Gander, Newfoundland: North Atlantic Aviation Museum

If outsiders have heard anything about Gander, it's because of airplanes. After all, the town built a huge airport as a method to grown its economy back in the day, betting on the future of airplanes as a mode of transportation. 

The bet worked out reasonably well, particularly in the early days of passenger air travel. Planes couldn't go across the Atlantic back then, because the range of planes was too small. So they often stopped in Gander for more gas and ... well as long as you are here, take a look around and say hello. (Among those who stopped here during such trips - Queen Elizabeth, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. The first two receive recognition in the airport rest rooms.)  

Big jets eventually cut that era short, but private planes still need that splash of gas before arriving overseas. Meanwhile, Gander appreciates its history.

Therefore, the North Atlantic Aviation Museum probably is its biggest attraction outside of the airport. The outside has about six full-sized retired planes on the grounds, and visitors can take a close look at all of them. For example there are only eight Lockheed Hudson Mikill Bombers - and one is here. 

Inside, there's a variety of information on aviation in the area. Some small planes are in the building. Visitors can even see a DC-3 cockpit. Yes, there is an exhibit about 9/11, but that's not the main focus of the place.  

Guided tours are available. If you have an interest in the subject, it's a nice place to spend part of the day and learn the story of the industry and the town.