing in each province

The first snow of the season is almost here!

I had no idea these 10 things were actually Ontario-specific until I moved away

Do you know what a stag and doe party is? You're probably from Ontario.

Pentagon defends Hegseth's controversial post about Canadian cadet program

Pentagon defends Hegseth's Canadian cadet post