From Away to Newfoundland: Walking in the footsteps of 'Come From Away'

The real story behind Come From Away

On 11 September 2001, when United States airspace suddenly closed, 38 aircraft were diverted to tiny Gander International Airport in Newfoundland. Almost 7,000 passengers and crew found themselves unexpectedly landing in a town of roughly 9,000 people. Overnight, Gander’s population almost doubled.

What could have been a logistical nightmare instead became a remarkable act of compassion. Local schools, churches, community halls and homes were turned into shelters. Volunteers cooked around the clock, donated clothes and toiletries, and organised phones and internet access so people could contact loved ones. Strangers offered spare rooms, hot showers and, perhaps most importantly, a listening ear on one of the most unsettling days in modern history.

The musical Come From Away weaves together many of these true stories: the bus drivers who came off strike to ferry passengers, the locals caring for pets in the holds, the unexpected romance between two travellers, and the simple, heartfelt question that so many Newfoundlanders asked: “What do they need, and how can we help?”

Visiting Gander to see the show in the place where these events unfolded felt incredibly powerful. It transformed a story I knew from the stage into something tangible and very real.

Stepping into history at Gander International Airport

One of the most moving parts of my trip was visiting Gander International Airport itself. It is not your typical modern terminal. There is a distinctive mid-century feel: clean lines, retro details and a sense that you have stepped back into the golden age of transatlantic aviation.

Decades ago, this was a major refuelling stop for flights crossing the Atlantic. Everyone from rock stars to world leaders passed through here on their way between Europe and North America. Today, it also carries the weight of a very different kind of history.

Walking through the terminal, you are reminded that this is where those 38 planes lined up on the tarmac in September 2001. It is where thousands of passengers waited, confused and anxious, before the community of Gander opened its doors to them.

This is a perfect place to include some of your photos: perhaps a wide shot of the terminal building, details of any displays or information boards about 9/11 and Come From Away, or a view out towards the runway. Small details really help bring the story to life for readers: a sign, a plaque, or even a quiet corner where you paused to imagine what it must have felt like to be there on that day.

Standing in Gander Airport, it is impossible not to feel a mixture of sadness, gratitude and awe at what ordinary people can do in extraordinary circumstances.

Around Gander: the town that welcomed the world

Outside the airport, Gander itself is a friendly, unassuming town that carries this story with pride and humility. You are never far from someone with a personal memory of “the plane people” or of volunteering during those intense few days.

You might recognise echoes of the show in community buildings, schools and churches that were used as makeshift shelters, dining halls or dormitories. Walking through town, you can almost hear the soundtrack of Come From Away in your head, but what stands out most is how normal and everyday Gander looks. That is part of what makes the story so powerful: this could have been any town, but it happened here.

For me, meeting locals and hearing their memories brought home just how deeply this experience is still felt, even decades later. There is a quiet pride, but also a sense that they simply did what anyone would do. Whether or not that is true, it is inspiring.

The Dover Fault: where geology meets musical history

If you know the musical, you will remember the scene at the Dover Fault, where two characters escape town for a while, take in a breathtaking view and realise their connection has deepened. Visiting the real Dover Fault was a lovely way to connect a simple stage backdrop with the landscape that inspired it.

The Dover Fault is a striking geological feature a short drive from Gander. Here, two ancient pieces of the Earth’s crust meet, creating dramatic rock formations and a beautiful vantage point over the surrounding water and coastline.

The drive out is part of the experience: open roads, glimpses of lakes and forest, and that sense of the landscape slowly opening up around you. When you arrive, you are greeted by rugged cliffs, windswept viewpoints and a raw, natural beauty that is typical of Newfoundland.

Twillingate: coastal charm at the edge of the Atlantic

From Gander, my journey continued to Twillingate, a coastal community often described as the “Iceberg Capital of the World.” Even without the icebergs, it is a place of postcard-perfect harbours, colourful houses and big Atlantic skies.

The route to Twillingate winds over causeways and through small islands, each one hinting at the outport life that has shaped this part of Newfoundland for generations. When you arrive, you are greeted by fishing stages perched above the water, boats bobbing in sheltered coves and rugged headlands reaching out into the ocean.

Depending on the time of year, visitors might join a boat tour to look for icebergs, whales or seabirds, or simply explore the walking trails along the cliffs and lighthouse viewpoints. Whatever you choose, the combination of sea air, wide horizons and a slower pace is incredibly restorative.

Becoming an honorary Newfoundlander in St John’s

No visit to Newfoundland is complete without spending time in St John’s, the vibrant capital city with its steep streets, colourful “jellybean” houses and lively harbour. It feels young and energetic, yet steeped in seafaring history.

While I was there, I took part in a traditional Screech-In ceremony and officially became an “honorary Newfoundlander.” If you have never heard of it, a Screech-In is a playful, good-humoured ritual that usually involves saying a few local phrases, taking a shot of Newfoundland Screech rum and giving a kiss to a (usually frozen) cod.

It is as fun and slightly ridiculous as it sounds, and the atmosphere around it is full of music, laughter and warm-hearted teasing. For a visitor “from away,” it is a delightful way to be welcomed into local culture, however briefly.

Reflections on kindness, community and travel

Looking back on this journey, what stays with me most is not just the scenery or the spectacular coastline, but the spirit of Newfoundland itself. In Gander, the story of 9/11 is told through the lens of generosity and courage. In places like Dover Fault and Twillingate, you feel the deep connection between people and the landscape. In St John’s, you are embraced with humour, music and a warm welcome.

Travelling in the footsteps of Come From Away reminded me that some of the most powerful trips are rooted in human stories. Standing in Gander Airport, walking through the town that cared for thousands of strangers, and then being “screeched in” as an honorary local in St John’s felt like different chapters of the same book: one about community, hospitality and the importance of looking after one another.

If the story of Gander and Come From Away has captured your heart too, I would love to help you experience it in person. From time in Gander and its historic airport to exploring the wild coastlines around Dover Fault and Twillingate, and soaking up the atmosphere in St John’s, I can create a tailor-made itinerary that brings this remarkable story to life for you.