Boat Tea-Colored Water and Visit the Aviation Museum Together
Why Rent On Gander Lake
Gander Lake spreads across the centre of Newfoundland near the town of Gander — known to aviation history as one of the world’s great strategic airports, and better known to anglers as a jumping-off point for brook trout, landlocked salmon, and the storied Gander River. The lake’s tea-coloured, bog-filtered water is characteristic of Newfoundland’s interior and quietly beautiful, especially at sunrise when mist drifts low across the surface. Waterfront cabins and vacation homes near Gander comfortably sleep four to ten guests and cost a fraction of what similar lakeside properties fetch in more famous destinations. For families craving solitude, the lake delivers it without asking you to give up your kitchen or your WiFi.
A Lake That Works in Every Season
Summer on Gander Lake means early mornings on the water, boat rentals from local operators, guided fishing tours on the lake and the Gander River, and long soft evenings around a fire pit. The lake is calm enough for kayaking and canoeing with children, and the Gander River — one of Newfoundland’s finest sea-run trout fisheries — is easily reached from most lakeside rentals. Winter transforms everything: the lake freezes for ice fishing, snowmobiles stream through backcountry trails, and the boreal forests surrounding Gander become quietly magnificent on snowshoes. Pet-friendly cabins with full kitchens make extended winter stays surprisingly comfortable, even for big multigenerational groups.
The Aviation Museum and the Town Beyond It
The North Atlantic Aviation Museum in Gander is a genuine highlight — an unexpected and riveting chapter in twentieth-century history, covering Gander’s role as a wartime transatlantic refuelling stop right through to its famous post-9/11 act of hospitality. The town of Gander and nearby Glenwood offer grocery stores, local restaurants, and all the services a family needs to resupply without losing too much day. This is one of Newfoundland’s most practical and peaceful lake destinations: genuinely remote-feeling, yet never so far from civilisation that a bad-weather day becomes a problem.
Why a Rental Beats a Hotel Here
A vacation home on Gander Lake gives your family the kind of lakeside access a hotel in town cannot offer at any price. Multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, water views, and the freedom to fish straight off your own dock make for longer, slower mornings — the kind that only happen when no checkout time is looming.
- Surface area (km)
- 113.2
- Max depth (m)
- 288
- Elevation (m)
- 29
- Shoreline length (km)
- 120
Popular activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
Planning a trip?
Tell us about your upcoming trip and how we can help!
Marinas on Gander Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Gander Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
No, it is not safe to swim in Gander Lake without caution. The lake can contain bacteria, parasites, or toxins from cyanobacteria blooms, and its water is high in color and organic demand, requiring treatment before use.
-
Gander Lake is a popular destination because of its size and depth. It is the third-largest lake in Newfoundland, measuring 35 miles long and up to 945 feet deep, making it appealing for various water activities. The lake’s natural beauty and accessibility near the town of Gander also contribute to its popularity.
-
Yes, there are specific gear restrictions for fishing in Gander Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador. Only barbless hooks can be used, and bait, metal lures, and double or triple pronged hooks are prohibited. Angling must be done with a non-weighted artificial fly and a single hook.
-
There is a boat launch on Gander Lake, but it does not have a beach. The Silent Witness Memorial Boat Launch is located near the southeastern end of the lake and offers various amenities such as parking and bathrooms.
-
Towns near Gander include Gambo, Hare Bay, Lewisporte, and Botwood. These towns are located in the central part of Newfoundland and Labrador, with Gambo being about 46 kilometers from Gander and Lewisporte about 60 kilometers away.
